Common Name: Tetrachloroethylene CAS Number: 127-18-4 DOT Number: UN 1897 Date: February 1, 1989 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Tetrachloroethylene can affect you when breathed in and by passing through your skin. * Tetrachloroethylene should be handled as a CARCINOGEN--WITH EXTREME CAUTION. * It may damage the developing fetus. * High exposure can cause you to become dizzy and lightheaded and to pass out. * It can cause the heart to beat irregularly or stop. This can cause death. * Severe liver and kidney damage can occur. * High exposure may cause a build-up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema). * Contact can cause eye and skin burns. IDENTIFICATION Tetrachloroethylene is a clear liquid with a sweet chloroform-like odor. It is used in dry cleaning and metal degreasing. REASON FOR CITATION * Tetrachloroethylene is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by NIOSH, CAG, ACGIH, DOT, DEP, NFPA and EPA. * This chemical is also on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is a CARCINOGEN. 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 = 27 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 permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 25 ppm averaged over an 8-hour workshift. (Final Rule January 1989). ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 50 ppm averaged over an 8-hour workshift and 200 ppm as a STEL (short term exposure limit). NIOSH: The recommended airborne exposure is the lowest feasible limit. * These exposure limits are for air levels only. * Tetrachloroethylene 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 Tetrachloroethylene 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 Tetrachloroethylene 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 Tetrachloroethylene: * High exposure can cause you to become dizzy, lightheaded, and to pass out. * Overexposure can cause the heart to beat irregularly or stop. It can also damage the liver and kidneys enough to cause death. * Breathing the vapor may irritate the lungs, causing coughing and/or shortness of breath. Higher exposure can cause a build-up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), a medical emergency. These effects can be delayed for many hours. * Contact can cause severe skin burns, and can cause eye burns. * Exposure to the vapor can 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 Tetrachloroethylene and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * Tetrachloroethylene may be a CARCINOGEN in humans since it causes liver cancer in animals. * Many scientists believe there is no safe level of exposure to a carcinogen. Reproductive Hazard * Tetrachloroethylene may damage the developing fetus. Other Long-Term Effects * Tetrachloroethylene may damage the liver and kidneys with high single exposures or lower repeated exposures. * Long-term exposure can cause drying and cracking of the skin. * Very irritating substances may affect the lungs. It is not known whether Tetrachloroethylene causes lung damage. 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: * Urinalysis. * 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. * Special 24 hour EKG (Holter monitor) to look for irregular heartbeat. 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 Tetrachloroethylene. * 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 controls are recommended: * Where possible, automatically pump liquid Tetrachloroethylene from drums or other storage containers to process containers. * Specific engineering controls are recommended for this chemical by NIOSH. Refer to the NIOSH criteria: Tetrachloroethylene #76-185. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Tetrachloroethylene 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 Tetrachloroethylene. * 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 Tetrachloroethylene, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. * At the end of the workshift, wash areas of the body that may have had contact with this chemical, whether or not known contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Tetrachloroethylene 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 Tetrachloroethylene. 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 Nitrile Rubber, Polyvinyl Alcohol, or Viton as good to excellent protective materials. 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. * Engineering controls must be effective to ensure that exposure to Tetrachloroethylene does not occur. * 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 Tetrachloroethylene you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Tetrachloroethylene must be stored to avoid contact with STRONG OXIDIZERS, such as CHLORINE, BROMINE, and CHLORINE DIOXIDE; CHEMICALLY ACTIVE METALS, such as BARIUM, LITHIUM, and BERYLLIUM; and NITRIC ACID, since violent reactions occur. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area away from HEAT. Common Name: Tetrachloroethylene DOT Number: UN 1897 DOT Emergency Guide code: 74 CAS Number: 127-18-4 ---------------------------------------- Hazard rating NJ DOH NFPA FLAMMABILITY - 0 REACTIVITY - 0 ---------------------------------------- CARCINOGEN LIVER AND KIDNEY DAMAGE POISONOUS GASES PRODUCED IN FIRE ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Tetrachloroethylene is a non-combustible liquid. * Extinguish fire using an agent suitable for type of surrounding fire. Tetrachloroethylene itself does not burn. * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including Hydrogen Chloride and Phosgene. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If Tetrachloroethylene 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. * 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 Tetrachloroethylene as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) or your regional office of the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for specific recommendations. ========================================== FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire department. ========================================== FIRST AID Eye Contact * Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention. Skin Contact * Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash area with large amounts of soap and 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. * Medical observation is recommended for 24 to 48 hours after breathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may be delayed. PHYSICAL DATA Vapor Pressure: 14 mm Hg at 68oF (20oC) Water Solubility: Insoluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Ethene, Tetrachloro- Other Names and Formulations: Perchloroethylene; PERC; Ethylene Tetrachloride. ------------------------------------------ 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 Tetrachloroethylene is a colorless, nonflammable liquid used mainly as a solvent in the dry cleaning industry and to a lesser extent as a solvent to degrease metals. It is heavier than water; it may enter the environment from industrial discharges, municipal waste treatment plant 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. Tetrachloroethylene has moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short- term effects of tetrachloroethylene 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. Tetrachloroethylene has moderate chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long- term effects of tetrachloroethylene to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Tetrachloroethylene is moderately soluble in water. Concentrations of between 1 to 1,000 milligrams will mix with a liter of water. DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT Tetrachloroethylene is non-persistent in water, with a half-life of less than 2 days. The half-life of a pollutant is the amount of time it takes for one-half of the chemical to be degraded. About 99.8% of tetrachloroethylene 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 tetrachloroethylene found in fish tissues is expected to be somewhat higher than the average concentration of tetrachloroethylene in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.