TETRAMETHYLLEAD

Diamond	Hazard	Value	Description
3 2 3 W	Health	2	Can cause temporary incapacitation or residual injury.
	Flammability	3	Can be ignited under almost all ambient temperature conditions.
	Instability	3	Capable of detonation or explosive decomposition or explosive reaction but requires a strong initiating source or must be heated under confinement before initiation.
	Special	W	Reacts violently or explosively with water.

Colorless liquid, dyed red, orange or blue. Has a slight musty odor. Used as an antiknock additive for gasolines; component of mixed alkyl leads for gasoline additives. (EPA, 1998)

• Highly Flammable
• Strong Reducing Agent

Highly flammable.

Thermal decomposition is likely to take the form of vapors at the surface. Rapid decomposition will cause container to explode. Dangerous fire hazard when exposed to heat, flame, or oxidizers. Toxic gases are generated in fire. Avoid strong oxidizers such as sulfuryl chloride or potassium permanganate. Avoid fire, heat, physical damage, and strong oxidizers. Starts to decompose at about 212F. If confined, may explode or detonate at high temperatures. Hazardous polymerization may not occur. (EPA, 1998)

Vapors are very toxic. Fatal lead poisoning may occur by ingestion, vapor inhalation or skin absorption. Several cases of acute toxicity, usually in the form of degenerative brain disease, have been described following occupational exposure. (EPA, 1998)

TETRAMETHYLLEAD is sensitive to heat. This compound can react with strong oxidizers. (NTP, 1992)

• Organometallics

No information available.

Excerpt from 152 [Substances - Toxic (Combustible)]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2020)

Use water to keep fire exposed containers cool. If leak or spill has not ignited, use water spray to disperse vapors or flush spill. For massive fire in cargo area, use unmanned hose holder or monitor nozzle; if this is impossible withdraw from area and let fire burn.

On fires in which containers are not exposed, use water spray, dry chemical, foam or carbon dioxide. (EPA, 1998)

Caution : Flammable liquid. Avoid sources of extreme heat or ignition including sparks or fire. When burned, toxic fumes of lead oxide will be emitted.

Do not touch spilled material; stop leak if you can do it without risk. Use water spray to reduce vapors.

Small spills: take up with sand or other non-combustible absorbent material and place into containers for later disposal.

Large spills: dike far ahead of spill for later disposal. (EPA, 1998)

Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Tetramethyl lead (as Pb):

Skin: PREVENT SKIN CONTACT (>0.1%) - Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact. (>0.1%)

Eyes: PREVENT EYE CONTACT - Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact.

Wash skin: WHEN CONTAMINATED (>0.1%) - The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated. (>0.1%)

Remove: WHEN WET OR CONTAMINATED (>0.1%) - Work clothing that becomes wet or significantly contaminated should be removed and replaced. (>0.1%)

Change: DAILY - Workers whose clothing may have become contaminated should change into uncontaminated clothing before leaving the work premises.

Provide: QUICK DRENCH (>0.1%) - Facilities for quickly drenching the body should be provided within the immediate work area for emergency use where there is a possibility of exposure. [Note: It is intended that these facilities provide a sufficient quantity or flow of water to quickly remove the substance from any body areas likely to be exposed. The actual determination of what constitutes an adequate quick drench facility depends on the specific circumstances. In certain instances, a deluge shower should be readily available, whereas in others, the availability of water from a sink or hose could be considered adequate.] (>0.1%) (NIOSH, 2023)

No information available.

Warning: Effects may be delayed for hours to days. Caution is advised.

Signs and Symptoms of Acute Tetramethyllead Exposure: Signs and symptoms of acute exposure to tetramethyllead may be severe and include anxiety, irritability, headache, insomnia, disorientation, violent/frightening dreams, hyperexcitability, delusions, and hallucinations. Muscular weakness, tremor, incoordination, convulsions, cerebral edema, and coma may occur. A metallic taste may be noted. Sneezing, bronchitis, and pneumonia may be noted. Bradycardia (slow heart rate), hypotension (low blood pressure), hypothermia, and pallor may also occur. Gastrointestinal symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea. Tetramethyllead may irritate moist skin, eyes, and mucous membranes.

Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to tetramethyllead may require decontamination and life support for the victims. Emergency personnel should wear protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree of contamination. Air-purifying or supplied-air respiratory equipment should also be worn, as necessary. Rescue vehicles should carry supplies such as plastic sheeting and disposable plastic bags to assist in preventing spread of contamination.

Inhalation Exposure:
1. Move victims to fresh air. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to tetramethyllead.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
4. RUSH to a health care facility.

Dermal/Eye Exposure:
1. Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid self- exposure to tetramethyllead.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Remove contaminated clothing as soon as possible.
4. If eye exposure has occurred, eyes must be flushed with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes.
5. Wash exposed skin areas THOROUGHLY with soap and water.
6. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
7. RUSH to a health care facility.

Ingestion Exposure:
1. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
2. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
3. Give the victims water or milk: children up to 1 year old, 125 mL (4 oz or 1/2 cup); children 1 to 12 years old, 200 mL (6 oz or 3/4 cup); adults, 250 mL (8 oz or 1 cup). Water or milk should be given only if victims are conscious and alert.
4. Activated charcoal may be administered if victims are conscious and alert. Use 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) for children, 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) for adults, with 125 to 250 mL (1/2 to 1 cup) of water.
5. Promote excretion by administering a saline cathartic or sorbitol to conscious and alert victims. Children require 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) of cathartic; 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) is recommended for adults.
6. RUSH to a health care facility. (EPA, 1998)

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