Common Name: Bis (2-Chloromethyl) Ether CAS Number: 542-88-1 DOT Number: UN 2249 Date: January, 1989 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Bis (2-Chloromethyl) Ether can affect you when breathed in and may be absorbed through the skin. * Bis (2-Chloromethyl) Ether is a CARCINOGEN HANDLE WITH EXTREME CAUTION. * Bis (2-Chloromethyl) Ether can irritate or even burn the skin and eyes. * Breathing Bis (2-Chloromethyl) Ether can irritate the nose, throat and lungs causing coughing and/or shortness of breath. Higher exposure may cause a build up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), a medical emergency. * Consult the OSHA Standard: 29 CFR 1910.1008. IDENTIFICATION Bis (2-Chloromethyl) Ether is a liquid. It also forms spontaneously in moist air from formaldehyde and chloride ions. It is used as a chemical intermediate in the manufacturing of plastics and ion exchange resins. REASON FOR CITATION * Bis (2-Chloromethyl) Ether is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by NTP, IARC, DOT and EPA. * This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is a CARCINOGEN. * 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. WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS No occupational exposure limits have been established for Bis (2- Chloromethyl) Ether. This does not mean that this substance is not harmful. Safe work practices should always be followed. * Bis (2-Chloromethyl) Ether is a CARCINOGEN in humans. There may be no safe level of exposure to a carcinogen, so all contact should be reduced to the lowest possible level. * It should be recognized that Bis (2-Chloromethyl) Ether can be absorbed through your skin, thereby increasing your exposure. WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE * A regulated, marked area should be established where Bis (2- Chloromethyl) Ether is handled, used, or stored. * 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 Bis (2- Chloromethyl) Ether and at the end of the workshift. * 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 Bis (2-Chloromethyl). 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 Bis (2-Chloromethyl) Ether: * Bis (2-Chloromethyl) Ether can irritate or even burn the skin and eyes. * Breathing Bis (2-Chloromethyl) Ether can irritate the nose, throat and lungs causing coughing and/or shortness of breath. Higher exposure may cause a build up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), a medical emergency. * Exposure to Bis (2-Chloromethyl) Ether can cause loss of appetite, nausea and fatigue. Higher exposure may cause irritability, anxiety and weakness. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Bis (2-Chloromethyl) Ether and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * Bis (2-Chloromethyl) Ether is a CARCINOGEN. It has been shown to cause lung cancer in humans and cancer in experimental animals. * Many scientists believe there is no safe level of exposure to a carcinogen. Such substances may also have the potential for causing reproductive damage in humans. Reproductive Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, Bis (2-Chloromethyl) Ether has not been tested for its ability to adversely affect reproduction. Other Long Term Effects * Bis (2-Chloromethyl) Ether has not been tested for other chronic (long term) health effects. MEDICAL Medical Testing Before beginning employment and at regular times after that, the following is recommended: Ether to potentially exposed workers. * Consider chest x ray after acute over exposure. 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. 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. In addition, the following controls are recommended: * Where possible, automatically pump liquid Bis (2-Chloromethyl) Ether from drums or other storage containers to process containers. * Specific engineering controls are required for this chemical by OSHA. Refer to the OSHA Standard: 29 CFR 1910.1008. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Bis (2- Chloromethyl) Ether 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 Bis (2- Chloromethyl) Ether. * Eye wash fountains should be provided in the immediate work area for emergency use. * If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower facilities should be provided. * On skin contact with Bis (2-Chloromethyl) Ether, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the workshift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Bis (2-Chloromethyl) Ether, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Bis (2-Chloromethyl) Ether 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 Ether to potentially exposed workers. The following recommendations are only guidelines and may not apply to every situation. Clothing * Avoid skin contact with Bis (2-Chloromethyl) Ether. Wear protective 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 * Eye protection is required and is included in the recommended respiratory protection. 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. * Engineering controls must be effective to ensure that exposure to Bis (2-Chloromethyl) Ether does not occur. * At any exposure level, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved supplied air respirator with a full facepiece operated in the positive pressure mode or with a full facepiece, hood, or helmet in the continuous flow mode, or use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in pressure demand or other positive pressure mode. HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with Bis (2-Chloromethyl) Ether you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * A regulated, marked area should be established where Bis (2- Chloromethyl) Ether is handled, used, or stored. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated area. * Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are prohibited where Bis (2-Chloromethyl) Ether is handled, used, or stored. * Metal containers involving the transfer of 5 gallons or more of Bis (2-Chloromethyl) Ether 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 Bis (2-Chloromethyl) Ether. * Wherever Bis (2-Chloromethyl) Ether is used, handled, manufactured, or stored, use explosion proof electrical equipment and fittings. Common Name: Bis (2-Chloromethyl) Ether DOT Number: UN 2249 DOT Emergency Guide code: 55 CAS Number: 542-88-1 ---------------------------------------- Hazard rating NJDOH NFPA FLAMMABILITY 3 Not Rated REACTIVITY 0 Not Rated ---------------------------------------- CARCINOGEN POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Bis (2-Chloromethyl) Ether is a FLAMMABLE LIQUID. * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE. * Bis (2-Chloromethyl) Ether forms SPONTANEOUSLY FROM FORMALDEHYDE AND CHLORIDE IONS IN MOIST AIR. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If Bis (2-Chloromethyl) Ether is spilled or leaked, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill or leak until clean up is complete. * Remove all ignition sources. * Ventilate area of spill or leak. * Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or a similar material and deposit in sealed containers. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Bis (2- Chloromethyl) Ether 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 immediately. Skin Contact * Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash contaminated skin 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. * Medical observation is recommended for 24 to 48 hours after breathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may be delayed. PHYSICAL DATA Flash Point: Below 66oF (19oC) OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Methane, Oxybis(Chloro) Other Names and Formulations: BCME; Dichlorodimethyl Ether; Bis(Chloromethyl) Ether. ------------------------------------------ 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 Bis (2-Chloromethyl) Ether is a colorless liquid with a suffocating odor. It may enter the environment from industrial 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. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the acute, short-term effects of Bis (2-Chloromethyl) Ether to aquatic life, 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. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the chronic, long-term effects of Bis (2-Chloromethyl) Ether to aquatic life, plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Bis (2-Chloromethyl) Ether 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 Bis (2-Chloromethyl) Ether 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 84% of bis-(chloromethyl)-ether 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 Bis (2-Chloromethyl) Ether found in fish tissues is expected to be about the same as the average concentration of Bis (2-Chloromethyl) Ether in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.