Common Name: 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane CAS Number: 79-34-5 DOT Number: UN 1702 Date: January 31, 1986 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane can affect you when breathed in and by passing through your skin. * 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane should be handled as a CARCINOGEN WITH EXTREME CAUTION. * Overexposure can cause unconsciousness, liver and kidney damage and death. * Lower exposures can cause dizziness and drowsiness. * Long term exposures can cause chronic damage of the liver, kidneys, blood forming organs and nerves. * Liquid or vapor can cause eye damage. * Never use near combustion sources; highly toxic gases are formed. IDENTIFICATION 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane is a colorless or pale yellow liquid with a sickly sweet odor. It is used in making other chemicals, insecticides, paints, rust removers and varnishes. REASON FOR CITATION * 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, CAG, NIOSH and DOT. * 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 = 1.5 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 5 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift. NIOSH: Recommends reducing exposures to the lowest detectable limit. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 1 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. * 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane may be a 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. * Wear protective work clothing. * Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to 1,1,2,2- Tetrachloroethane and at the end of the workshift. * Post hazard and warning information in the work area and communicate all information on the health and safety hazards of 1,1,2, 2 Tetrachloroethane to potentially exposed workers. This Fact Sheet is a summary source of information for workers, employers and community residents. Health professionals may also find it useful. If this substance is part of a mixture, this Fact Sheet should be used along with the manufacturer supplied Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION Acute Health Effects The following acute (short term) health effects may occur immediately or shortly after exposure to 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane: * 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane can cause unconsciousness and death. Lower exposures can cause dizziness and drowsiness. Poor appetite, nausea, or weakness may occur. * Short term exposure can damage the liver and kidneys enough to cause death. * The liquid or vapor can cause severe damage to the eyes and irritate the skin, nose, mouth and throat. * Nerve effects like tremors, "pins and needles," headaches, irritability, nervousness, or insomnia may occur. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane may be a CARCINOGEN in humans since it has been shown to cause liver cancer 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 * There is limited evidence that 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane is a teratogen in animals. Until further testing has been done, it should be treated as a possible teratogen in humans. Other Long Term Effects * Long term exposure may damage the liver, kidneys, blood forming organs and nerves. MEDICAL Medical Testing Before beginning employment and at regular times after that, the following are recommended: * Exam of the nervous system. * Liver and kidney function tests with a complete blood count. 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, drinking alcohol may increase the liver damage caused by 1,1,2,2- Tetrachloroethane. 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 1,1,2,2- Tetrachloroethane 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: #78 181 Current Intelligence Bulletin: Chloroethane #27. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by 1,1,2,2- Tetrachloroethane 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 1,1,2,2- Tetrachloroethane. * 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 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the workshift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane 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 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane. 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. 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. Common Name: 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane DOT Number: UN 1702 DOT Emergency Guide code: 55 CAS Number: 793-45 ---------------------------------------- NJ DOH Hazard rating FLAMMABILITY 0 REACTIVITY 0 ---------------------------------------- POISONOUS GASES ARE 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. 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane itself does not burn. * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including Phosgene and Hydrogen Chloride. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane 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 1,1,2,2- Tetrachloroethane 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 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane must be stored to avoid contact with CHEMICALLY ACTIVE METALS (such as POTASSIUM, POWDERED ALUMINUM, SODIUM, MAGNESIUM and ZINC) or STRONG ACIDS (such as HYDROCHLORIC, SULFURIC and NITRIC) since violent reactions occur. 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 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: 8 mm Hg at 68oF Water Solubility: Soluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Ethane, 1,1,2,2-Tetra chloro Other Names and Formulations: Acetylene tetrachloride; Dichloro 2,2 dichloroethane; Tetrachloroethane. ------------------------------------------ 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 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane is a heavy, nonflammable liquid with a sweetish, chloroform-like odor. It is used as an industrial solvent; to make paint, varnish, and rust removers; in pesticide formulations; and to make other organic chemicals. It may enter the environment from industrial discharges, chlorination of municipal water supplies and sewage, 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. 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane has moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life. This chemical has killed ornamental plants. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short-term effects of 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane to 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. 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane has moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long-term effects of 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane 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 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane 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 1,1,2,2- tetrachloroethane 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 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane found in fish tissues is expected to be about the same as the average concentration of 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA, Phytotox.