Common Name: Vinylidene Chloride CAS Number: 75-35-4 DOT Number: UN 1303 Date: October, 1986 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Vinylidene Chloride can affect you when breathed and by passing through skin. * Vinylidene Chloride is a CARCINOGEN HANDLE WITH EXTREME CAUTION. It may damage the developing fetus and cause reproductive damage in males. * Exposure can irritate the eyes, nose and throat. Contact can irritate and burn the eyes and skin. * High levels cause a "drunken" feeling that can go on to unconsciousness. * Repeated exposures may damage the liver, kidneys and lungs. * It is a HIGHLY FLAMMABLE and REACTIVE CHEMICAL, and a DANGEROUS FIRE and EXPLOSION HAZARD. IDENTIFICATION Vinylidene Chloride is a colorless liquid with a mild, sweet odor. It is used as a chemical intermediate in making plastics. REASON FOR CITATION * Vinylidene Chloride is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is cited by DOT, CAG, NFPA and others. * This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is a CARCINOGEN, a MUTAGEN, FLAMMABLE and REACTIVE. * 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. * ODOR THRESHOLD = 190 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 ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 5 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift and 20 ppm 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. * Vinylidene Chloride 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. 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. * A regulated, marked area should be established where Vinylidene Chloride is handled, used, or stored. * Wear protective work clothing. * Wash thoroughly 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 Vinylidene 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 Vinylidene Chloride: * Exposure can irritate the eyes, nose and throat. Higher levels cause a "drunken" feeling that may go on to passing out. * Contact can irritate and burn the skin and eyes. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Vinylidene Chloride and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * Vinylidene Chloride may be a CANCER CAUSING AGENT in humans since it has been shown to cause kidney, liver and skin cancer in animals. It is similar to, and often found with Vinyl Chloride, a known carcinogen. * 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 * Vinylidene Chloride may damage the developing fetus. Exposure may also affect the reproductive ability of males. Other Long Term Effects * Repeated exposure may cause liver and kidney damage. * Vinylidene Chloride may cause bronchitis to develop, with coughing, sputum production and shortness of breath. 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: * Lung function tests. * 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. Mixed Exposures Because smoking can cause heart disease, as well as lung cancer, emphysema, and other respiratory problems, it may worsen respiratory conditions caused by chemical exposure. Even if you have smoked for a long time, stopping now will reduce your risk of developing health problems. Because more than light alcohol consumption can cause liver damage, drinking alcohol may increase the liver damage caused by Vinylidene Chloride. 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 Vinylidene Chloride from drums or other storage containers to process containers. * Before entering a confined space where Vinylidene 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 Vinylidene 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 Vinylidene 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 Vinylidene Chloride, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Vinylidene 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 Vinylidene Chloride. Wear protective gloves and clothing including an apron and boots. 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 1 ppm, 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 Vinylidene Chloride you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Vinylidene Chloride must be stored to avoid contact with OXIDIZERS such as PERCHLORATES, PEROXIDES, PERMANGANATES, CHLORATES, and NITRATES; and STRONG ACIDS such as HYDROCHLORIC, SULFURIC, and NITRIC since violent reactions occur. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool well ventilated area away from SOURCES OF HEAT. * Protect storage containers from physical damage. * Sources of ignition such as smoking and open flames are prohibited where Vinylidene Chloride is handled, used, or stored. * Metal containers involving the transfer of 5 gallons or more of Vinylidene 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 Vinylidene Chloride. * Wherever Vinylidene Chloride is used, handled, manufactured, or stored, use explosion proof electrical equipment and fittings. * A regulated, marked area should be established where Vinylidene Chloride is handled, used, or stored. Common Name: Vinylidene Chloride DOT Number: UN 1303 DOT Emergency Guide code: 26 CAS Number: 75-35-4 ---------------------------------------- NJ DOH Hazard rating FLAMMABILITY 4 REACTIVITY 2 ---------------------------------------- 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 * Vinylidene Chloride is a FLAMMABLE LIQUID. * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including Hydrogen Chloride. * CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE. * Use dry chemical, CO2, or foam extinguishers and water to keep fire exposed containers cool. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If Vinylidene 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. * Remove all ignition sources. * Ventilate area of spill or leak. * Keep Vinylidene 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 Vinylidene 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. Skin Contact * Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash contaminated skin with large amounts of soap and 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: 591 mm Hg at 77oF Flash Point: 0oF Water Solubility: Insoluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Ethene, 1,1 Dichloro Other Names and Formulations: 1,1-Dichloroethylene. ------------------------------------------ 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 Vinylidene Chloride is a liquid used to make methylchloroform and in the production of various vinylidene polymer plastics, including food packaging materials such as sandwich wraps. The polymers are used in the interior coatings of ship tanks, railroad cars, fuel storage tanks, pipes and other structures. 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. Vinylidene Chloride has moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short- term effects of Vinylidene Chloride 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. Vinylidene Chloride has moderate chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long- term effects of Vinylidene Chloride to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Vinylidene 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 Vinylidene 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 take for one-half of the chemical to be degraded. About 99.9% of Vinylidene 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 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 Vinylidene Chloride found in fish tissues is expected to be somewhat higher than the average concentration of Vinylidene Chloride in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.