Common Name: Carbon Tetrachloride CAS Number: 56-23-5 DOT Number: UN 1846 Date: July, 1986 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Carbon Tetrachloride can affect you when breathed in and by passing through your skin. * Carbon Tetrachloride is a CARCINOGEN HANDLE WITH EXTREME CAUTION. * Exposure can cause dizziness and lightheadedness rapidly leading to unconsciousness and death. It can make the heart beat irregularly or stop. * It can damage the liver and kidneys enough to cause death. * DO NOT USE Carbon Tetrachloride near welding arcs, flames, or hot metal surfaces because POISONOUS PHOSGENE and HYDROGEN CHLORIDE gases are produced. IDENTIFICATION Carbon Tetrachloride is a colorless liquid with an ether like odor. It is used as a solvent and in making fire extinguishers, refrigerants, and aerosols. REASON FOR CITATION * Carbon Tetrachloride is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by NIOSH, ACGIH, DOT and NFPA. * This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is a CARCINOGEN and a MUTAGEN. * 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. * ODOR THRESHOLD = 96 ppm. * The odor threshold only serves as a warning of exposure. Not smelling it does not mean you are not being exposed. * 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 * 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. OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limits (PEL) are 10 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift and an employee may be exposed to a concentration of Carbon Tetrachloride above 25 ppm (but never above 200 ppm) only for a maximum period of 5 minutes in any 4 hrs. NIOSH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 2 ppm averaged over a period not to exceed 1 hour. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 5 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift. * Carbon Tetrachloride is a PROBABLE CANCER CAUSING AGENT in humans. There may be no safe level of exposure to a carcinogen, so all contact should be reduced to the lowest possible level. * The above exposure limits are for air levels only. Skin contact may also cause overexposure. 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. ------------------------------------------ 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. * A regulated, marked area should be established where Carbon Tetrachloride is handled, used, or stored. * Wear protective work clothing. * Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to Carbon Tetrachloride 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 Carbon Tetrachloride to potentially exposed workers. HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION Acute Health Effects The following acute (short term) health effects may occur immediately or shortly after exposure to Carbon Tetrachloride: * Exposure can cause dizziness and light headedness leading rapidly to unconsciousness and death. * It can make the heart beat irregularly or stop. * Carbon Tetrachloride can damage the liver and kidneys enough to cause death. * It may irritate the eyes on contact. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Carbon Tetrachloride and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * Carbon Tetrachloride is a PROBABLE CARCINOGEN in humans. There is some evidence that it causes liver cancer in humans and it has been shown to cause liver cancer in 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 * There is limited evidence that Carbon Tetrachloride may damage the developing fetus. Other Long Term Effects * Repeated exposure can cause severe chronic liver and kidney damage. * Repeated contact can cause thickening and cracking of the skin. MEDICAL Medical Testing Before beginning employment and at regular times after that, the following are recommended: * Liver and kidney function tests 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 more than light alcohol consumption can cause liver damage, it can increase the liver damage caused by Carbon Tetrachloride. 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 Carbon Tetrachloride from drums or other storage containers to process containers. * Specific engineering controls are recommended for this chemical by NIOSH. Refer to the NIOSH criteria document on Carbon Tetrachloride # 76 133. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Carbon Tetrachloride 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 Carbon Tetrachloride. * If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower facilities should be provided. * On skin contact with Carbon Tetrachloride, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Carbon Tetrachloride 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 Carbon Tetrachloride. 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 * Eye protection 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. * 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 Carbon Tetrachloride you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * A regulated, marked area should be established where Carbon Tetrachloride is handled, used, or stored. * Carbon Tetrachloride must be stored to avoid contact with CHEMICALLY ACTIVE METALS, such as SODIUM, POTASSIUM, and MAGNESIUM, since violent reactions occur. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool well ventilated area. * Sources of ignition such as smoking and open flames are prohibited where Carbon Tetrachloride is handled, used, or stored. Common Name: Carbon Tetrachlroide DOT Number: UN 1846 DOT Emergency Guide code: 55 CAS Number: 56-23-5 ---------------------------------------- NJ DOH Hazard rating FLAMMABILITY 0 REACTIVITY 0 ---------------------------------------- POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE DOES NOT BURN ----------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Carbon Tetrachloride is a non combustible liquid. * Extinguish fire using an agent suitable for type of surrounding fire. Carbon Tetrachloride itself does not burn. * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including Phosgene, and Hydrogen Chloride. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If Carbon Tetrachloride is spilled or leaked, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill or leak until cleanup is complete. * 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 Carbon Tetrachloride 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. Seek medical attention. 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: 91 mm Hg at 68oF Water Solubility: Slightly soluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Methane, Tetrachloro Other Names and Formulations: Tetrachlormethane; Perchloro methane; Methane tetrachloride. ------------------------------------------ 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 Carbon tetrachloride is a clear, colorless, nonflammable liquid which is heavier than water. It is used as a fire extinguisher, a solvent, a starting material to make many organic compounds, as an insecticide, and for cleaning clothes. Carbon tetrachloride may enter the environment from industrial effluents, municipal treatment plant 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. Carbon tetrachloride has high acute toxicity to aquatic life. No data are available on the short-term effects of carbon tetrachloride on 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. Carbon tetrachloride has high chronic toxicity to aquatic life. No data are available on the long-term effects of carbon tetrachloride on plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Carbon tetrachloride is moderately soluble in water. Concentrations of between 1 to 1,000 milligrams will mix with a liter of water. DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT Carbon tetrachloride is non-persistent in water, with a half-life of less than 2 days. The half-life of a pollutant is the amount of time it takes for one-half of the chemical to be degraded. About 99.9% of carbon tetrachloride will eventually end up in air. BIOACCUMULATION IN AQUATIC ORGANISMS Some substances increase in concentration, or bioaccumulate, in living oranisms 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 carbon tetrachloride found in fish tissues is expected to be somewhat higher than the average concentration of carbon tetrachloride in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.