Terephthalic Acid

This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 82.5% (1040 of 1260) of all reports.

H315 (17.4%): Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]

H319 (17.1%): Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H335 (15.1%): May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]

P261, P264, P264+P265, P271, P280, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P319, P321, P332+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Aggregated GHS information provided per 1260 reports by companies from 13 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 1040 of 1260 reports by companies.

There are 10 notifications provided by 220 of 1260 reports by companies with hazard statement code(s).

Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website.

Not Classified

Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria by 1 of 1 companies. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website.

H320: Causes eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H335: May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]

H372: Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]

P260, P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P319, P337+P317, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

H302: Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]

H316: Causes mild skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]

H361: Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child [Warning Reproductive toxicity]

H373: May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]

P203, P260, P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P280, P301+P317, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P318, P319, P330, P332+P317, P337+P317, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Fresh air, rest.

Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower.

First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.

Rinse mouth.

EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.

INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used; if not available, use a level of protection greater than or equal to that advised under Protective Clothing.

INGESTION: DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. If the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give 1 or 2 glasses of water to dilute the chemical and IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center. Be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital if advised by a physician. If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, ensure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side with the head lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. (NTP, 1992)

Fires involving this material can be controlled with a dry chemical, carbon dioxide or Halon extinguisher. (NTP, 1992)

Use water spray, foam, powder, carbon dioxide. In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.

Personal protection: particulate filter respirator adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Sweep spilled substance into covered containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.

Remove all ignition sources. Collect powdered material in the most convenient and safe manner and deposit in sealed containers. Ventilate area after clean up is complete.

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

After material has been contained, scoop up contaminated soil and place in impervious containers. Material may be /disposed of/ in an approved chemical incinerator. If facilities are not available, material may be /disposed of in/ an approved waste chemical landfill. When dilute, amenable to biological treatment at a municipal sewage treatment plant.

SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses by industrial workers is inconsistent. The benefits or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.

SRP: Contaminated protective clothing should be segregated in such a manner so that there is no direct personal contact by personnel who handle, dispose, or clean the clothing. Quality assurance to ascertain the completeness of the cleaning procedures should be implemented before the decontaminated protective clothing is returned for reuse by the workers. Contaminated clothing should not be taken home at end of shift, but should remain at employee's place of work for cleaning.

SMALL SPILLS AND LEAKAGE: Should a spill occur while you are handling this chemical, FIRST REMOVE ALL SOURCES OF IGNITION, then you should dampen the solid spill material with ethanol and transfer the dampened material to a suitable container. Use absorbent paper dampened with ethanol to pick up any remaining material. Seal the absorbent paper, and any of your clothes, which may be contaminated, in a vapor-tight plastic bag for eventual disposal. Solvent wash all contaminated surfaces with ethanol followed by washing with a soap and water solution. Do not reenter the contaminated area until the Safety Officer (or other responsible person) has verified that the area has been properly cleaned.

STORAGE PRECAUTIONS: You should store this material in a refrigerator. (NTP, 1992)

Separated from strong oxidants.

Store in detached units of noncombustible construction.

5.0 [mg/m3], inhalable fraction[German Research Foundation (DFG)]

30 [mg/m3]

140 [mg/m3]

840 [mg/m3]

10.0 [mg/m3]

8 hr Time Weighted Avg (TWA): 10 mg/cu m.

Excursion Limit Recommendation: Excursions in worker exposure levels may exceed 3 times the TLV-TWA for no more than a total of 30 minutes during a work day, and under no circumstances should they exceed 5 times the TLV-TWA, provided that the TLV-TWA is not exceeded.

10 mg/m³ [1990]

(inhalable fraction): 5 mg/m

Evaporation at 20 °C is negligible; a nuisance-causing concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly when dispersed.

May cause mechanical irritation to the eyes and respiratory tract.

RECOMMENDED RESPIRATOR: Where the neat test chemical is weighed and diluted, wear a NIOSH-approved half face respirator equipped with an organic vapor/acid gas cartridge (specific for organic vapors, HCl, acid gas and SO2) with a dust/mist filter. (NTP, 1992)

Protection against inhalation and contact with the material. Must wear protective clothing including gloves, boots, safety goggles, and an approved respirator.

NO open flames. Closed system, dust explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Prevent deposition of dust.

Use local exhaust or breathing protection.

Protective gloves.

Wear safety goggles.

Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.

Terephthalic acid is a white powder. (NTP, 1992)

Liquid; Dry Powder; Other Solid; Dry Powder; Large Crystals; CBI

White solid; [Hawley] Odorless or a slight acetic acid odor; [CHEMINFO] Off-white powder; [MSDSonline]

WHITE CRYSTALLINE POWDER.

