Common Name: Ethylene Dibromide CAS Number: 106-93-4 DOT Number: UN 1605 Date: May, 1989 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Ethylene Dibromide can affect you when breathed and by passing through skin. * Ethylene Dibromide is a CARCINOGEN HANDLE IT WITH EXTREME CAUTION. It may damage the developing fetus and the male and female reproductive systems. * Exposure can irritate the eyes, nose and throat. Higher levels can irritate and burn the lungs and may cause a build up of fluid (pulmonary edema). * Contact can severely irritate and burn the eyes and skin. * It can damage the liver and kidneys. IDENTIFICATION Ethylene Dibromide is a heavy colorless to brown liquid with a sweet odor. It is used as a grain fumigant, general solvent and in waterproofing preparations. REASON FOR CITATION * Ethylene Dibromide is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, NIOSH, DOT, IARC, NTP, CAG, DEP and EPA. * This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is a CARCINOGEN. * 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 = 26 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 20 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift, 30 ppm as an acceptable ceiling and 50 ppm as a maximum peak above the acceptance ceiling concentration not to be exceeded during any 15 minute work period. NIOSH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.045 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift and 0.13 ppm which should not be exceeded in any 15 minute period. * 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. * Ethylene Dibromide 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 Ethylene Dibromide is handled, used, or stored. * Wear protective work clothing. Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure and at the end of the workshift. * Post hazard and warning information in the work area. In addition, communicate all information on the health and safety hazards of Ethylene Dibromide 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 Ethylene Dibromide: * Contact can cause severe skin and eye burns, with permanent eye damage. * Exposure to the vapor may also damage the eyes. * Exposure may irritate and damage the lungs, causing coughing and shortness of breath. Higher levels can cause a build up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), a medical emergency. * High exposure can cause dizziness, drowsiness, vomiting, unconsciousness, and death. It can damage the liver or kidneys enough to cause death. * Ethylene Dibromide can also irritate the eyes, nose and throat. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Ethylene Dibromide and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * Ethylene Dibromide is a PROBABLE CARCINOGEN in humans. There is some evidence that it causes stomach and liver cancer in humans and it has been shown to cause stomach and liver 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 * Ethylene Dibromide is a possible TERATOGEN in humans and has been shown to be a TERATOGEN in animals. * It may damage the reproductive system, causing abnormal sperm in males and decreased fertility in females. Other Long Term Effects * Exposure can irritate the lungs. Repeated exposures may cause bronchitis to develop with cough, phlegm and/or shortness of breath. * It may damage the liver and the kidneys. MEDICAL Medical Testing For those with frequent or potentially high exposure (half the exposure limit or greater, or significant skin contact), the following are recommended before beginning work and at regular times after that: * Liver function tests. * Lung function tests. If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * Consider chest x ray after acute overexposure. * 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. * If you are taking the drug Disulfiram (antabuse) and are exposed to Disulfiram at work, there may be toxic effects from the combination. 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 Ethylene Dibromide from drums or other storage containers to process containers. * Specific engineering controls are recommended by NIOSH. Refer to the NIOSH criteria document: Ethylene Dibromide #77 221. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Ethylene Dibromide 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 Ethylene Dibromide. * 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 Ethylene Dibromide, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Ethylene Dibromide 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 Ethylene Dibromide. 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 * 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 Ethylene Dibromide you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Ethylene Dibromide must be stored to avoid contact with CHEMICALLY ACTIVE METALS (such as ALUMINUM, MAGNESIUM, SODIUM and POTASSIUM), STRONG BASES, and STRONG OXIDIZERS (such as CHLORATES, PERCHLORATES, PEROXIDES, NITRATES and PERMANGANATES). * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated area away from HEAT or LIGHT. * A regulated, marked area should be established where Ethylene Dibromide is handled, used, or stored. Common Name: Ethylene Dibromide DOT Number: UN 1605 DOT Emergency Guide code: 55 CAS Number: 106-93-4 ---------------------------------------- Hazard rating NJ DOH NFPA FLAMMABILITY Not Found Not Rated REACTIVITY Not Found Not Rated ---------------------------------------- POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE CARCINOGEN ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Ethylene Dibromide is a non combustible liquid. * Use dry chemical, CO2, or foam extinguisher and water to keep fire exposed containers cool. * POISONOUS GASES ARE 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 Ethylene Dibromide is spilled or leaked, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill or leak until cleanup is complete. * Ventilate the area of spill or leak. * 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 Ethylene Dibromide 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. Continue without stopping for at least 30 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. PHYSICAL DATA Vapor Pressure: 11 mm Hg at 68oF (20oC) Flash Point: 36oF (37.8oC) Water Solubility: Soluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Ethane, 1,2 Dibromo Other Names and Formulations: EDB; Ethylene Bromide; Glycol Dibromide; 1,2-Dibromoethane. ------------------------------------------ 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 Ethylene Dibromide is a heavy liquid with an odor like chloroform. It is used as a fumigant and as an anti-knock additive in gasoline. Ethylene Dibromide 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. Ethylene Dibromide has moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short- term effects of ethylene Dibromide 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. Ethylene Dibromide has moderate chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long- term effects of ethylene Dibromide to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Ethylene Dibromide 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 Ethylene Dibromide 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 91.6% of ethylene Dibromide will eventually end up in the 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 ethylene Dibromide found in fish tissues is expected to be about the same as the average concentration of ethylene Dibromide in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA, Phytotox.