PIC-202-01: Solid chemical powder / barrels / Chemicals, solid

Sampling of a solid chemical product transported in barrels, because the goods were suspected as a drug precursor.

The goods were declared as alpha-acetylphenylacetonitrile with CAS number 4468-48-8. An SDS document was supplied with the declaration. The goods were transported by air in 7 small barrels. Each barrel contained approx. 50 kg of chemicals. The declared application of this product is „for production of anti-fungal preparations“.

To avoid delay in the transport it is decided for immediate analyses by a handheld FTIR(Fourier transform infrared) spectrometer.

As the sample was identified according to the declaration in all opened barrels it was decided NOT to sample this product.

• Sampling trowel (S03-01)
• FTIR spectrometer handheld device

You should inspect the product before sampling in order to assess if there are any risks during sampling.

According to the information on the SDS document the product is an irritant chemical in the form of a white powder. Avoid direct contact with the skin, wear gloves and eye protection.

Opening metal barrels may create additional hazards.

Relevant information from the SDS

Product: alpha-acetylphenylacetonitrile
CAS number: 4468-48-8

Potential Health Effects

• Inhalation: May be harmful if inhaled. Causes respiratory tract irritation.
• Skin: May be harmful if absorbed through skin. Causes skin irritation.
• Eyes: Causes serious eye irritation.
• Ingestion: May be harmful if swallowed.

PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIE

• Appearance
  • Form: powder
  • Colour: white
• Safety data
  • pH: no data available
  • Melting point: 92 – 94 ˚C (198 – 201 ˚F) – lit.

Consignments for customs clearance – Sampling from barrels or drums: One sample is usually taken as representing the goods covered by the same customs declaration. Separate aggregate samples may be created from containers containing different products or lots.

In this case the consignment represented one lot. The content from different barrels was analysed by IR spectrometer and identical spectra was found.