White powder

White crystals or powder

greater than 572 °F at 760 mmHg (sublimes without melting) (NTP, 1992)

>572 °F (sublimes)

Sublimes (NTP, 1992)

427 °C (sealed tube)

> 300 °C

sublimes

500 °F (260 °C) (Open cup)

Insoluble (NTP, 1992)

Insoluble in chloroform, ether, acetic acid; slightly soluble in alcohol; soluble in alkalies

Solubilities at 25 °C (g/100 g solvent): water = 0.0017, glacial acetic acid = 0.013, methanol = 0.1, dimethylformamide = 6.7, dimethyl sulfoxide = 19.0

In water, 15 mg/L at 20 °C

0.015 mg/mL at 20 °C

Solubility in water, g/100ml at 20 °C: 0.28

1.51 (NTP, 1992) - Denser than water; will sink

Specific gravity = 1.522 at 25 °C

Relative density (water = 1): 1.51

1.51 @25 °C

0.0000092 [mmHg]

Vapor pressure: 1.3 kPa at 303 °C; 13.3 kPa at 353 °C; 26.7 kPa at 370 °C; 53.3 kPa at 387 °C; 101.3 kPa at 404 °C

Vapor pressure = 0.097 kPa at 250 °C

6X10-11 mm Hg at 25 °C /Antoine extrapolation from higher temperatures/

Vapor pressure, Pa at 20 °C:

log Kow = 2.00

925 °F (496 °C)

When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.

Positive

Agilent XCT

Electrospray ionization

formic acid (5.3nM)

MeCN (80%)

DOI:10.1021/acs.analchem.7b00096

Negative

ammonia (10nM)

DOI:10.1021/acs.analchem.7b00595

Insoluble in water.

Acids, Carboxylic

Hydrocarbons, Aromatic

TEREPHTHALIC ACID is a carboxylic acid. It donates hydrogen ions if a base is present to accept them. This "neutralization" generates substantial amounts of heat and produces water plus a salt. Insoluble in water but even "insoluble" carboxylic acids may absorb enough water from the air and dissolve sufficiently in it to corrode or dissolve iron, steel, and aluminum parts and containers. May react with cyanide salts to generate gaseous hydrogen cyanide. Will react with solutions of cyanides to cause the release of gaseous hydrogen cyanide. Flammable and/or toxic gases and heat are generated by reaction with diazo compounds, dithiocarbamates, isocyanates, mercaptans, nitrides, and sulfides. React with sulfites, nitrites, thiosulfates (to give H2S and SO3), dithionites (SO2), to generate flammable and/or toxic gases and heat. Reaction with carbonates and bicarbonates generates a harmless gas (carbon dioxide) but still heat. Can be oxidized by strong oxidizing agents and reduced by strong reducing agents. These reactions generate heat. May initiate polymerization reactions; may catalyze (increase the rate of) chemical reactions.

Dust may for an explosive mixture with air. may react with strong oxidizers such as chlorine or permanganates, and may form explosive compounds when exposed to nitric acid.

Very high sensitivity: [SRP: to mechanical shock] is shown by mixtures with benzene close to the stoicheiometric proportions of around 84% acid.

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation and by ingestion.

Redness.

Occupational hepatotoxin - Secondary hepatotoxins: the potential for toxic effect in the occupational setting is based on cases of poisoning by human ingestion or animal experimentation.

p-Phthalic Acid

5 x 10^-1 mg/kg-day

PDF Document

Suggestive evidence of carcinogenic potential

SCREEN Current

PPRTV Current

LD50 Mouse iv 770 mg/kg

LD50 Mouse ip 1900 mg/kg

LD50 Mouse ip 880 mg/kg

LD50 Rat ip 1210 mg/kg

For more Non-Human Toxicity Values (Complete) data for TEREPHTHALIC ACID (17 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

INCR EFFECTIVENESS OF CERTAIN ANTIBIOTICS SUCH AS CHLORTETRACYCLINE.

... Chlorothiacide or dietary bicarbonate abolished terephthalic acid-induced urolithiasis in /male weanling Fisher 344 rats fed 4.0% terephthalic acid in diet for 2 weeks (postnatal days 28-42)/.

(14)C-labeled terephthalic acid may be both secreted and reabsorbed by the nephron, and when infused at 3 or 6 umol/min its excretion efficiency is comparable to that of p-aminohippuric acid and tetraethylammonium. Probenecid significantly inhibited the excretion of (14)C-labeled terephthalic acid. M-Hydroxybenzoic acid significantly decreased the excretion of (14)C-labeled terephthalic acid but was without any significant effect on the excretion of p-aminohippuric acid.

The joint injury actions and mechanisms of terephthalic acid (TPA), ethylene glycol (EG) and/or Dowtherm A (DOW): [SRP: a mixture of biphenyl and biphenyl oxide] on liver in rats were investigated. A subchronic toxicity study was designed by a 2(3) factorial method. Some enzymes, biochemical and morphologic indices reflecting the injury of liver were studied. The results showed that serum ALT and serum total bile acid (TBA) of rats in the combined intoxication groups were significantly higher than those in the groups with single toxic agent and control group. The results of factorial analysis showed that the joint action induced by TPA, EG and/or DOW were characterized as additive (TPA + EG), synergistic (EG + DOW), synergistic (TPA + DOW) and additive(TPA + EG + DOW) actions. The deduction was identified by morphologic observations.

