Common Name: 1,2-Dichloroethane CAS Number: 107-06-2 DOT Number: UN 1184 Date: September 9, 1986 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * 1,2-Dichloroethane can affect you when breathed in and by passing through your skin. * 1,2-Dichloroethane should be handled as a CARCINOGEN WITH EXTREME CAUTION. * Exposure can cause nausea, headaches, dizziness, liver and kidney damage and can cause you to pass out and even die. * Exposure can irritate the nose, throat and lungs. Higher levels can cause fluid build up in the lungs (pulmonary edema). This can cause death. * Contact can irritate the skin and eyes. * 1,2-Dichloroethane is a FLAMMABLE LIQUID and a FIRE HAZARD. IDENTIFICATION 1,2-Dichloroethane is a colorless, oily, liquid with a chloroform like odor. It is used to make vinyl chloride, as a solvent and in many other industrial processes. REASON FOR CITATION * 1,2-Dichloroethane is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, DOT, NIOSH, NTP and NFPA. * This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is a CARCINOGEN, a MUTAGEN and is FLAMMABLE. * 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 = 88 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 50 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift and 100 ppm ceiling not to be exceeded at any time except for an allowable peak up to 200 ppm for 5 minutes in any 3 hours of a workshift. NIOSH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 1 ppm averaged over an 10 hour workshift and 2 ppm, not to be exceeded during any 15 minute work period. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 10 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift. * 1,2-Dichloroethane 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 1,2- Dichloroethane 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 1,2-Dichloroethane 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 1,2-Dichloroethane: * Breathing 1,2-Dichloroethane can irritate the nose, throat, and lungs causing a cough, shortness of breath and difficulty in breathing. Higher levels can cause a build up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema). This can cause death. * Exposure can cause nausea, vomiting, headaches, increasing drowsiness and then loss of consciousness. Overexposure can also cause liver and kidney damage, and irritate the eyes. * Contact can irritate the skin causing redness and a rash, and irritate the eyes. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to 1,2-Dichloroethane and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * 1,2-Dichloroethane may be a CARCINOGEN in humans since it has been shown to cause stomach, lung, breast and other types of cancers 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 * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, 1,2-Dichloroethane has not been tested for its ability to adversely affect reproduction. Other Long Term Effects * 1,2-Dichloroethane can irritate the lungs. Repeated exposures may cause bronchitis to develop with cough, phlegm, and/or shortness of breath. * Repeated, prolonged contact can chronically irritate the skin causing dryness, redness and a rash. * Repeated, prolonged exposure can cause loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, trembling and low blood sugar (with weakness). It may damage the liver and kidneys. MEDICAL Medical Testing Before beginning employment and at regular times after that, the following are recommended: * Lung function tests. * Liver and kidney function tests. If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * 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. 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. * Because more than light alcohol consumption can cause liver damage, drinking alcohol may increase the liver damage caused by 1,2-Dichloroethane. 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 1,2-Dichloroethane 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: Occupational Exposure to Ethylene Dichloride (1,2- Dichloroethane) #78 211. * Before entering a confined space where 1,2-Dichloroethane 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 1,2- Dichloroethane 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 1,2- Dichloroethane. * If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower facilities should be provided. * On skin contact with 1,2-Dichloroethane, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where 1,2-Dichloroethane 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 1,2-Dichloroethane. 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. HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with 1,2-Dichloroethane you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated area away from OXIDIZERS (such as PERCHLORATES, PEROXIDES, PERMANGANATES, CHLORATES and NITRATES), STRONG ACIDS (such as HYDROCHLORIC, SULFURIC and NITRIC), CHEMICALLY ACTIVE METALS (such as POTASSIUM, SODIUM, MAGNESIUM and ZINC), STRONG CAUSTICS (such as SODIUM HYDROXIDE) and DIMETHYLAMINOPROPYLAMINE since violent reactions occur. Common Name: 1,2-Dichloroethane DOT Number: UN 1184 DOT Emergency Guide code: 26 CAS Number: 107-06-2 ---------------------------------------- NJ DOH Hazard rating FLAMMABILITY 3 REACTIVITY 0 ---------------------------------------- FLAMMABLE LIQUID POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED IN FIRE CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * 1,2-Dichloroethane is a FLAMMABLE LIQUID. * POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED IN FIRE. * CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE. * Use dry chemical, CO2, or foam extinguishers. * Water may be ineffective in fighting fire, but water should be used to keep fire exposed containers cool. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If 1,2-Dichloroethane 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 1,2-Dichloroethane out of a confined space, such as a sewer, because of the possibility of an explosion, un less the sewer is designed to prevent the build up of explosive concentrations. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of 1,2- Dichloroethane as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your 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 contaminated skin 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. * Medical observation is recommended for 24 to 48 hours after breathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may be delayed. PHYSICAL DATA Vapor Pressure: 62 mm Hg at 68oF Flash Point: 55oF Water Solubility: Slightly soluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Ethane, 1,2 Dichloro Other Names and Formulations: 1,2-Bichloroethane; Freon 150; Ethylene Dichloride. ------------------------------------------ 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 1,2-Dichloroethane is a heavy liquid chemical which is used to make vinyl chloride, other chlorinated solvents, acetylcellulose, and tetraethyl lead; as a solvent for rubber, fats, oils, waxes, gums, and resins; and as a fumigant. It 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. 1,2-Dichloroethane has slight acute toxicity to aquatic life. It has been shown to cause injury to woody fruit trees. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short-term effects of 1,2-Dichloroethane 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. 1,2-Dichloroethane has slight chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long- term effects of 1,2-Dichloroethane to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY 1,2-Dichloroethane 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 1,2-Dichloroethane 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 97% of 1,2-Dichloroethane 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 1,2-Dichloroethane found in fish tissues is expected to be about the same as the average concentration of 1,2- Dichloroethane in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA., Phytotox.