Common Name: Chlordane CAS Number: 57-74-9 DOT Number: UN 2762 Date: August, 1987 ------------------------------------------ HAZARD SUMMARY * Chlordane can affect you when breathed in and by passing through your skin. * Chlordane is a CARCINOGEN HANDLE WITH EXTREME CAUTION. It may also damage the developing fetus and reduce fertility. * Breathing the vapor or skin contact with the liquid can cause convulsions, unconsciousness and death. * Long term exposure may damage the liver and kidneys. * Lower exposures can cause nausea, headaches, abdominal pain and vomiting. * Exposure can irritate the eyes, nose, mouth and throat. Long term skin exposure may cause an acne like rash. IDENTIFICATION Pure Chlordane is a colorless to amber, odorless, thick liquid. However, the commercial product has a chlorine like odor. It is used as an insecticide. REASON FOR CITATION * Chlordane is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH 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 OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 0.5 mg/m3 averaged over an 8 hour workshift. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.5 mg/m3 averaged over an 8 hour workshift and 2 mg/m3 as a STEL (short term exposure limit). * The above exposure limits are for air levels only. When skin contact also occurs, you may be overexposed, even though air levels are less than the limits listed above. * Chlordane may be 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. 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 Chlordane 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 Chlordane 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 Chlordane: * Breathing the vapor or skin contact with the liquid can cause convulsions, unconsciousness and death. * Lower exposures can cause nausea, headaches, abdominal pain and vomiting. * The liquid may irritate the skin, causing a rash or burning feeling on contact and it may irritate the eyes on contact. * Exposure to the vapor can irritate the eyes, nose and throat. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Chlordane and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * Chlordane may be a CARCINOGEN in humans since it has been shown to cause liver cancer in animals. * Many scientists believe there is no safe level of exposure to a carcinogen. Reproductive Hazard * Chlordane may damage the developing fetus. * Chlordane may decrease fertility in males and females. Other Long Term Effects * Chlordane may damage the liver and kidneys. * It may cause an acne like rash following skin contact. MEDICAL TESTING If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * 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. 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 Chlordane 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: Occupational Exposure During the Manufacture and Formulation of Pesticides #78 174. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Chlordane 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 Chlordane. * If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower facilities should be provided. * On skin contact with Chlordane, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. * Wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Chlordane at the end of each workday, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Chlordane 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 Chlordane. 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 * Wear splash proof chemical goggles and face shield when working with liquid, 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 0.5 mg/m3, 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. * Exposure to 500 mg/m3 is immediately dangerous to life and health. If the possibility of exposures above 500 mg/m3 exists, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in continuous flow or other positive pressure mode. Common Name: Chlordane DOT Number: UN 2762 DOT Emergency Guide code: 28 CAS Number: 57-74-9 ---------------------------------------- NJ DOH Hazard rating FLAMMABILITY Not Found REACTIVITY Not Found ---------------------------------------- POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED IN FIRE ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Chlordane is a non combustible liquid, but it may be dissolved in flammable or combustible liquids for commercial use. * Extinguish fire using an agent suitable for type of surrounding fire. Chlordane itself does not burn. Use an appropriate extinguishing agent if a flammable or combustible liquid catches fire. * POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED 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 Chlordane 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 the 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 Chlordane as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state Environmental Program for specific recommendations. ========================================== FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire department. ========================================== HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with Chlordane you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Chlordane must be stored to avoid contact with STRONG OXIDIZERS (such as PERCHLORATES, PEROXIDES, PERMANGANATES, CHLORATES and NITRATES) since violent reactions occur. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated area away from HEAT. 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 immediately. 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: 0.00001 mm Hg at 68oF Water Solubility: Insoluble OTHER NAMES AND FORMULATIONS 1,2,4,5,6,7,8,8 Octachloro 4,7 Methano 3a,4,7,7a Tetrahydroindane; Octachlor; Velsicol 1068. ----------------------------------------- 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 Chlordane is an insecticide of the polycyclic chlorinated hydrocarbon class of pesticides. It is a broad spectrum insecticide used to control insects around the home, in gardens, in agricultural crops such as corn and for termite control. Chlordane use has stopped since 1980 in the U.S.A. for uses other than termite control. Because of its widespread general usage in the past, and present usage in areas where termites are treated, chlordane enters the environment in agricultural and residential runoff. 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. Chlordane has high acute toxicity to aquatic life. Chlordane has caused injury and germination decrease in various agricultural and ornamental crops. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short-term effects of chlordane to 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. Chlordane has high chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long-term effects of chlordane to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Chlordane is slightly soluble in water. Concentrations of 1 milligram and less will mix with a liter of water. DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT Chlordane is highly persistent in water, with a half-life of greater than 200 days. The half-life of a pollutant is the amount of time it takes for one-half of the chemical to be degraded. About 50.7% of chlordane will eventually end up in terrestrial soil; about 47.3% will end up in aquatic sediments; 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 chlordane found in fish tissues is expected to be considerably higher than the average concentration of chlordane in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.