To study injury of liver and kidney among the workers exposed to terephthalic acid(TPA), ethylene glycol(EG) and(or) dowtherm A(DOW), and research for early biological monitoring indexes. By using the method of occupational epidemiology, an investigation of industrial hygiene in a chemical fibre corporation was carried out and the changes of the liver and kidney functions were analyzed among the workers who had been exposed to TPA, EG, DOW.The values of serum gamma-glutamyl traspetidase(GGT) and total bile acid(TBA) in TPA + EG + DOW group men were (35.45 +/- 16.09) U/L, (10.29 +/- 6.76) umol/L respectively and the values of serum alanine transaminase(ALT) and TBA in TPA + EG + DOW group women were(30.68 +/- 8.58) U/L, (9.53 +/- 6.63) umol/L respectively, significantly higher than those in TPA, DOW and control groups(P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Compared with TPA, DOW and control groups, the values of urine N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) and beta 2-2-microglobulim (beta 2-MG) in TPA + EG + DOW group of both men and women increased significantly(P < 0.05, P < 0.01), with (5.68 +/- 4.01) U/mmol Cr and (23.49 +/- 13.44) mg/mol Cr, and(6.68 +/- 4.68) U/mmol Cr and (22.80 +/- 13.00) mg/mol Cr, respectively. Analysis of regression indicated that both liver and renal injuries of the workers were evidently correlated with their exposure to TPA, EG and DOW after adjustment for the confounding factors such as sex, smoking, drinking, etc(P < 0.001). Based on available knowledge, it is reasonable to assume that the joint actions should be considered on the injury of liver and kidney caused by TPA, EG and(or) DOW among the workers. Serum ALT, GGT, TBA, urine NAG and beta 2-MG should be suggested as biomarkers for liver and kidney damage.

/SRP:/ Immediate first aid: Ensure that adequate decontamination has been carried out. If patient is not breathing, start artificial respiration, preferably with a demand valve resuscitator, bag-valve-mask device, or pocket mask, as trained. Perform CPR if necessary. Immediately flush contaminated eyes with gently flowing water. Do not induce vomiting. If vomiting occurs, lean patient forward or place on the left side (head-down position, if possible) to maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration. Keep patient quiet and maintain normal body temperature. Obtain medical attention. /Poisons A and B/

/SRP:/ Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway (oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway, if needed). Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if needed. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Monitor for pulmonary edema and treat if necessary ... . Monitor for shock and treat if necessary ... . Anticipate seizures and treat if necessary ... . For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with 0.9% saline (NS) during transport ... . Do not use emetics. For ingestion, rinse mouth and administer 5 mL/kg up to 200 mL of water for dilution if the patient can swallow, has a strong gag reflex, and does not drool ... . Cover skin burns with dry sterile dressings after decontamination ... . /Poisons A and B/

/SRP:/ Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious, has severe pulmonary edema, or is in severe respiratory distress. Positive-pressure ventilation techniques with a bag valve mask device may be beneficial. Consider drug therapy for pulmonary edema ... . Consider administering a beta agonist such as albuterol for severe bronchospasm ... . Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias as necessary ... . Start IV administration of D5W /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use 0.9% saline (NS) or lactated Ringer's if signs of hypovolemia are present. For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid cautiously. Watch for signs of fluid overload ... . Treat seizures with diazepam or lorazepam ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Poisons A and B/

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ A 10 mL application of an oily paste containing 80% terephthalic acid to equal sites on the hand was not irritating. Also, a 24 hour application did not produce any signs of irritation or redness.

/SURVEILLANCE/ Forty-three workers exposed to terephthalic acid(TPA) were selected to study the dermal contamination of TPA and the load of TPA in urine. The results showed that there existed a double logarithmic correlation between dermal contamination of TPA and air TPA concentration and a logarithmic correlation between urinary TPA and total inhaled TPA. Neither dermal TPA contamination nor total TPA exposure exhibited a dose-dependent relationship with urinary TPA. Based on this occupational epidemiology investigation, it was proved that the absorption of TPA is not mainly from dermal exposure.

/ALTERNATIVE and IN VITRO TESTS/ Toxicity of products from polyester hydrolysis such as succinic acid (SA), adipic acid (AA), mandelic acid (MA), terephthalic acid (TA), 1,4-butanediol (1,4-B), ethylene glycol (EG), styrene glycol (SG) and 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol (1,4-C) was evaluated ...by cytotoxicity test on HeLa cells...Toxicity on HeLa cells decreased /in order/ SG > 1,4-C > MA > TA > SA > AA > EG > 1,4-B. Tests for ...cytotoxicity indicated that the aromatic compounds were more harmful than the aliphatic ones...

