Chemical Datasheet
MECHLORETHAMINE |
Chemical Identifiers
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U.S. Department of Transportation hazard labels, and a general
description of the chemical. The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes
from a variety of
data sources.
| CAS Number | UN/NA Number | DOT Hazard Label | USCG CHRIS Code |
|---|---|---|---|
|
none | data unavailable | none |
| NIOSH Pocket Guide | International Chem Safety Card | ||
| none | none | ||
NFPA 704
data unavailable
General Description
A chemical warfare blister agent. Mobile liquid; faint odor of herring. Used as a drug for the treatment of cancer.
Hazards
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Hazard fields
include
special hazard alerts
air and water
reactions, fire hazards, health hazards, a reactivity profile, and
details about
reactive groups assignments
and
potentially incompatible absorbents.
The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of
data sources.
Reactivity Alerts
none
Air & Water Reactions
No rapid reaction with air. No rapid reaction with water.
Fire Hazard
For information on chemical warfare blister agents see the ERG Criminal or Terrorist Use of CBR Agents. (ERG, 2024)
Undiluted liquid decomposes on standing. (EPA, 1998)
Undiluted liquid decomposes on standing. (EPA, 1998)
Health Hazard
For information on chemical warfare blister agents see the ERG Criminal or Terrorist Use of CBR Agents. (ERG, 2024)
Toxic doses as low as 400 mg/kg have been reported in humans. Blood clots may occur at site of intravenous injection and tissue damage if outside vein. Powerful vesicant (causes blisters) when it contacts skin, mucous membranes, or eyes. Delayed toxicity -- missed menstrual periods, alopecia (hair loss), hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in ears), jaundice, impaired spermatogenesis and germinal aplasia, swelling, and hypersensitivity. May damage fetus in pregnant women. (EPA, 1998)
Toxic doses as low as 400 mg/kg have been reported in humans. Blood clots may occur at site of intravenous injection and tissue damage if outside vein. Powerful vesicant (causes blisters) when it contacts skin, mucous membranes, or eyes. Delayed toxicity -- missed menstrual periods, alopecia (hair loss), hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in ears), jaundice, impaired spermatogenesis and germinal aplasia, swelling, and hypersensitivity. May damage fetus in pregnant women. (EPA, 1998)
Reactivity Profile
MECHLORETHAMINE is a chlorinated amine. Amines are chemical bases. They neutralize acids to form salts plus water. These acid-base reactions are exothermic. The amount of heat that is evolved per mole of amine in a neutralization is largely independent of the strength of the amine as a base. Amines may be incompatible with isocyanates, halogenated organics, peroxides, phenols (acidic), epoxides, anhydrides, and acid halides. Flammable gaseous hydrogen is generated by amines in combination with strong reducing agents, such as hydrides.
Belongs to the Following Reactive Group(s)
Potentially Incompatible Absorbents
Use caution: Liquids with this reactive group classification have been known to react with the absorbent listed below. More info about absorbents, including situations to watch out for...
- Mineral-Based & Clay-Based Absorbents
Response Recommendations
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The
Response Recommendation fields
include isolation and evacuation distances, as well as recommendations for
firefighting, non-fire response, protective clothing, and first aid. The
information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of
data sources.
Isolation and Evacuation
For initial isolation and protective action distances for chemical warfare blister agents see the Chemical Warfare Agents table in the ERG Criminal or Terrorist Use of CBR Agents. (ERG, 2024)
Excerpt from ERG Guide 153 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Combustible)]:
IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.
SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.
FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)
Excerpt from ERG Guide 153 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Combustible)]:
IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.
SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.
FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)
Firefighting
For information on chemical warfare blister agents see the ERG Criminal or Terrorist Use of CBR Agents. (ERG, 2024)
(Non-Specific -- Poisonous Liquid, n.o.s.) Stay upwind; keep out of low areas. Ventilate closed spaces before entering them. Wear positive pressure breathing apparatus and special protective clothing. Move container from fire area if you can do so without risk. Fight fire from maximum distance. Dike fire control water for later disposal; do not scatter the material.
