Common Name: Ethyl Chloride CAS Number: 75-00-3 DOT Number: UN 1037 Date: January 1986 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Ethyl Chloride can affect you when breathed in and by passing through your skin. * It can cause you to become dizzy and lightheaded and pass out. * Exposure can make the heart beat irregularly or stop. This can cause death. * Long term exposure may damage the liver and kidneys. * The liquid can burn the eyes. Skin contact can cause frostbite. The vapor can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. * Ethyl Chloride is a HIGHLY FLAMMABLE LIQUID/GAS and a DANGEROUS FIRE HAZARD. IDENTIFICATION Ethyl Chloride is a gas with a strong etherlike odor which may be available as a cold liquid under pressure. It is used in making certain other chemicals, in refrigeration, and as a solvent and local anesthetic. REASON FOR CITATION * Ethyl Chloride is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, DOT, NFPA and EPA. * This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is FLAMMABLE. * 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 = 4.2 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 1,000 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 1,000 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift. * 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 Ethyl Chloride 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 Ethyl Chloride 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 Ethyl Chloride: * Contact with the liquid can cause frostbite. It can also cause burns of the eyes, leading to permanent damage. * Breathing the vapor can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. * Exposure can cause you to become dizzy and lightheaded, and to pass out. * It can make the heart beat irregularly or stop. Death can occur. * It may cause headaches or stomach pain. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Ethyl Chloride and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, Ethyl Chloride has not been tested for its ability to cause cancer in animals. Reproductive Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, Ethyl Chloride has not been tested for its ability to adversely affect reproduction. Other Long Term Effects * Ethyl Chloride may damage the liver and the kidneys. Medical Testing If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * Special 24 hour EKG (Holter monitor) to look for irregular heart beat. * Tests of liver and kidney function. * 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. 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 Ethyl Chloride from drums or other storage containers to process containers. * Before entering a confined space where Ethyl Chloride may be present, check to make sure that an explosive concentration does not exist. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Ethyl Chloride should change into clean clothing promptly. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to Ethyl Chloride. * 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 Ethyl Chloride, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the workshift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Ethyl Chloride, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Ethyl Chloride 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 Ethyl Chloride. Wear protective gloves and clothing. Safety equipment suppliers/manufacturers can provide recommendations on the most protective glove/clothing material for your operation. * Where exposure to cold equipment, vapors, or liquid may occur, employees should be provided with special clothing designed to prevent the freezing of body tissues. * 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 near or over 1,000 ppm, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved respirator with an organic vapor cartridge/canister. More protection is provided by a full facepiece respirator than by a half mask respirator, and even greater protection is provided by a powered air purifying respirator. * If while wearing a filter, cartridge or canister respirator, you can smell, taste, or otherwise detect Ethyl Chloride, or in the case of a full facepiece respirator you experience eye irritation, leave the area immediately. Check to make sure the respirator to face seal is still good. If it is, replace the filter, cartridge, or canister. If the seal is no longer good, you may need a new respirator. * Be sure to consider all potential exposures in your workplace. You may need a combination of filters, prefilters, cartridges, or canisters to protect against different forms of a chemical (such as vapor and mist) or against a mixture of chemicals. * Where the potential for higher exposures exists, 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 20,000 ppm is immediately dangerous to life and health. If the possibility of exposures above 20,000 pm exists use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in continuous flow or other positive pressure mode. HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with Ethyl Chloride you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Ethyl Chloride must be stored to avoid contact with OXIDIZERS (such as PEROXIDES, CHLORATES, PERCHLORATES, NITRATES, and PERMANGANATES) or CHEMICALLY ACTIVE METALS (such as SODIUM, POTASSIUM, CALCIUM, POWDERED ALUMINUM, ZINC, and MAGNESIUM) since violent reactions occur. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated area away from HEAT. * Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are prohibited where Ethyl Chloride is handled, used, or stored. * Metal containers involving the transfer of 5 gallons or more of Ethyl Chloride 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 Ethyl Chloride. Common Name: Ethyl Chloride DOT Number: UN 1037 DOT Emergency Guide code: 27 CAS Number: 75-00-3 ---------------------------------------- NJ DOH Hazard rating FLAMMABILITY 4 REACTIVITY 0 ---------------------------------------- POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Ethyl Chloride is a FLAMMABLE LIQUID or GAS. * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including Phosgene. * CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE. * Stop flow of gas Use dry chemical, CO2, or foam extinguishers. Vapors may travel to a source of ignition and flash back. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If Ethyl Chloride is spilled or leaked, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill or leak until cleanup is complete. Vapor buildup may cause suffocation. * 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. If Ethyl Chloride is leaked, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of leak until cleanup is complete. * Remove all ignition sources. * Ventilate area of leak. * Stop flow of gas. If source of leak is a cylinder and the leak cannot be stopped in place, remove the leaking cylinder to a safe place in the open air, and repair leak or allow cylinder to empty. * Keep Ethyl Chloride out of a confined space, such as a sewer, because of the possibility of an explosion, unless the sewer is designed to prevent the buildup of explosive concentrations. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Ethyl Chloride 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 immerse affected part in warn 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: 1,064 mm Hg at 68oF (20oC) Flash Point: 58oF ( 50oC) Water Solubility: Soluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Ethane, Chloro Other Names and Formulations: Monochloroethane; Muriatic Ether; Clorene. ------------------------------------------ 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 Ethyl Chloride is a flammable gas at ordinary temperature and pressure, and a mobile, volatile liquid at temperatures below 12.4 C or increased pressure. It is used mainly to make tetraethyllead, the antiknock additive to motor fuel. It also serves as an ethylating agent, solvent, refrigerant, and anesthetic. 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. Ethyl Chloride has slight acute toxicity to aquatic life. It has caused respiration and germination increases in potatoes. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short- term effects of Ethyl Chloride 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. Ethyl Chloride has slight chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long- term effects of Ethyl Chloride to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Ethyl Chloride 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 Ethyl Chloride 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 99.8% of Ethyl Chloride 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 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 Ethyl Chloride found in fish tissues is expected to be about the same as the average concentration of Ethyl Chloride in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA, Phytotox.