Common Name: Epichlorohydrin CAS Number: 106-89-8 DOT Number: UN 2023 Date: September 8, 1987 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Epichlorohydrin can affect you when breathed and by passing through skin. * Epichlorohydrin is a CARCINOGEN HANDLE WITH EXTREME CAUTION. * Epichlorohydrin may decrease fertility in males. * Skin or eye contact can cause burns. * The vapor strongly irritates the eyes, nose and lungs. Higher exposure can cause a fluid build up in the lungs (pulmonary edema). This can cause death. * High or repeated exposure may damage the lungs, liver or kidney. * Epichlorohydrin is a REACTIVE CHEMICAL and is an EXPLOSION HAZARD. IDENTIFICATION Epichlorohydrin is a colorless liquid with an irritating chloroform like odor. It is used to make epoxy and phenoxy solvents, and in curing propylene based rubber. REASON FOR CITATION * Epichlorohydrin is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, DOT, NIOSH, IARC, DEP, NFPA and EPA. * This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is a CARCINOGEN, a MUTAGEN and is 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. WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 5.0 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift. NIOSH: Recommends that occupational exposures be minimized. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 2.0 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. * Epichlorohydrin is a PROBABLE 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 * 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 Epichlorohydrin is handled, used, or stored. * Wear protective work clothing. * Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to Epichlorohydrin 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 Epichlorohydrin 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 Epichlorohydrin: * Eye contact with the liquid can cause severe irritation or burns with possible permanent damage. * Skin contact with the liquid can cause blistering and severe pain which may be delayed for minutes or hours after contact. * The vapor is highly irritating to the eyes, nose, throat, bronchial tubes and lungs. Higher exposures could cause a chemical "burn" in the lungs (pneumonitis) or dangerous fluid build up in the lungs (pulmonary edema). This can cause death. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Epichlorohydrin and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * Epichlorohydrin is a PROBABLE CARCINOGEN in humans. There is some evidence that it causes lung cancer in humans and it has been shown to cause stomach, skin and nasal cavity cancer in animals. * 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 * Epichlorohydrin may decrease fertility in males. It is unclear at this time if this is a reversible condition. Other Long Term Effects * Exposure may cause a skin allergy to develop, with rash and itching. If this happens, even low future exposure could trigger a rash. (Blistering after direct contact does not mean allergy is present.) * Repeated overexposure could cause lung damage and may also damage the kidneys or liver. * Lung allergy (asthma) with wheezing, cough and chest tightness may develop. If this happens, even low future exposures could trigger symptoms. MEDICAL Medical Testing Before beginning employment and at regular times after that, the following are recommended: * Lung function tests. If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * Liver and kidney function tests. * Consider chest x ray after acute over exposure. * 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. 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. 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 Epichlorohydrin from drums or other storage containers to process containers. * Specific engineering controls are recommended for this chemical by NIOSH. Refer to the NIOSH criteria document: Epichlorohydrin #76 206. * Before entering a confined space where Epichlorohydrin 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 Epichlorohydrin 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 Epichlorohydrin. * 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 Epichlorohydrin, 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 Epichlorohydrin, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Epichlorohydrin 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 Epichlorohydrin. 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. * ACGIH recommends Butyl Rubber as a protective material. 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 Epichlorohydrin you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Epichlorohydrin must be stored to avoid contact with STRONG OXIDIZERS (such as CHLORINE, BROMINE and FLUORINE), STRONG ACIDS (such as HYDROCHLORIC, SULFURIC, and NITRIC) and CHEMICALLY ACTIVE METALS (such as ALUMINUM, CAUSTICS, CHLORIDES of IRON and ALUMINUM and ZINC) since violent reactions occur. * Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are prohibited where Epichlorohydrin is handled, used, or stored. * Metal containers involving the transfer of 5 gallons or more of Epichlorohydrin 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 Epichlorohydrin. * Wherever Epichlorohydrin is used, handled, manufactured, or stored, use explosion proof electrical equipment and fittings. * A regulated, marked area should be established where Epichlorohydrin is handled, used, or stored. Common Name: Epichlorohydrin DOT Number: UN 2023 DOT Emergency Guide code: 30 CAS Number: 106-89-8 ---------------------------------------- NJ DOH Hazard rating FLAMMABILITY 3 REACTIVITY 2 ---------------------------------------- POISONOUS GASES PRODUCED IN FIRE CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Epichlorohydrin is a FLAMMABLE LIQUID. * Use dry chemical, CO2, water spray, or foam extinguishers. * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including Phosgene, Hydrogen Chloride and Carbon Monoxide. * CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE. 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 Epichlorohydrin is spilled or leaked, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill or leak until clean up is complete. * 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. * Keep Epichlorohydrin out of a confined space, such as a sewer, because of the possibility of an explosion, unless the sewer is designed to prevent the build up of explosive concentrations. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Epichlorohydrin 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 remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash area with large amounts of soap and 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. * Medical observation is recommended for 24 to 48 hours after breathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may be delayed. PHYSICAL DATA Vapor Pressure: 13 mm Hg at 68oF Flash Point: 100oF Water Solubility: Soluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Oxirane, Chloromethyl Other Names and Formulations: 1-Chloro-2,3-Epoxy Propone; (Chloromethyl) Ethylene Oxide; Chloropropylene Oxide; Ech; Glycerol Epichlorohydrin. ------------------------------------------ Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial purposes. ------------------------------------------ NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Right to Know Project CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625 0368 ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION Epichlorohydrin is a colorless liquid used mainly to make glycerol and epoxy resins, with lesser amounts used as intermediates to make plasticizers, dyestuffs, surfactants, pharmaceuticals, castings, adhesives, stabilizers, anion-exchange resins, polymers, and paper- sizing agents. It may enter the environment from 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. Epichlorohydrin has moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short- term effects of epichlorohydrin 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. Epichlorohydrin has moderate chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long- term effects of epichlorohydrin to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Epichlorohydrin is highly soluble in water. Concentrations of 1,000 milligrams and more will mix with a liter of water. DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT Epichlorohydrin is slightly persistent in water, with a half-life of between 2 to 20 days. The half-life of a pollutant is the amount of time it takes for one-half of the chemical to be degraded. About 90% of epichlorohydrin will eventually end up in water; the rest will end up in the 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 epichlorohydrin found in fish tissues is expected to be about the same as the average concentration of epichlorohydrin in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.