Common Name: 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane
CAS Number: 79-34-5
DOT Number: UN 1702
Date: January 31, 1986
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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
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NJ DOH Hazard rating
FLAMMABILITY 0
REACTIVITY 0
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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.
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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
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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.
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