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ ... Fisher 344 rats were subjected to acute and repeated exposures to /terephthalic acid/ (TPA) smoke generated from the M-83 grenade. Acute exposure levels ranged from 150-1,900 mg/m3 for 30 minutes and repeated dose exposures ranged from 128-1,965 mg/m3 for 30 min/day for 5 days. Exposed and control rats were evaluated for toxic signs, and histopathologic changes. During exposure, the rats exhibited slight to moderate lacrimation, rhinorrhea, lethargy and dyspnea, which reversed within 1-hr post-exposure. No deaths occurred, even at the highest smoke concentrations. Histopathological changes were confined to exposure related nasal necrosis and inflammation in both the acute and repeated dose exposures at levels above 900 mg/m3. Chemical characterization of the M-83 grenade and the M-8 smoke pot showed that formaldehyde, benzene and carbon monoxide were the major organic vapor by-products formed. ...

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Subchronic or Prechronic Exposure/ /In a dermal toxicity study with terephthalic acid,/ five male and five female rabbits were given an occulded dose of 2000 mg/kg which was left in place for 14 days. No deaths occurred. Mild dermal irritation was observed within the application site of 6 rabbits immediately following unwrapping.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Subchronic or Prechronic Exposure/ /In a 28 day inhalation study, rats were exposed to terephthalic acid at doses of 0, 0.52, 1.2, 3.3 mg/cu m 6 hr/day for 4 weeks./ No deaths occurred in the study. No differences were observed in clinical chemistry, hematology, body or organ weight changes. Histopathological findings consisted of minimal tracheal epithelial lining degeneration observed in 19/20 high -exposure rats, compared to 1/20 in control rats. There were no differences in any measured physiological parameters between control and high-exposure groups. In follow -up work, the incidence of minimal degeneration changes in the epithelial lining of the trachea was 5%, 30%, 65%, and 95% at exposures of 0, 0.52, 1.2, and 3.3 mg/m3, respectively.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Subchronic or Prechronic Exposure/ ... 7 groups of 60 /Albino rats/ each (30/sex) that corresponded to 2 control groups and 5 test groups /were fed concentrations of/ 0, 0.05, 0.16, 0.50, 1.6 and 5.0% /terephthalic acid/ ... in diet. Food and water were supplied ad libitum. Parameters assessed included: survival, clinical observations, growth, food consumption, hematology, serum clinical chemistries, urinalysis, gross pathology, and weights and histology of a full range of organs. Sacrifices were completed on 6 rats (3/sex) on Days 30, 60, and 90. All remaining animals were terminated on Day 105. ... Hematuria was noted on a sporadic basis in the latter two thirds of the study in males treated with 5.0%. Body weights from both sexes treated with 5.0% were mildly depressed. ... Urinalysis ... /showed/ evidence of occult blood, positive values were sporadically observed in males of all dose groups (except the lowest level) and in females at all treatment levels (number of animals affected was not listed). Occult blood was noted primarily at the 3 month examination time point except in the high dose animals of both sexes which showed evidence at 30, 60, and 90 days. ... Calculi were noted in /the urinary bladder of/ males treated with 5% (3/3 at 30 days, 2/3 at 60 days, 2/3 at 90 days, and 9/17 at 105 days). Proliferative changes (hyperplasia) were noted in the urinary bladder and occasionally the kidney pelvis epithelium of all test groups and controls. These changes were significantly increased in both their incidence and severity in high dose (5%) males. This observation was deemed inconclusive in high dose females. The hyperplasic change noted in the bladder is believed to be secondary to the chronic irritation induced by the presence of calculi. The bladder calculi and subsequent inflammation and hyperplasia seem to be threshold effects in that only animals in the high dose group (5%) displayed this pattern of pathology. The NOAEL 1.6% (approximately 1220 mg/kg in males and 1456 mg/kg in females) LOAEL: 5.0% (approximately 3837 mg/kg in males and 4523 mg/kg in females)

For more Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for TEREPHTHALIC ACID (28 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Chronic toxicity and oncogenicity were evaluated in groups of male and female Fischer 344 rats (total: 504/sex) ingesting terephthalic acid via the basal diet at nominal doses of 20, 142 and 1000 mg/kg/day for 2 years beginning at age seven weeks. Female rat survival was greater for control groups compared to treatment groups, but a dose-response relationship was not evident. Body weights and food consumption values were lower for high dose males for the duration of the study, with decreased lung, heart, liver and kidney weights at study termination. At six and twelve month sacrifice, relative liver weights were greater for high dose females. At termination, high and mid dose females had decreased heart and kidney weights and increased relative brain weights. Urinalyses, hematology and clinical chemistry evaluations revealed some statistical differences, but a dose-response relationship was not evident. Terephthalic acid induced bladder stones in high dose females, and histopathology of the bladder revealed microconcretions or calculi. The incidence of bladder tumors in high dose females was 19/118. The incidence of squamous metaplasia in the bladder of high dose females was 11/118. Both control and treatment groups had a high incidence of eye lesions, cataracts and uterine adenocarcinomas.

