Common Name: Hexachloroethane CAS Number: 67-72-1 DOT Number: NA 9037 Date: May, 1989 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Hexachloroethane can affect you when breathed in and by passing through your skin. * Hexachloroethane should be handled as a CARCINOGEN WITH EXTREME CAUTION. * Exposure to high concentrations may cause you to feel dizzy, lightheaded, and to pass out. * Hexachloroethane may damage the liver and kidneys. * Contact can burn the eyes. * Exposure may irritate the nose, throat, and skin. IDENTIFICATION Hexachloroethane is a white crystal (sand like) or liquid with a mothball like odor. It is used in animal medicines, as an insecticide, and in smoke making devices. REASON FOR CITATION * Hexachloroethane is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, DEP, DOT and EPA. * This chemical is also on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is a CARCINOGEN. 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 = 0.15 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 1 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 10 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift. * Hexachloroethane may be a 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. When skin contact also occurs, you may be overexposed, even though air levels are less than the limits listed above. 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 Hexachloroethane 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 Hexachloroethane 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 Hexachloroethane: * Contact can irritate the skin, causing a rash or burning feeling. It can also burn the eyes. * Exposure can irritate the eyes, nose, mouth, and throat. * Exposure to high concentrations may cause you to become dizzy and light headed and to pass out. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Hexachloroethane and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * Hexachloroethane may be a CANCER CAUSING AGENT 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 cancer causing agent. 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, Hexachloroethane has not been tested for its ability to adversely affect reproduction. Other Long Term Effects * Exposure may cause liver and kidney damage. * This chemical has not been adequately evaluated to determine whether brain or other nerve damage could occur with repeated exposure. However, many solvents and other petroleum based chemicals have been shown to cause such damage. Effects may include reduced memory and concentration, personality changes (withdrawal, irritability), fatigue, sleep disturbances, reduced coordination, and/or effects on nerves supplying internal organs (autonomic nerves) and/or nerves to the arms and legs (weakness, "pins and needles"). 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: * Liver function tests. If symptoms develop or overexposure has occurred, the following may be useful: * Liver and kidney function tests. * Interview for brain effects, including recent memory, mood (irritability, withdrawal), concentration, headaches, malaise and altered sleep patterns. Consider cerebellar, autonomic and peripheral nervous system evaluation. Positive and borderline individuals should be referred for neuropsychological testing. 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, drinking alcohol may increase the liver damage caused by Hexachloroethane. 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 control is recommended: * Where possible, automatically transfer Hexachloroethane from drums or other storage containers to process containers. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Hexachloroethane 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 Hexachloroethane. * 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 Hexachloroethane, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the work shift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Hexachloroethane, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Hexachloroethane is handled, processed, or stored, since the chemical can be swallowed. Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking. * When vacuuming solid Hexachloroethane, a high efficiency particulate absolute (HEPA) filter should be used, not a standard shop vacuum. 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 Hexachloroethane. 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 dust proof goggles and face shield when working with powders or dust. * Wear splash proof chemical goggles and face shield when working with liquid Hexachloroethane, 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. * 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. * Exposure to 300 ppm is immediately dangerous to life and health. If the possibility of exposures above 300 ppm 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: Hexachloroethane DOT Number: NA 9037 DOT Emergency Guide code: 53 CAS Number: 67-72-1 ---------------------------------------- Hazard rating NJ DOH NFPA FLAMMABILITY Not Found Not Rated REACTIVITY Not Found Not Rated ---------------------------------------- POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE CARCINOGEN ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Hexachloroethane is a non combustible solid or liquid. * Extinguish fire using an agent suitable for type of surrounding fire. Hexachloroethane itself dose not burn. * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN A FIRE. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If Hexachloroethane 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. * Collect powdered material in the most convenient manner and deposit in sealed containers. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Hexachloroethane 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 Hexachloroethane you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Hexachloroethane must be stored to avoid contact with HOT IRON, ZINC, ALUMINUM, and ALKALIES, since violent re actions 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 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. PHYSICAL DATA Vapor Pressure: 0.22 mmhg at 68oF (20oC) Water Solubility: Insoluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Ethane, Hexachloro Other Names and Formulations: Perchloroethane; Carbon Hexachloride; Hexachloroethylene. ------------------------------------------ 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 Hexachloroethane is a crystalline solid with a camphor-like odor. It is used in explosives, as a camphor substitute in celluloid, as a rubber vulcanizing accelerator, and as a solvent. It may enter the environment from chlorination of water at municipal treatment plants, industrial discharges, municipal waste treatment 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. Hexachloroethane has high acute toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short- term effects of hexachloroethane 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. Hexachloroethane has moderate chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long- term effects of hexachloroethane to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Hexachloroethane 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 Hexachloroethane is moderately persistent in water, with a half- life of between 20 to 200 days. The half-life of a pollutant is the amount of time it takes for one-half of the chemical to be degraded. Virtually all (99.98%) of hexachloroethane will eventually end up in air. 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 hexachloroethane found in fish tissues is expected to be somewhat higher than the average concentration of hexachloroethane in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.