Common Name: Vinyl Chloride CAS Number: 75-01-4 DOT Number UN 1086 Date: January, 1986 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Vinyl Chloride can affect you when breathed and by passing through skin. * Vinyl Chloride is a CARCINOGEN HANDLE WITH EXTREME CAUTION. It also may cause damage to the developing fetus. * Exposure can cause you to feel dizzy, lightheaded and sleepy. Higher levels can cause you to pass out and even die. * Repeated exposure can damage the liver, the bones and blood vessels of the hands, and cause skin changes. * Vinyl Chloride may cause stomach problems, kidney damage, skin allergy and damage the nervous system and blood. * It is a HIGHLY FLAMMABLE LIQUID or GAS and a DANGEROUS FIRE HAZARD. IDENTIFICATION Vinyl Chloride is a colorless gas usually handled as liquid with a faintly sweet odor. It is used in the plastics industry and to make other chemicals. REASON FOR CITATION * Vinyl Chloride is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, DOT, NIOSH, IARC, DEP and NFPA. * This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is a CARCINOGEN, MUTAGEN and 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 = 3,000 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 1.0 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift and 5.0 ppm, not to be exceeded during any 15 minute work period. NIOSH: Lowest reliably detectable level. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 5.0 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift. * Vinyl Chloride is 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 * A regulated, marked area should be established where Vinyl Chloride is handled, used, or stored. * Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to Vinyl Chloride and at the end of the workshift. * Wear protective work clothing. This Fact Sheet is a summary source of information for workers, employers and community residents. Health professionals may also find it useful. If this substance is part of a mixture, this Fact Sheet should be used along with the manufacturer supplied Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). ---------------------------------- HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION Acute Health Effects The following acute (short term) health effects may occur immediately or shortly after exposure to Vinyl Chloride: * High exposure can cause you to feel dizzy, lightheaded, "high" and sleepy. Even higher levels can cause headaches, nausea, weakness, and can cause you to pass out and die. * Contact can irritate the skin and eyes. The liquid can cause frostbite. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Vinyl Chloride and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * Vinyl Chloride is a CARCINOGEN in humans. It has been shown to cause liver, brain and lung cancer. * 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 * Vinyl Chloride may damage the developing fetus and there is limited evidence that Vinyl Chloride is a teratogen in animals. Until further testing has been done, it should be treated as a possible teratogen in humans. * An excess of spontaneous abortions has been reported among spouses of workers who had been exposed to Vinyl Chloride. * Increased rates of birth defects have been reported in areas where Vinyl Chloride processing plants are located. Vinyl Chloride's role in this increased risk is unknown at this time. Other Long Term Effects * Repeated exposure can cause a disease called "scleroderma". This causes the skin to become very smooth, tight and shiny. It causes the bones of the fingers to erode ("acroosteolysis"), and damages the blood vessels in the hands ("Raynaud's syndrome"). This causes the hands (or feet) to turn numb, pale or blue with even mild cold exposure. * Repeated exposure can permanently damage the liver and damage the kidneys, nervous system and blood cells. * Vinyl Chloride can cause symptoms like stomach ulcers. * Vinyl Chloride may cause a skin allergy. If allergy develops, very low future exposures can cause itching and a skin rash. MEDICAL TESTING OSHA requires that your employer provide all exposed workers with the following before starting work and every year after that (every six months for those on the job more that 10 years): * Complete liver function tests. In addition the following may be useful: * Kidney function tests. * Complete blood count. * Complete exam of the skin and nervous system. If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * x rays of the fingers. * A test called "Urinary Thiodiglycolic acid level" (normal is usually less than 2 mg/liter). * Evaluation by a qualified allergist, including careful exposure history and special testing, may help diagnose skin allergy. 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 Vinyl Chloride from drums or other storage containers to process containers. * Specific engineering controls are required for this chemical by OSHA. Refer to the OSHA standard: 1910.1017 Vinyl Chloride. * Specific engineering controls are recommended for this chemical by NIOSH. Refer to the NIOSH Current Intelligence Bulletin: #79 146 Vinyl Halides Carcinogenicity # 28. * Before entering a confined space where Vinyl 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 Vinyl Chloride 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 Vinyl Chloride. * If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower facilities should be provided. * On skin contact with Vinyl Chloride, 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 Vinyl Chloride, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Vinyl 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 Vinyl Chloride. 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 Vinyl Chloride you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Vinyl Chloride must be stored to avoid contact with OXIDIZERS (such as PERCHLORATES, PEROXIDES, PERMANGANATES, CHLORATES and NITRATES) since violent reactions occur. * Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are prohibited where Vinyl Chloride is handled, used, or stored. * Metal containers involving the transfer of 5 gallons or more of Vinyl 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 Vinyl Chloride. * Wherever Vinyl Chloride is used, handled, manufactured, or stored, use explosion proof electrical equipment and fittings. * A regulated, marked area should be established where Vinyl Chloride is handled, used, or stored. Common Name: Vinyl Chloride DOT Number: UN 1086 DOT Emergency Guide code: 17 CAS Number: 75-01-4 ---------------------------------------- NJ DOH Hazard rating FLAMMABILITY 4 REACTIVITY 1 ---------------------------------------- FLAMMABLE GAS CARCINOGEN POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED IN FIRE CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Vinyl Chloride is a FLAMMABLE GAS. * Use dry chemical or CO2 extinguishers. * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including Phosgene, Hydrogen Chloride, and Carbon Monoxide. * CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE. * FIRE MAY RESTART AFTER IT HAS BEEN EXTINGUISHED. * 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 Vinyl 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 to disperse the gas. * 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 Vinyl 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 Vinyl Chloride as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact 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 * Immerse affected part in warm 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: 2580 mm Hg at 68oF Flash Point: 108oF Water Solubility: Slightly soluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Ethene, Chloro Other Names and Formulations: Chloroethylene; VC; VCM; Vinyl Monomer; Chlorethene; Chlorethylene. ------------------------------------------ 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 Vinyl chloride is a highly flammable chemical which exists as a gas at room temperature. It is used to make polyvinyl chloride (PVC) which in turn is widely used to make plastics. It may enter the environment through industrial effluents 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. Data are insufficient to determine if vinyl chloride poses any acute toxicity hazards to aquatic life. No data are available on the short-term effects of vinyl chloride on plant, 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. Data are insufficient to determine if vinyl chloride poses any chronic toxicity hazards to aquatic life. No data are available on the long-term effects of vinyl chloride on plant, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Vinyl 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 Vinyl Chloride is non-persistent in water. 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 vinyl chloride 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 vinyl chloride found in fish tissues is expected to be about the same as the average concentration of vinyl chloride in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.