A one-generation reproduction study was conducted in tandem with a 90-day subchronic toxicity study which evaluated the effects on rats of dietary exposure to terephthalic acid (TA). Male and female Wistar and CD rats (number of animals/group not reported) were exposed to TA in the diet at dose levels of 0, 0.03, 0.125, 0.5, 2.0 or 5% at which time 10 breeding pairs from each dietary level were kept on their respective diet throughout mating, gestation, lactation and postweaning periods. There were significant differences observed between treated and control animals in the following: increased mortality of fetuses and neonates (76% of 17 Wistar pups and 96% of 23 CD pups found dead at birth (Day 0) were from groups of parents ingesting 2 and 5% TA), reduction of newborn viability (50% reduction of highest-dose level Wistar male newborns), decreased survivability (50% reduction for male and female CD pups from highest-dose group), decreased body weights (highest-dose level Wistar pups at Days 1 and 21, and highest-dose level CD pups at Day 21), increased unscheduled deaths of F1 weanling rats (prior to scheduled Day 51 sacrifice; confined to highest-dose groups of both strains of rats, associated with high incidence of renal and bladder calculi), and increased incidence of renal and bladder stones (high-dose level, both strains). There were no significant differences observed between treated and control animals in the following: fertility index, and litter size. Other findings observed at necropsy of the pups from treated groups included enlarged ceacum, enlarged or distended ureter, enlarged kidneys, and bladder wall thickening. There were no differences in the sensitivity of the two strains of rats to the oral exposure to TA. Full experimental details and results, or statistical treatments were not reported.

Terephthalic acid (CAS # 100-21-0) was evaluated for reproductive toxicity. The test substance was administered in the diets of adult male and female Wistar and CD rats for 90 days at concentrations of 0% (0 mg/kg/day), 0.03% (18 mg/kg/day), 0.125% (75 mg/kg/day), 0.5% (300 mg/kg/day), 2.0% (1200 mg/kg/day) or 5.0% (3000 mg/kg/day). The number of rats per group was not reported. At 2.0 and 5.0%, toxic effects included reductions in food consumption, body weight, and body weight gain, with CD rats being more sensitive to the test substance. At 5% concentration level, five deaths occurred. On Day 91, 10 male and 10 female rats of each strain from each group were bred and maintained on terephthalic acid diets. There were no treatment-related effects on reproduction or fertility. However, at 2.0 and 5.0% dietary concentration caused lethal effects on newborn and young rats. At 5%, reductions in Day 1 newborn body weights and 21-day survival were noted; and at Day 51 there was an increased incidence of renal and bladder calculi. There were no consistent strain difference.

Terephthalic acid (CAS # 100-21-0) was evaluated for reproductive toxicity. The test substance was administered as a particulate aerosol by inhalation at concentrations of 0, 1.0, 5.0, and 10.0 mg/m3 to four groups of 26 to 27 timed-pregnant primiparous Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were exposed 6 hrs/day, 7 days/wk on gestation days 6 through 15 for a total of 10 consecutive days. No deaths occurred during the study. Clinical signs at all concentrations, included salivation, scaly tail, and red material around the nose/eyes/face. No significant differences in mean dam body or uterus weights, litter weights or dam body weight gain were evident. No pathological conditions were noted upon gross necropsy, although visible uterine implants were noted in all treatment groups. Embryo-fetotoxicity observations included similar numbers of resorptions in all treatment groups and at 5.0%, skeletal rib anomalies were significantly increased. There were no other significant differences in pup viability or fetal malformations.

A one-generation reproduction study was conducted in tandem with a 90-day subchronic toxicity study which evaluated the effects on rats of dietary exposure to terephthalic acid (TA). Male and female Wistar and CD rats (number of animals/group not reported) were exposed to TA in the diet at dose levels of 0, 0.03, 0.125, 0.5, 2.0 or 5% at which time 10 breeding pairs from each dietary level were kept on their respective diet throughout mating, gestation, lactation and postweaning periods. There were significant differences observed between treated and control animals in the following: increased mortality of fetuses and neonates (76% of 17 Wistar pups and 96% of 23 CD pups found dead at birth (Day 0) were from groups of parents ingesting 2 and 5% TA), reduction of newborn viability (50% reduction of highest-dose level Wistar male newborns), decreased survivability (50% reduction for male and female CD pups from highest-dose group), decreased body weights (highest-dose level Wistar pups at Days 1 and 21, and highest-dose level CD pups at Day 21), increased unscheduled deaths of F1 weanling rats (prior to scheduled Day 51 sacrifice; confined to highest-dose groups of both strains of rats, associated with high incidence of renal and bladder calculi), and increased incidence of renal and bladder stones (high-dose level, both strains). There were no significant differences observed between treated and control animals in the following: fertility index, and litter size. Other findings observed at necropsy of the pups from treated groups included enlarged ceacums, enlarged or distended ureters, enlarged kidneys, and bladder wall thickening.

LC50; Species: Tetrahymena pyriformis (Ciliate); Conditions: static, 30 °C; Concentration: 800000 ug/L for 24 hr

/AQUATIC SPECIES/ The biodegradation and toxicity of the purified terephthalic acid (PTA) processing wastewater was researched ...The results of bioassay ...and calculation with software Ebis3 showed that the 48hr-LC50 (median lethal concentration) to Daphnia magna for the PTA concentration in the wastewater was only 1/10 of that for the chemical PTA. There were 5 kinds of benzoate pollutants and their toxicities existing in the wastewater at least. The toxicity parameter value of the pure chemical PTA cannot be used to predicate the PTA wastewater toxicity...