(Non-Specific -- Poisonous Liquid, n.o.s.) Small fires: dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray, or foam. Large fires: water spray, fog, or foam. (EPA, 1998)
(Non-Specific -- Poisonous Liquid, n.o.s.) Stay upwind; keep out of low areas. Ventilate closed spaces before entering them. Wear positive pressure breathing apparatus and special protective clothing. Move container from fire area if you can do so without risk. Fight fire from maximum distance. Dike fire control water for later disposal; do not scatter the material.
(Non-Specific -- Poisonous Liquid, n.o.s.) Small fires: dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray, or foam. Large fires: water spray, fog, or foam. (EPA, 1998)
Non-Fire Response
For information on chemical warfare blister agents see the ERG Criminal or Terrorist Use of CBR Agents. (ERG, 2024)
(Non-Specific -- Poisonous Liquid, n.o.s.) Keep unnecessary people away; isolate hazard area and deny entry. Stay upwind; keep out of low areas. Ventilate closed spaces before entering them. Remove and isolate contaminated clothing at the site. Do not touch spilled material; stop leak if you can do so without risk. Use water spray to reduce vapors.
Small spills: absorb with sand or other noncombustible absorbent material and place into containers for later disposal.
Large spills: dike far ahead of spill for later disposal. (EPA, 1998)
(Non-Specific -- Poisonous Liquid, n.o.s.) Keep unnecessary people away; isolate hazard area and deny entry. Stay upwind; keep out of low areas. Ventilate closed spaces before entering them. Remove and isolate contaminated clothing at the site. Do not touch spilled material; stop leak if you can do so without risk. Use water spray to reduce vapors.
Small spills: absorb with sand or other noncombustible absorbent material and place into containers for later disposal.
Large spills: dike far ahead of spill for later disposal. (EPA, 1998)
Protective Clothing
For information on chemical warfare blister agents see the ERG Criminal or Terrorist Use of CBR Agents. (ERG, 2024)
For emergency situations, wear a positive pressure, pressure-demand, full facepiece self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or pressure- demand supplied air respirator with escape SCBA and a fully-encapsulating, chemical resistant suit. (EPA, 1998)
For emergency situations, wear a positive pressure, pressure-demand, full facepiece self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or pressure- demand supplied air respirator with escape SCBA and a fully-encapsulating, chemical resistant suit. (EPA, 1998)
DuPont Tychem® Suit Fabrics
No information available.
First Aid
For information on chemical warfare blister agents see the ERG Criminal or Terrorist Use of CBR Agents. (ERG, 2024)
Warning: Mechlorethamine is a strong irritant. Direct contact may result in severe dermal or corneal burns. Effects may be delayed.
Signs and Symptoms of Mechlorethamine Exposure: Signs and symptoms of acute exposure to mechlorethamine may include strong irritation or burning of the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Blisters, local phlebitis (irritation of a vein) and erythema (redness of the skin) may be noted. It may cause nausea, vomiting, and severe esophageal or gastrointestinal tract irritation if ingested. Bronchopneumonia, suppression of bone marrow activity, and hearing loss are possible longer term symptoms.
Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to mechlorethamine may require decontamination and life support for the victims. Emergency personnel should wear protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree of contamination. Air-purifying or supplied-air respiratory equipment should also be worn, as necessary. Rescue vehicles should carry supplies such as plastic sheeting and disposable plastic bags to assist in preventing spread of contamination.
Inhalation Exposure:
1. Move victims to fresh air. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to mechlorethamine.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer 100% humidified oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for performance of other invasive procedures.
4. Rush to a health care facility.
Dermal/Eye Exposure:
1. Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to mechlorethamine.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer 100% humidified oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Remove and isolate contaminated clothing as soon as possible.
4. If eye exposure has occurred, eyes must be flushed with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes. Speed in removing material from the eyes is of extreme importance.
5. Wash exposed skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. Speed in removing material from skin is of extreme importance.
6. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for performance of other invasive procedures.
7. Rush to a health care facility.
Ingestion Exposure:
1. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer 100% humidified oxygen or other respiratory support to all victims.
2. DO NOT induce vomiting or attempt to neutralize!
3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
4. Give the victims water or milk: children up to 1 year old, 125 mL (4 oz or 1/2 cup); children 1 to 12 years old, 200 mL (6 oz or 3/4 cup); adults, 250 mL (8 oz or 1 cup). Water or milk should be given only if victims are conscious and alert.
