Common Name: Chloroform CAS Number: 67-66-3 DOT Number: UN 1888 Date: January, 1989 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Chloroform can affect you when breathed in and by passing through your skin. * Chloroform is a CARCINOGEN and may be a teratogen HANDLE WITH EXTREME CAUTION. * Exposure can cause you to become dizzy, lightheaded, nauseated, confused, and to have a headache. It can cause the heart to beat irregularly or stop. * Higher levels can cause coma and death. * Repeated exposure can damage the liver, kidneys and nervous system. * Exposure can irritate and contact can damage the eye. IDENTIFICATION Chloroform is a clear colorless liquid with a pleasant, sweet odor. It is used as a solvent and in making dyes, drugs, and pesticides. REASON FOR CITATION * Chloroform is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, IARC, NTP, NFPA, DOT, NIOSH, DEP and EPA. * This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is a CANCER CAUSING AGENT. * Definitions are attached. HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING EXPOSED * Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely evaluated. This may include collecting air samples. Under OSHA 1910.20, you have a legal right to obtain copies of sampling results from your employer. 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 = 85 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 50 ppm, not to be exceeded at any time. NIOSH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 2 ppm, which should not be exceeded for any 1 hour period. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 10 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift. * Chloroform is a PROBABLE 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. * The above exposure limits are for air levels only. Skin contact may also cause overexposure. WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE * A regulated, marked area should be established where Chloroform 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 Chloroform 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 Chloroform 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 Chloroform: * Exposure can cause the heart to beat irregularly or stop. This can cause death. * Contact can irritate the skin, causing a rash or burning feeling on contact. * The liquid can cause severe eye burns. * Exposure to the vapor can irritate the nose and throat. * Exposure can cause you to feel dizzy, lightheaded, nauseated, confused, and to have a headache. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Chloroform and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * Chloroform is a PROBABLE CARCINOGEN in humans. It has been shown to cause liver, kidney, and thyroid 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 Chloroform is a teratogen in animals. Until further testing has been done, it should be treated as a possible teratogen in humans. Other Long Term Effects * Chloroform can damage the liver. * Repeated skin contact with the liquid may produce skin drying and cracking. * Repeated exposure may affect the kidneys and nervous system. MEDICAL Medical Testing For those with frequent or potentially high exposure (half the TLV or greater, or significant skin contact), the following are recommended before beginning work and at regular times after that: * Liver and kidney function tests. If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * Special 24 hour EKG (holster monitor) to look for irregular heart beat. 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 Chloroform. 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 Chloroform 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 to Chloroform #78 127. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Chloroform 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 Chloroform. * 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 Chloroform, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. * Wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Chloroform at the end of each workday, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Chloroform 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 Chloroform. 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. * ACGIH recommends Polyvinyl Alcohol and VITON as good to excellent protective materials. NIOSH recommends Neoprene or Polyvinyl Chloride as protective materials 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. * Engineering controls must be effective to ensure that exposure to Chloroform 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. Common Name: Chloroform DOT Number: UN 1888 DOT Emergency Guide code: 55 CAS Number: 67-66-3 ---------------------------------------- Hazard rating NJ DOH NFPA FLAMMABILITY - 0 REACTIVITY - 0 ---------------------------------------- POISONOUS CASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE CARCINOGEN ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Extinguish fire using an agent suitable for type of surrounding fire. * POISONOUS GASES ARE 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 Chloroform 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. * Collect for reclamation or absorb in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or a similar material and deposit in sealed containers. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Chloroform as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) or your regional office of the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for specific recommendations. FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire department. HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with Chloroform you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * A regulated, marked area should be established where Chloroform is handled, used, or stored. * Chloroform must be stored to avoid contact with STRONG CAUSTICS and CHEMICALLY ACTIVE METALS such as ALUMINUM, MAGNESIUM POWDER, SODIUM, or POTASSIUM since violent reactions occur. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated area. 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 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: 160 mm Hg at 68oF (20oC) Water Solubility: Slightly soluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Methane, Trichloro Other Names and Formulations: Trichloromethane. ------------------------------------------ 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 Chloroform is a clear, colorless, nonflammable liquid which is heavier than water. It is used as a solvent, a cleansing agent, and in fire extinguishers to lower the freezing point of carbon tetrachloride. It has also been used as an anesthetic. Chloroform may enter the environment from industrial effluents, municipal waste 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. Chloroform has moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life. Chloroform has caused damage to various plants, including brittleness in roots and chromosomal damage. No data are available on the short-term effects of chloroform on 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. Chloroform has moderate chronic toxicity to aquatic life. No data are available on the long-term effects of chloroform to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Chloroform 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 Chloroform 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 99.67% of chloroform 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 chloroform found in fish tissues is expected to be somewhat higher than the average concentration of chloroform in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.