/OTHER TERRESTRIAL SPECIES/ By using model Caenorhabditis elegans, the toxicity of purified terephthalic acid (PTA) wastewater was evaluated through a battery of biotest, including life span, days of 50% lethal, generation time, brood size, head thrashes, and body bends. The results revealed that compared with control, the life span and generation time of C. elegans exposed to 660 mg PTA/L were delayed to some degree, and its head thrashes and body bends were inhibited. The procreation function of C. elegans exposed to PTA wastewater was greatly affected, with the brood size being as low as 25% of the normal one. The most sensitive indicator, brood size of C. elegans, might be a potential indicator in evaluating PTA wastewater toxicity.

/PLANTS/ Toxicity of products from polyester hydrolysis such as succinic acid (SA), adipic acid (AA), mandelic acid (MA), terephthalic acid (TA), 1,4-butanediol (1,4-B), ethylene glycol (EG), styrene glycol (SG) and 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol (1,4-C) was evaluated by phytotoxicity test on germination of young radish seeds ...The phytotoxicity test revealed SG > MA > 1,4-C > AA approximately SA > TA approximately EG > 1,4-B in order of decreasing toxicity taking into consideration the growth behavior after germination as well as the percentage of germination...Tests for the phytotoxicity ...indicated that the aromatic compounds were more harmful than the aliphatic ones...

3.20e+04

LC50; Species: Tetrahymena pyriformis (Ciliate); Conditions: static, 30 °C; Concentration: 800000 ug/L for 24 hr

/AQUATIC SPECIES/ The biodegradation and toxicity of the purified terephthalic acid (PTA) processing wastewater was researched ...The results of bioassay ...and calculation with software Ebis3 showed that the 48hr-LC50 (median lethal concentration) to Daphnia magna for the PTA concentration in the wastewater was only 1/10 of that for the chemical PTA. There were 5 kinds of benzoate pollutants and their toxicities existing in the wastewater at least. The toxicity parameter value of the pure chemical PTA cannot be used to predicate the PTA wastewater toxicity...

/OTHER TERRESTRIAL SPECIES/ By using model Caenorhabditis elegans, the toxicity of purified terephthalic acid (PTA) wastewater was evaluated through a battery of biotest, including life span, days of 50% lethal, generation time, brood size, head thrashes, and body bends. The results revealed that compared with control, the life span and generation time of C. elegans exposed to 660 mg PTA/L were delayed to some degree, and its head thrashes and body bends were inhibited. The procreation function of C. elegans exposed to PTA wastewater was greatly affected, with the brood size being as low as 25% of the normal one. The most sensitive indicator, brood size of C. elegans, might be a potential indicator in evaluating PTA wastewater toxicity.

/PLANTS/ Toxicity of products from polyester hydrolysis such as succinic acid (SA), adipic acid (AA), mandelic acid (MA), terephthalic acid (TA), 1,4-butanediol (1,4-B), ethylene glycol (EG), styrene glycol (SG) and 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol (1,4-C) was evaluated by phytotoxicity test on germination of young radish seeds ...The phytotoxicity test revealed SG > MA > 1,4-C > AA approximately SA > TA approximately EG > 1,4-B in order of decreasing toxicity taking into consideration the growth behavior after germination as well as the percentage of germination...Tests for the phytotoxicity ...indicated that the aromatic compounds were more harmful than the aliphatic ones...

3.20e+04

4.10e+05

9.40e+03

6.00e+00

3.40e+00

5.00e-01

Volatile

9.50e+04

1.20e+06

2.80e+04

Terephthalic acid's production and use to produce saturated polyesters may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. Terephthalic acid is released to the environment in particulate emissions from motor vehicles, industrial-scale boilers and burning of refuse. It can also be formed in the atmosphere through photooxidation of other organic compounds during long range transport and formed in soils as a biodegradation metabolite. If released to air, an extrapolated vapor pressure of 6X10-11 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates terephthalic acid will exist solely in the particulate phase in the atmosphere. Terephthalic acid absorbs UV light at wavelengths >290 nm, and therefore may be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight. If released to soil, terephthalic acid is expected to have high mobility based upon an estimated Koc of 79. The pKa1 and pKa2 of terephthalic acid are 3.54 and 4.46 at 25 °C, respectively, indicating that this compound will partially exist in anion form in the environment and anions generally do not adsorb more strongly to soils containing organic carbon and clay than their neutral counterparts. Volatilization from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 3.9X10-13 atm-cu m/mole. If released into water, terephthalic acid is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment based upon the estimated Koc. Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process based upon this compound's estimated Henry's Law constant. An estimated BCF of 3 suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. Hydrolysis is not expected to be an important environmental fate process since this compound lacks functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions. Occupational exposure to terephthalic acid may occur through dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where terephthalic acid is produced or used. Terephthalic acid can combine with dust to form clouds, therefore, workers handling the compound may be exposed through inhalation. The detection of terephthalic acid in ambient atmospheric particulate matter indicates the general population may be exposed through inhalation of atmospheric particulates. (SRC)

Terephthalic acid's production and use to produce saturated polyesters(1) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC).

