Possible Hazards

Exposure to this chemical can cause mild and temporary eye, skin, and respiratory irritation. Decomposition products and fumes from vulcanizing and cross-linking operations not only irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory system, they also act as skin sensitizers. Overexposure to Cumene, an ingredient of this peroxide, irritates the eyes, skin and mucous membranes. Cumene is known to cause irritation at 200 ppm or above. The following symptoms may also be observed:

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Slight lack of coordination

• Narcosis

• Coma

Toxicity Data

Experiments on different species have established that dicumyl peroxide can have toxic effects in cases of long-term exposure.

When administered to rats as a 20% solution of DI-CUP T oil, toxic effects were found to start at a dosage of 1,400 mg/kg.

The following observations were made when tests were conducted on rabbits:

• Mild conjunctivitis but no corneal effects were seen in testing a 50% solution in oil.

• Eyes returned to normal during the next 48 hours.

Experiments on guinea pigs revealed that it cannot be necessarily established as a sensitizer. No primary irritation was obtained from repeated intradermal injections of a 0.1% solution of DI-CUP T.

An acute inhalation study that was conducted with DI-CUP T at 40 C, absorbed on to an inert Calcium...