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Chemical Datasheet

CANTHARIDIN

6.1 - Poison

Chemical Identifiers

CAS Number UN/NA Number DOT Hazard Label USCG CHRIS Code
  • 56-25-7
  • 2811
  • Poison
none
NIOSH Pocket Guide International Chem Safety Card
none none
NFPA 704
data unavailable
General Description
Brown to black powder or plates or scales. Formerly used as a counterirritant and vesicant. Used for the removal of warts. Used as an experimental anti tumor agent. Active ingredient in spanish fly, a reputed aphrodisiac. (EPA, 1998)

Hazards

Reactivity Alerts
none
Air & Water Reactions
No rapid reaction with air. No rapid reaction with water.
Fire Hazard
When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes. (EPA, 1998)
Health Hazard
It is classified as super toxic. Probable oral lethal dose in humans is less than 5 mg/kg or a taste of less than 7 drops for a 70 kg (150 lb.) person. It is very toxic by absorption through skin. (EPA, 1998)
Reactivity Profile
Organic anhydrides, such as CANTHARIDIN, are incompatible with acids, strong oxidizing agents, alcohols, amines, and bases.
Belongs to the Following Reactive Group(s)
Potentially Incompatible Absorbents

Use caution: Liquids with this reactive group classification have been known to react with the absorbents listed below.

Response Recommendations

Isolation and Evacuation
Excerpt from 154 Polymerizable warning [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-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)
Firefighting
Excerpt from 154 Polymerizable warning [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:

SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2 or water spray.

LARGE FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2, alcohol-resistant foam or water spray. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Dike runoff from fire control for later disposal.

FIRE INVOLVING TANKS OR CAR/TRAILER LOADS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Do not get water inside containers. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks engulfed in fire. (ERG, 2020)
Non-Fire Response
Avoid inhalation and skin contact. (EPA, 1998)
Protective Clothing
For emergency situations, wear a positive pressure, pressure-demand, full facepiece self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or pressure- demand supplied air respirator with escape SCBA and a fully-encapsulating, chemical resistant suit. (EPA, 1998)
DuPont Tychem® Suit Fabrics
No information available.
First Aid
Signs and Symptoms of Acute Cantharidin Exposure: Acute exposure to cantharidin may produce the following signs and symptoms: salivation, difficulty in swallowing, thirst, severe vesication (blistering) of the upper gastrointestinal tract following ingestion, abdominal pain, vomiting and bloody diarrhea. Excessive, painful and bloody urination may be noted. Tachycardia (rapid heart beat) with normal blood pressure, hypotension (low blood pressure), and abnormal heart conduction are not uncommon. Eye contact may cause irritation with swelling of the lids; dermal contact may cause swelling followed by formation of blisters within 24 hours. Mental confusion, tetanic convulsions and fainting may be noted. Ataxia may progress to coma.

Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to cantharidin 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 cantharidin.
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 cantharidin.
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 and isolate 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. DO NOT induce vomiting or attempt to neutralize!
3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
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)

Physical Properties

Chemical Formula:
  • C10H12O4
Flash Point: data unavailable
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): data unavailable
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL): data unavailable
Autoignition Temperature: data unavailable
Melting Point: 424°F (EPA, 1998)
Vapor Pressure: data unavailable
Vapor Density (Relative to Air): data unavailable
Specific Gravity: data unavailable
Boiling Point: Sublimes at 230°F (EPA, 1998)
Molecular Weight: 196.21 (EPA, 1998)
Water Solubility: data unavailable
Ionization Energy/Potential: data unavailable
IDLH: data unavailable

AEGLs (Acute Exposure Guideline Levels)

No AEGL information available.

ERPGs (Emergency Response Planning Guidelines)

No ERPG information available.

PACs (Protective Action Criteria)

Chemical PAC-1 PAC-2 PAC-3
Cantharidin (56-25-7) 0.39 mg/m3 4.3 mg/m3 33 mg/m3
(DOE, 2018)

Regulatory Information

EPA Consolidated List of Lists

Regulatory Name CAS Number/
313 Category Code
EPCRA 302
EHS TPQ
EPCRA 304
EHS RQ
CERCLA RQ EPCRA 313
TRI
RCRA
Code
CAA 112(r)
RMP TQ
Cantharidin 56-25-7 100/10000 pounds 100 pounds

(EPA List of Lists, 2022)

CISA Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS)

No regulatory information available.

OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard List

No regulatory information available.

Alternate Chemical Names