Common Name: Bis (2-Chloroethyl) Ether CAS Number: 111-44-4 DOT Number: UN 1916 Date: January 19, 1988 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Bis (2-Chloroethyl) Ether can affect you when breathed in and by passing through your skin. * It should be handled as a CARCINOGEN WITH EXTREME CAUTION. * Exposure can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. Higher levels can irritate the lungs, causing a buildup of fluid (pulmonary edema). * Repeated exposure can cause bronchitis, with coughing, phlegm, and shortness of breath. * Bis (2-Chloroethyl) Ether may damage the liver and kidneys. IDENTIFICATION Bis (2-Chloroethyl) Ether is a clear colorless liquid with a strong odor. It is used as a solvent and in making textiles and insecticides. REASON FOR CITATION * Bis (2-Chloroethyl) Ether is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA. * This chemical is 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 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 = 0.049 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 15 ppm, not to be exceeded at any time. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 5 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift and 10 ppm as a STEL (short term exposure limit). * Bis (2-Chloroethyl) Ether may be a CANCER CAUSING AGENT in humans. There may be no safe level of exposure to a carcinogen, so all contact should be reduced to the lowest possible level. * 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. 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 Bis (2- Chloroethyl) Ether 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 Bis (2-Chloroethyl) Ether 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 Bis (2-Chloroethyl) Ether: * Breathing Bis (2-Chloroethyl) Ether may irritate the lungs, causing coughing and/or shortness of breath. Higher exposures can cause a buildup of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema). * Exposure to the vapor can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. * Contact can irritate the eyes. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Bis (2-Chloroethyl) Ether and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * It may be a CANCER CAUSING AGENT in humans since it has been shown to cause liver cancer in animals. * Many scientists believe that 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, Bis (2-Chloroethyl) Ether has not been tested for its ability to adversely affect reproduction. Other Long Term Effects * It can irritate the lungs. Repeated exposures may cause bronchitis to develop with a cough, phlegm, and/or shortness of breath. * 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. If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may also be useful: * Liver, kidney, and lung function tests. * 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. 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 Bis (2-Chloroethyl) Ether 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 Bis (2- Chloroethyl) Ether 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 Bis (2- Chloroethyl) Ether. * On skin contact with Bis (2-Chloroethyl) Ether, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. * Wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Bis (2- Chloroethyl) Ether at the end of each workday, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Bis (2-Chloroethyl) Ether 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 Bis (2-Chloroethyl) Ether. Wear protective gloves and clothing. Safety equipment sup pliers/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 * 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. * Where the potential exists for exposures over 5 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. * Exposure to 250 ppm is immediately dangerous to life and health. If the possibility of exposures above 250 ppm exists use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in continuous flow or other positive pressure mode. HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with Bis (2-Chloroethyl) Ether you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Bis (2-Chloroethyl) Ether must be stored to avoid contact with STRONG OXIDIZERS such as CHLORINE, BROMINE, and CHLORINE DIOXIDE since 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 Bis (2-Chloroethyl) Ether is used, handled,or stored in a manner that could create a potential fire or explosion hazard. Common Name: Bis (2-Chloroethyl) Ether DOT Number: UN 1916 DOT Emergency Guide code: 57 CAS Number: 111-44-4 --------------------------------------- NJ DOH Hazard rating FLAMMABILITY 2 REACTIVITY 0 ---------------------------------------- POISONOUS GAS PRODUCED IN FIRE CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Bis (2-Chloroethyl) Ether is a COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID. * Use dry chemical, CO2, water spray, or foam extinguishers. Water can be used to keep fire exposed containers cool. * POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED IN FIRE. * 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 Bis (2-Chloroethyl) Ether is spilled or leaked, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from areas of spill or leak until cleanup 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 Bis (2-Chloroethyl) Ether 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 Bis (2- Chloroethyl) Ether 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: 0.4 mm Hg at 68oF Flash Point: 131oF Water Solubility: Slightly soluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Ethane, 1,1' Oxybis 2 Chloro Other Names and Formulations: Dichloroethyl Ether; sym Dichloroethyl Ether; BCEE. ----------------------------------------- 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 Bis (2-chloroethyl) ether is one of several chloroalkyl ethers. It is a colorless liquid used to make glycol products, rubber, and insecticides; as a solvent for fats, waxes, and greases; as a scouring agent for textiles; and as a pesticide. It may enter the environment through industrial effluents, spills, and possible from chlorination of water. 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. Bis (2-chloroethyl) ether has slight acute toxicity to aquatic life. It can kill or injure plants. No data are available on the short-term effects of bis (2-chloroethyl) ether on 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. Bis (2-chloroethyl) ether has slight chronic toxicity to aquatic life. No data are available on the long-term effects of bis (2-chloroethyl) ether to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Bis (2-chloroethyl) ether 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 Bis (2-chloroethyl) ether is moderately persistent in water, with a half-life of between 20 to 200 days. The half-life of a pollutant is the amount of time it takes for one-half of the chemical to be degraded. About 91.5% of bis (2- chloroethyl) ether 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 bis (2-chloroethyl) ether found in fish tissues is expected to be somewhat higher than the average concentration of bis (2-chloroethyl) ether in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.