NIOSH logo and tagline

Parathion

Synonyms & Trade Names
O,O-Diethyl-O(p-nitrophenyl) phosphorothioate, Diethyl parathion, Ethyl parathion, Parathion-ethyl
CAS No.
56-38-2
RTECS No.
DOT ID & Guide
2783 152
Formula
(C₂H₅O)₂P(S)OC₆H₄NO₂
Conversion
IDLH
10 mg/m3
See: 56382
Exposure Limits
NIOSH REL
TWA 0.05 mg/m3 [skin]
OSHA PEL
TWA 0.1 mg/m3 [skin]
Measurement Methods
NIOSH 5600;
OSHA 62
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Physical Description
Pale-yellow to dark-brown liquid with a garlic-like odor. [Note: A solid below 43°F. Pesticide that may be absorbed on a dry carrier.]
Molecular Weight
291.3
Boiling Point
707°F
Freezing Point
43°F
Solubility
0.001%
Vapor Pressure
0.00004 mmHg
Ionization Potential
?
Specific Gravity
1.27
Flash Point
(oc) 392°F
Upper Explosive Limit
?
Lower Explosive Limit
?
Class IIIB Combustible Liquid: Fl.P. at or above 200°F.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Strong oxidizers, alkaline materials
Exposure Routes
inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms
irritation eyes, skin, respiratory system; miosis; rhinorrhea (discharge of thin nasal mucus); headache; chest tightness, wheezing, laryngeal spasm, salivation, cyanosis; anorexia, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea; sweating; muscle fasciculation, lassitude (weakness, exhaustion), paralysis; dizziness, confusion, ataxia; convulsions, coma; low blood pressure; cardiac irreg
Target Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system, cardiovascular system, blood cholinesterase
Personal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)
Skin:Prevent skin contact
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:When contaminated
Remove:When wet or contaminated
Change:Daily
Provide:Eyewash, Quick drench
First Aid
(See procedures)
Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Soap wash immediately
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations

NIOSH

Up to 0.5 mg/m3:
(APF = 10) Any air-purifying half-mask respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s) in combination with an N95, R95, or P95 filter. The following filters may also be used: N99, R99, P99, N100, R100, P100.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator

Up to 1.25 mg/m3:
(APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode
(APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with an organic vapor cartridge in combination with a high-efficiency particulate filter.

Up to 2.5 mg/m3:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying full-facepiece respirator equipped with organic vapor cartridge(s) in combination with an N100, R100, or P100 filter.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator that has a tight-fitting facepiece and is operated in a continuous-flow mode
(APF = 50) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with a tight-fitting facepiece and organic vapor cartridge(s) in combination with a high-efficiency particulate filter
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece

Up to 10 mg/m3:
(APF = 1000) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode

Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus

Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister having an N100, R100, or P100 filter.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus

Important additional information about respirator selection

See also
INTRODUCTION   ICSC CARD: 0006   MEDICAL TESTS: 0174
Page last reviewed: October 30, 2019