Common Name: 1,2-Dichloroethylene CAS Number: 540-59-0 DOT Number: UN 1150 Date: September 30, 1986 ------------------------------------------ HAZARD SUMMARY * 1,2-Dichloroethylene can affect you when breathed in. * Exposure to high concentrations of the vapor can cause you to become dizzy and lightheaded and to pass out. * Long term exposure may damage the liver. * Contact can irritate the skin and eyes. The vapor may irritate the nose, throat and lungs. * 1,2-Dichloroethylene is a FLAMMABLE and REACTIVE CHEMICAL and is a FIRE and EXPLOSION HAZARD. IDENTIFICATION 1,2-Dichloroethylene is a colorless liquid with an ether like odor. It is used as a solvent for organic materials. REASON FOR CITATION * 1,2-Dichloroethylene is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, NFPA, DOT and other authorities. * This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is FLAMMABLE and REACTIVE. * Definitions are attached. HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING EXPOSED * Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely evaluated. This may include collecting personal and area air samples. You can obtain copies of sampling results from your employer. You have a legal right to this information under OSHA 1910.20. * If you think you are experiencing any work related health problems, see a doctor trained to recognize occupational diseases. Take this Fact Sheet with you. * ODOR THRESHOLD = 17 ppm. * The odor threshold only serves as a warning of exposure. Not smelling it does not mean you are not being exposed. WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 200 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 200 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift and 250 ppm as a STEL (short term exposure limit). WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE * Where possible, enclose operations and use local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release. If local exhaust ventilation or enclosure is not used, respirators should be worn. * Wear protective work clothing. * Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to 1,2- Dichloroethylene. * Post hazard and warning information in the work area. In addition, as part of an ongoing education and training effort, communicate all information on the health and safety hazards of 1,2-Dichloroethylene to potentially exposed workers. This Fact Sheet is a summary source of information of all potential and most severe health hazards that may result from exposure. Duration of exposure, concentration of the substance and other factors will affect your susceptibility to any of the potential effects described below. ------------------------------------------ HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION Acute Health Effects The following acute (short term) health effects may occur immediately or shortly after exposure to 1,2-Dichloroethylene: * The liquid may irritate the skin, causing a rash or burning feeling on contact, and can irritate the eyes. The vapor can irritate the nose and throat. * Exposure to high concentrations of the vapor can cause you to become dizzy, lightheaded and to pass out. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to 1,2-Dichloroethylene and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, 1,2-Dichloroethylene has not been tested for its ability to cause cancer in animals. Reproductive Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, 1,2-Dichloroethylene has not been tested for its ability to adversely affect reproduction. Other Long Term Effects * Repeated exposure may damage the liver and kidneys. * 1,2-Dichloroethylene may damage the lungs and cause bronchitis. * Repeated exposure may cause a low blood cell count. MEDICAL Medical Testing For those with frequent or potentially high exposure (half the TLV or greater), the following are recommended before beginning work and at regular times after that: * Lung function tests. If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * Liver and kidney function tests. * Complete blood count. Any evaluation should include a careful history of past and present symptoms with an exam. Medical tests that look for damage already done are not a substitute for controlling exposure. Request copies of your medical testing. You have a legal right to this information under OSHA 1910.20. Mixed Exposures Because smoking can cause heart disease, as well as lung cancer, emphysema and other respiratory problems, it may worsen respiratory conditions caused by chemical exposure. Even if you have smoked for a long time, stopping now will reduce your risk of developing health problems. WORKPLACE CONTROLS AND PRACTICES Unless a less toxic chemical can be substituted for a hazardous substance, ENGINEERING CONTROLS are the most effective way of reducing exposure. The best protection is to enclose operations and/or provide local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release. Isolating operations can also reduce exposure. Using respirators or protective equipment is less effective than the controls mentioned above, but is sometimes necessary. In evaluating the controls present in your workplace, consider: (1) how hazardous the substance is, (2) how much of the substance is released into the workplace and (3) whether harmful skin or eye contact could occur. Special controls should be in place for highly toxic chemicals or when significant skin, eye, or breathing exposures are possible. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by 1,2- Dichloroethylene should change into clean clothing promptly. * Do not take contaminated work clothes home. Family members could be exposed. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to 1,2- Dichloroethylene. * Wash any areas of the body that may have contacted 1,2- Dichloroethylene at the end of each workday, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where 1,2-Dichloroethylene is handled, processed, or stored, since the chemical can be swallowed. Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT WORKPLACE CONTROLS ARE BETTER THAN PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT. However, for some jobs (such as outside work, confined space entry, jobs done only once in a while, or jobs done while workplace controls are being installed), personal protective equipment may be appropriate. The following recommendations are only guidelines and may not apply to every situation. Clothing * Avoid skin contact with 1,2-Dichloroethylene. Wear solvent resistant gloves and clothing. Safety equipment suppliers/manufacturers can provide recommendations on the most protective glove/ clothing material for your operation. * All protective clothing suits, gloves, footwear, headgear should be clean, available each day and put on before work. Eye Protection * Wear splash proof chemical goggles and face shield when working with liquid 1,2-Dichloroethylene, unless full facepiece respiratory protection is worn. Respiratory Protection IMPROPER USE OF RESPIRATORS IS DANGEROUS. Such equipment should only be used if the employer has a written program that takes into account workplace conditions, requirements for worker training, respirator fit testing and medical exams, as described in OSHA 1910.134. * Where the potential exists for exposures over 200 ppm, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved full facepiece respirator with an organic vapor cartridge/canister. Increased protection is obtained from full facepiece powered air purifying respirators. * If while wearing a filter, cartridge or canister respirator, you can smell, taste, or otherwise detect 1,2- Dichloroethylene, or in the case of a full facepiece respirator you experience eye irritation, leave the area immediately. Check to make sure the respirator to face seal is still good. If it is, replace the filter, cartridge, or canister. If the seal is no longer good, you may need a new respirator. * Be sure to consider all potential exposures in your workplace. You may need a combination of filters, prefilters, cartridges, or canisters to protect against different forms of a chemical (such as vapor and mist) or against a mixture of chemicals. * Exposure to 4000 ppm is immediately dangerous to life and health. If the possibility of exposures above 4000 ppm exists, use an MSHA/NIOSH approved self contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in continuous flow or other positive pressure mode. HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with 1,2-Dichloroethylene you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * 1,2-Dichloroethylene must be stored to avoid contact with STRONG OXIDIZERS (such as CHLORINE, BROMINE and FLUORINE) since violent reactions occur. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated area away from HEAT. * Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are prohibited where 1,2-Dichloroethylene is used, handled, or stored. * Metal containers involving the transfer of 5 gallons or more of 1,2-Dichloroethylene should be grounded and bonded. Drums must be equipped with self closing valves, pressure vacuum bungs and flame arresters. * Use only non sparking tools and equipment, especially when opening and closing containers of 1,2-Dichloroethylene. * Wherever 1,2-Dichloroethylene is used, handled, manufactured, or stored, use explosion proof electrical equipment and fittings. Common Name: 1,2-Dichloroethylene DOT Number: UN 1150 DOT Emergency Guide code: 29 CAS Number: 540-59-0 ---------------------------------------- NJ DOH Hazard rating FLAMMABILITY 3 REACTIVITY 2 ---------------------------------------- FLAMMABLE AND REACTIVE LIQUID POISONOUS GAS PRODUCED IN FIRE CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * 1,2-Dichloroethylene is a FLAMMABLE LIQUID. * Use dry chemical, CO2, water spray, or foam extinguishers. * POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED IN FIRE. * CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If 1,2-Dichloroethylene is spilled or leaked, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from areas of spills or leaks until cleanup is complete. * Remove all ignition sources. * Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or a similar material and deposit in sealed containers. * Keep 1,2-Dichloroethylene out of a confined space, such as a sewer, because of the possibility of an explosion, unless the sewer is designed to prevent the buildup of explosive concentrations. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of 1,2- Dichloroethylene as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state Environmental Program for specific recommendations. ========================================== FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire department. ========================================== FIRST AID POISON INFORMATION Eye Contact * Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention. Skin Contact * Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash area with large amounts of soap and water. Breathing * Remove the person from exposure. * Begin rescue breathing if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. * Transfer promptly to a medical facility. PHYSICAL DATA Vapor Pressure: 180 265 mm Hg at 68oF Flash Point: 36 39oF Water Solubility: Slightly soluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Ethene, 1,2 Dichloro Other Names and Formulations: Acetylene Dichloride; trans Dichloroethylene; sym Dichloroethylene. ------------------------------------------ Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial purposes. ------------------------------------------ NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Right to Know Program CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625 0368 ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION 1,2-Dichloroethylene is a clear, colorless, flammable liquid, consisting of a mixture of the cis- and trans- isomers. It is used as an intermediate to make other chemicals and as a cleaning solvent. It may enter the environment from industrial or municipal discharges, or spills. ACUTE (SHORT-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS Acute toxic effects may include the death of animals, birds, or fish, and death or low growth rate in plants. Acute effects are seen two to four days after animals or plants come in contact with a toxic chemical substance. 1,2-Dichloroethylene has slight acute toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short- term effects of 1,2-dichloroethylene to plants, birds, or land animals. CHRONIC (LONG-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS Chronic toxic effects may include shortened lifespan, reproductive problems, lower fertility, and changes in appearance or behavior. Chronic effects can be seen long after first exposure(s) to a toxic chemical. 1,2-Dichloroethylene has moderate chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long- term effects of 1,2-dichloroethylene to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY 1,2-Dichloroethylene is highly soluble in water. Concentrations of 1,000 milligrams and more will mix with a liter of water. DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT 1,2-Dichloroethylene is slightly persistent in water, with a half- life of between 2 to 20 days. The half-life of a pollutant is the amount of time it takes for one-half of the chemical to be degraded. About 97% of 1,2-dichloroethylene will eventually end up in air; the rest will end up in the water. BIOACCUMULATION IN AQUATIC ORGANISMS Some substances increase in concentration, or bioaccumulate, in living organisms as they breathe contaminated air, drink contaminated water, or eat contaminated food. These chemicals can become concentrated in the tissues and internal organs of animals and humans. The concentration of 1,2-dichloroethylene found in fish tissues is expected to be about the same as the average concentration of 1,2- dichloroethylene in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA. ENDSHEET