Common Name: Hexachlorocyclopentadiene CAS Number: 77-47-4 DOT Number: UN 2646 Date: October 30, 1986 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Hexachlorocyclopentadiene can affect you when breathed in and by passing through your skin. * Exposure is very irritating to the eyes, nose, throat and lungs, causing tearing, sneezing, and headaches. Higher levels can irritate and burn the lungs, possibly causing a buildup of fluid (pulmonary edema). This can cause death. * Hexachlorocyclopentadiene can damage the kidneys, liver and nervous system. * It is a CORROSIVE CHEMICAL and contact can burn the eyes and skin. IDENTIFICATION Hexachlorocyclopentadiene is a yellow to amber colored liquid with a pungent odor. It is used in making pesticides and flame retardant materials. REASON FOR CITATION * Hexachlorocyclopentadiene is on the RTK Hazardous Substance List because it is cited by ACGIH and DOT. * This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is CORROSIVE. * 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 = 0.03 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 0.01 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 Hexachlorocyclopentadiene. * 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 Hexachlorocyclopentadiene 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 Hexachlorocy clopentadiene: * Exposure is very irritating to the eyes, nose, throat and lungs. At low levels this causes sneezing, watery eyes, headaches, and burning in the eyes and throat. Higher levels can cause a buildup of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema). This can cause death. * Contact can burn the eyes and skin. * High exposures can damage the liver, kidneys and nervous system. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Hexachlorocyclopentadiene and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, Hexachlorocyclopentadiene has not been tested for its ability to cause cancer in animals. Reproductive Hazard * There is no evidence that Hexachlorocyclopentadiene adversely affects reproduction. This is based on test results presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health from published studies. Other Long Term Effects * Repeated exposure can damage the kidneys, liver and nervous system. * Very irritating substances may affect the lungs. It is not known whether Hexachlorocyclopentadiene causes lung damage. MEDICAL Medical Testing Before beginning employment and at regular times after that, the following are recommended: * Liver and kidney function tests. * Lung function tests. If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * Lung, liver and kidney function tests. * Exam of the nervous system. * Consider chest x ray after acute overexposure. 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. Conditions Made Worse By Exposure 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 can increase the liver damage caused by Hexachlorocyclopentadiene. 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 pump liquid Hexachlorocyclopentadiene 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 Hexachlorocyclopentadiene 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 Hexachlorocyclopentadiene. * 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 Hexachlorocyclopentadiene, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Hexachlorocyclopentadiene 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 Hexachlorocyclopentadiene. 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 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 0.01 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. Common Name: Hexachlorocyclopentadiene DOT Number: UN 2646 DOT Emergency Guide code: 55 CAS Number: 77-47-4 ---------------------------------------- NJ DOH Hazard rating FLAMMABILITY Not Found REACTIVITY Not Found ---------------------------------------- DOES NOT BURN POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED IN FIRE ---------------------------------------- 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. Hexachlorocyclopentadiene itself does not burn. * POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED 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 Hexachlorocyclopentadiene is spilled or leaked, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill or leak until cleanup is complete. * Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or a similar material and deposit in sealed containers. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Hexachlorocyclopentadiene as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state Environmental Program for specific recommendations. ========================================== FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire department. ========================================== HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with Hexachlorocyclopentadiene you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool well ventilated area away from WATER. * Protect containers from physical damage. In the presence of moisture, Hexachlorocyclopentadiene will corrode iron and other metals. 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. If Illness Develops From Overexposure * 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. * Medical observation is recommended for 24 to 48 hours after breathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may be de layed. PHYSICAL DATA Vapor Pressure: 0.080 mm Hg at 68oF Water Solubility: Slightly soluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: 1,2,3,4,5,5 Hexachloro 1,3 Cyclopentadiene Other Names and Formulations: HCCPD; C 56; NCI C55607. ------------------------------------------ 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 Hexachlorocyclopentadiene is used mostly to make flame retardants and insecticides. It may enter the environment from industrial discharges, leaching from landfills,and runoff from agricultural lands. 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. Hexachlorocyclopentadiene has high acute toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short- term effects of this chemical 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. Hexachlorocyclopentadiene has high chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long-term effects of this chemical to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Hexachlorocyclopentadiene 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 Hexachlorocyclopentadiene 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 978.6% of this chemical will eventually end up in air; about 0.4% will end up in water; and about 1%, respectively, will end up in terrestrial soil and aquatic sediments. 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 hexachlorocyclopentadiene found in fish tissues is expected to be much higher than the average concentration of hexachlorocyclopentadiene in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.