Common Name: 1,1,2-Trichloroethane CAS Number: 79-00-5 DOT Number: UN 2831 Date: August, 1988 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * 1,1,2-Trichloroethane can affect you when breathed in and by passing through your skin. * Overexposure can cause unconsciousness and death. It can also cause the heart to beat irregularly or to stop. * High or repeated lower exposures can damage the liver and kidneys. * Long term skin contact can cause thickening and cracking of the skin. * Never use near combustion sources like furnaces or welding; highly toxic gases are formed (including Hydrogen Chloride and Phosgene). IDENTIFICATION 1,1,2-Trichloroethane is a colorless liquid with a sweet odor. It is used in making other chemicals and adhesives, and as a solvent. REASON FOR CITATION * 1,1,2-Trichloroethane is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, CAG, DOT, DEP and EPA. * This chemical is also on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is a CANCER CAUSING AGENT. * 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 10 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 10 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift. * The above exposure limits are for air levels only. When skin contact also occurs, you may be over exposed, 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 1,1,2- Trichloroethane 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 1,1,2-Trichloroethane 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 1,1,2-Triichloroethane: * Breathing the vapor can cause you to feel dizzy or lightheaded. High exposures can cause you to pass out or even cause death. * Exposure can cause the heart to beat irregularly or stop. This can cause death. * The vapor may irritate the eyes, nose, mouth, and throat. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to 1,1,2-Trichloroethane and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * 1,1,2-Trichloroethane may be a CANCER CAUSING AGENT in humans since it has been shown to cause liver and adrenal gland cancers in animals. * 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 * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, 1,1,2-Trichloroethane has not been tested for its ability to adversely affect reproduction. Other Long Term Effects * Liver and kidney damage can occur from high or repeated lower exposures. * Repeated contact can cause thickening and cracking of the skin. * This chemical has not been adequately evaluated to determine whether brain or other nerve damage could occur with repeated exposure. However, many solvents and other petroleum based chemicals have been shown to cause such damage. Effects may include: reduced memory and concentration, personality changes (withdrawal, irritability), fatigue, sleep disturbances, reduced coordination, effects on nerves supplying internal organs (autonomic nerves) and/or nerves to the arms and legs (weakness, "pins and needles"). 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: * Liver and kidney function tests. * Interview for brain effects, including recent memory, mood (irritability, withdrawal), concentration, headaches, malaise and altered sleep patterns. Consider cerebellar, autonomic and peripheral nervous system evaluation. Positive and borderline individuals should be referred for neuropsychological testing. If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * Special 24 hour EKG (holster monitor) to look for irregular heart beat. 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 more than light alcohol consumption can cause liver damage, it can increase the liver damage caused by 1,1,2-Trichloroethane. 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 1,1,2- Trichloroethane 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 1,1,2- Trichloroethane 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 1,1,2- Trichloroethane. * If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower facilities should be provided. * On skin contact with 1,1,2-Trichloroethane, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. * Wash any areas of the body that may have contacted 1,1,2- Trichloroethane at the end of each work day, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where 1,1,2-Trichloroethane 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 1,1,2-Trichloroethane. 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 VITON and TEFLON as good to excellent protective materials. 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. * Engineering controls must be effective to ensure that exposure to 1,1,2-Trichloroethane does not occur. * Where the potential exists for exposures near or over 10 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 1,1,2-Trichloroethane you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * 1,1,2-Trichloroethane must be stored to avoid contact with STRONG OXIDIZERS (such as CHLORATES, NITRATES, PEROXIDES, CHLORINE and BROMINE), STRONG CAUSTICS, and CHEMICALLY ACTIVE METALS (such as POTASSIUM, MAGNESIUM, ZINC and SODIUM) because violent reactions occur. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool well ventilated area away from HEAT. * Sources of ignition such as smoking and open flames are prohibited where 1,1,2-Trichloroethane is used, handled, or stored in a manner that could create a potential fire or explosion hazard. Common Name: 1,1,2-Trichloroethane DOT Number: UN 2831 DOT Emergency Guide code: 74 CAS Number: 79-00-5 ---------------------------------------- Hazard rating NJ DOH NFPA FLAMMABILITY Not Found Not Rated REACTIVITY Not Found Not Rated ---------------------------------------- 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 * 1,1,2-Trichloroethane may burn, but does not readily ignite. * Use dry chemical, CO2, or foam extinguishers, and water to keep fire exposed containers cool. * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE including Hydrogen Chloride and Phosgene. * CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE 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 1,1,2-Trichloroethane is spilled or leaked, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill or leak until cleanup is complete. Vapor build up may cause suffocation. * 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 1,1,2-Trichloroethane 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 1,1,2- Trichloroethane 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. Skin Contact * Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash area with large amounts of soap and water. 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: 18.8 mm Hg at 68oF (20oC) Water Solubility: Insoluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Ethane, 1,1,2-Trichloro Other Names and Formulations: Vinyl Trichloride; 1,2,2, Trichloroethane; beta Trichloroethane. ------------------------------------------ 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 1,1,2-Trichloroethane is a nonflammable liquid used as a solvent in cleaning metal and in cleaning plastic molds. It is also used to make 1,1-dichloroethylene and other organic chemicals. It may enter the environment from industrial discharges, chlorinated effluents from municipal waste treatment plants, 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. 1,1,2-Trichloroethane has moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short- term effects of 1,1,2-trichloroethane 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. 1,1,2-Trichloroethane has moderate chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict long- term effects of 1,1,2-trichloroethane to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY 1,1,2-Trichloroethane is highly soluble in water. Concentrations of 1,000 milligrams will mix with a liter of water. DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT 1,1,2-Trichloroethane 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 98% of 1,1,2-trichloroethane 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 1,1,2-trichloroethane found in fish tissues is expected to be somewhat higher than the average concentration of 1,1,2-trichloroethane in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.