Terephthalic acid was identified as a metabolite of dimethyl terphthalate and dibutyl terephthalate biodegradation in soil(1). Terephthalic acid was identified as a particulate-phase emission product from motor vehicles(2). Terephthalic acid was identified as a particulate-phase emission product from industrial-scale boilers burning No. 2 disillate fuel oil(3). Terephthalic acid was identified in smoke particulates from the burning plastic bags, road-side litter and landfill trash(4). Airborne terephthalic acid can be produced by the photochemical oxidation of anthropogenic compounds (e.g., p-xylene) during long range transport(5).

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 79(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that terephthalic acid is expected to have high mobility in soil(SRC). The pKa1 and pKa2 of terephthalic acid are 3.54 and 4.46 at 25 °C(3), respectively, indicating that this compound will partially exist in anion form in the environment and anions generally do not adsorb more strongly to soils containing organic carbon and clay than their neutral counterparts(4). Volatilization of terephthalic acid from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 3.9X10-13 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), using a fragment constant estimation method(2). Terephthalic acid is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon an extrapolated vapor pressure of 6X10-11 mm Hg at 25 °C(3). Terephthalic acid, present at 100 mg/L, reached 74.7% of its theoretical BOD in 2 weeks using an activated sludge inoculum at 30 mg/L in the Japanese MITI test which classifies the compound as readily biodegradable(5). Terephthalic acid was determined to be biodegradable using the following biodegradation screening tests: Coupled Units (93% DOC, 1-day), Zahn-Wellens (93% DOC,4-days), Sturm Test (72% CO2 evolution, 28 days), Modified OECD Test (82% DOC, 19-day surface water die-away) and Closed Bottle Test (112% BODT, 30 days)(6).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 79(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that terephthalic acid is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected(3) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 3.9X10-13 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), developed using a fragment constant estimation method(2). According to a classification scheme(4), an estimated BCF of 3(SRC), from its log Kow of 2.00(5) and a regression-derived equation(2), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Terephthalic acid is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions(3). Terephthalic acid, present at 100 mg/L, reached 74.7% of its theoretical BOD in 2 weeks using an activated sludge inoculum at 30 mg/L in the Japanese MITI test which classifies the compound as readily biodegradable(6). Terephthalic acid was determined to be biodegradable using the following biodegradation screening tests: Coupled Units (93% DOC, 1-day), Zahn-Wellens (93% DOC,4-days), Sturm Test (72% CO2 evolution, 28 days), Modified OECD Test (82% DOC, 19-day surface water die-away) and Closed Bottle Test (112% BODT, 30 days)(7).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), terephthalic acid, which has an extrapolated vapor pressure of 6X10-11 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely in the particulate phase in the ambient atmosphere; however, one monitoring study has reported its detection in the gas-phase(3). Terephthalic acid absorbs UV light at wavelengths >290 nm(4), and therefore may be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).

AEROBIC: Terephthalic acid, present at 100 mg/L, reached 74.7% of its theoretical BOD in 2 weeks using an activated sludge inoculum at 30 mg/L in the Japanese MITI test which classifies the compound as readily biodegradable(1). Terephthalic acid was determined to be biodegradable using the following biodegradation screening tests(2): Coupled Units (93% DOC, 1-day), Zahn-Wellens (93% DOC,4-days), Sturm Test (72% CO2 evolution, 28 days), Modified OECD Test (82% DOC, 19-day surface water die-away) and Closed Bottle Test (112% BODT, 30 days). Adaptation of microorganisms was found to accelerates the biodegradation of terephthalic acid(3); at the end of 24 days of acclimation of activated sludge, 96% of terephthalic acid at an initial concentration 1000 mg/l of COD biodegraded in 4 hrs(3). Complete loss of terephthalic acid occurred in 2 days from a soil suspension inoculum containing 20 ppm of the compound(4). Limited anaerobic biodegradation of terephthalic acid appeared to have occurred when industrial waste containing the compound was injected into a subsurface aquifer(5). In aerobic biodegradation tests using sludge collected from waste treatment plants, terephthalic acid had a biodegradation rate constant of 0.47/hour(6) which corresponds at a half-life of 1.5 hours(SRC). Terephthalic acid was found to be biodegradable in anaerobic digester tests at concentrations of 500 mg/L or less(7); higher concentrations could not be biodegraded completely(7). In river die-away tests using water from the Songhu River in China terephthalic acid had a 72% BOD after 5 days of incubation(8).

PURE CULTURE: A strain of Mycobacterium lacticolum /that can/ degrade ... trerphthalic acid was isolated from terephthalate containing industrial sewage. ...

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of terephthalic acid with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals has been estimated as 1.2X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) using a structure estimation method(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 13 days at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(1). Terephthalic acid absorbs UV light at wavelengths >290 nm(2), and therefore may be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC). The rate constant for the reaction of hydroxyl radicals in aqueous solutions at pH 9 is 3.2X10+9 L/mol-sec(3); this corresponds to an aquatic half-life of 250 days(SRC) at an aquatic concentration of 1X10-17 hydroxyl radicals per liter(4). Terephthalic acid is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions(5).

An estimated BCF of 3 was calculated in fish for terephthalic acid(SRC), using a log Kow of 2.00(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC).

Using a structure estimation method based on molecular connectivity indices(1), the Koc of terephthalic acid can be estimated to be 79(SRC). According to a classification scheme(2), this estimated Koc value suggests that terephthalic acid is expected to have high mobility in soil. The pKa1 and pKa2 of terephthalic acid are 3.54 and 4.46 at 25 °C(3), respectively, indicating that this compound will partially exist in anion form in the environment and anions generally do not adsorb more strongly to soils containing organic carbon and clay than their neutral counterparts(4).

The Henry's Law constant for terephthalic acid is estimated as 3.9X10-13 atm-cu m/mole(SRC) using a fragment constant estimation method(1). This Henry's Law constant indicates that terephthalic acid is expected to be essentially nonvolatile from water surfaces(2). Terephthalic acid's Henry's Law constant indicates that volatilization from moist soil surfaces is not expected to occur(SRC). Terephthalic acid is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon an extrapolated vapor pressure of 6X10-11 mm Hg at 25 °C(3).

SURFACE WATER: Terephthalic acid was detected in the concentration range 1.1 ppb to 3.4 ppb in a polluted river water in Japan, but none was detected in unpolluted waters(1).

DRINKING WATER: Terephthalic acid was qualitatively detected in a drinking water concentrate from Seattle, WA collected during 1976(2).

Terephthalic acid was detected at a concentration of 5.3 ppb in the effluent of night soil treatment plant in Japan(1). The concentration of terephthalic acid in the waste water from a dimethyl terephthalate manufacturing plant was 459 mg/L(2).

URBAN/SUBURBAN: Terephthalic acid was qualitatively detected in the gas phase of urban air from Belgium(1). It was also qualitatively detected in the air particulate matter collected from Tokyo, Japan(2). Terephthalic acid was detected in atmospheric aerosol and in rainwater particle extracts from West Los Angeles, CA(3). Samples of urban aerosols over West Los Angeles, Downtown Los Angeles, Pasadena, Riverside, and San Nicholas Island (July-Dec) contained terephthalic acid at annual average concentrations of 1.3, 2.8, 1.5, 0.88, and less than 0.03 ng/cu m, respectively(4). The average atmospheric terephthalic acid concentration in the fine particulates collected at four urban sites in southern California (Sept 8-9, 1993 monitoring) was 5.4 ng/cu m with an overall range of 0.9 to 17.2 ng/cu m(5). Monitoring at 12 sites in southern CA in 1995, as part of the Southern California Children's Health Study, detected terephthalic acid particulate concentrations ranging from 0.256 to 0.7 ng/cu m(6).

RURAL/REMOTE: The average concns of terephthalic acid in the airborne aerosols from two relatively unpolluted mountainous regions of Japan were 11.1 ng/cu m and 3.9 ng/cu m(1). During 1995 air monitoring conducted at the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, TN, terephthalic acid was detected in 1 of 21 daytime samples at a concentration of 9 ng/cu m(1).

SOURCE DOMINATED: Terephthalic acid was detected at concentrations ranging from 20.8 to 99.6 ng/cu m in the particulates collected from a roadway tunnel in Hong Kong during Aug 2003 to Feb 2004 monitoring(1).

Terephthalic acid was identified as a particulate-phase emission product from motor vehicles(1). Terephthalic acid was identified as a particulate-phase emission product from industrial-scale boilers burning No. 2 disillate fuel oil(2). Terephthalic acid was detected in the organic film collected from both indoor and outdoor windows in Toronto Canada in July 2000(3).

According to the 2006 TSCA Inventory Update Reporting data, the number of persons reasonably likely to be exposed in the industrial manufacturing, processing, and use of terephthalic acid is 1000 or greater; the data may be greatly underestimated(1).

NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 6,456 workers (2,563 of these were female) were potentially exposed to terephthalic acid in the US(1). Occupational exposure to terephthalic acid may occur through dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where terephthalic acid is produced or used(SRC). Terephthalic acid can form dust clouds(2), therefore, workers handling the compound may be exposed through inhalation(SRC). The detection of terephthalic acid in ambient atmospheric particulate matter(2-4) indicates the general population may be exposed through inhalation of atmospheric particulates(SRC).

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

After material has been contained, scoop up contaminated soil and place in impervious containers. Material may be /disposed of/ in an approved chemical incinerator. If facilities are not available, material may be /disposed of in/ an approved waste chemical landfill. When dilute, amenable to biological treatment at a municipal sewage treatment plant.