5. Rush to a health care facility. (EPA, 1998)
Warning: Mechlorethamine is a strong irritant. Direct contact may result in severe dermal or corneal burns. Effects may be delayed.
Signs and Symptoms of Mechlorethamine Exposure: Signs and symptoms of acute exposure to mechlorethamine may include strong irritation or burning of the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Blisters, local phlebitis (irritation of a vein) and erythema (redness of the skin) may be noted. It may cause nausea, vomiting, and severe esophageal or gastrointestinal tract irritation if ingested. Bronchopneumonia, suppression of bone marrow activity, and hearing loss are possible longer term symptoms.
Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to mechlorethamine may require decontamination and life support for the victims. Emergency personnel should wear protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree of contamination. Air-purifying or supplied-air respiratory equipment should also be worn, as necessary. Rescue vehicles should carry supplies such as plastic sheeting and disposable plastic bags to assist in preventing spread of contamination.
Inhalation Exposure:
1. Move victims to fresh air. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to mechlorethamine.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer 100% humidified oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for performance of other invasive procedures.
4. Rush to a health care facility.
Dermal/Eye Exposure:
1. Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to mechlorethamine.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer 100% humidified oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Remove and isolate contaminated clothing as soon as possible.
4. If eye exposure has occurred, eyes must be flushed with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes. Speed in removing material from the eyes is of extreme importance.
5. Wash exposed skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. Speed in removing material from skin is of extreme importance.
6. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for performance of other invasive procedures.
7. Rush to a health care facility.
Ingestion Exposure:
1. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer 100% humidified oxygen or other respiratory support to all victims.
2. DO NOT induce vomiting or attempt to neutralize!
3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
4. Give the victims water or milk: children up to 1 year old, 125 mL (4 oz or 1/2 cup); children 1 to 12 years old, 200 mL (6 oz or 3/4 cup); adults, 250 mL (8 oz or 1 cup). Water or milk should be given only if victims are conscious and alert.
5. Rush to a health care facility. (EPA, 1998)
Physical Properties
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The
Physical Property fields
include properties such as vapor pressure and
boiling point, as well as explosive limits and
toxic exposure thresholds
The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of
data sources.
Note: For Vapor Density and Specific Gravity, comparing the value to 1.0 can tell you if the chemical will likely sink/rise in air or sink/float in fresh water (respectively). Short phrases have been added to those values below as an aid. However, make sure to also consider the circumstances of a release. The Vapor Density comparisons are only valid when the gas escaping is at the same temperature as the surrounding air itself. If the chemical is escaping from a container where it was pressurized or refrigerated, it may first escape and behave as a heavy gas and sink in the air (even if it has a Vapor Density value less than 1). Also, the Specific Gravity comparisons are for fresh water (density 1.0 g/mL). If your spill is in salt water (density about 1.027 g/mL), you need to adjust the point of comparison. There are some chemicals that will sink in fresh water and float in salt water.
Note: For Vapor Density and Specific Gravity, comparing the value to 1.0 can tell you if the chemical will likely sink/rise in air or sink/float in fresh water (respectively). Short phrases have been added to those values below as an aid. However, make sure to also consider the circumstances of a release. The Vapor Density comparisons are only valid when the gas escaping is at the same temperature as the surrounding air itself. If the chemical is escaping from a container where it was pressurized or refrigerated, it may first escape and behave as a heavy gas and sink in the air (even if it has a Vapor Density value less than 1). Also, the Specific Gravity comparisons are for fresh water (density 1.0 g/mL). If your spill is in salt water (density about 1.027 g/mL), you need to adjust the point of comparison. There are some chemicals that will sink in fresh water and float in salt water.
| Chemical Formula: |
|
Flash Point: data unavailable
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): data unavailable
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL): data unavailable
Autoignition Temperature: data unavailable
Melting Point:
-76°F
(EPA, 1998)
Vapor Pressure: data unavailable
Vapor Density (Relative to Air): data unavailable
Specific Gravity:
1.118
at 77°F
(EPA, 1998)
- Denser than water; will sink
Boiling Point:
189°F
at 18 mmHg
(EPA, 1998)
Molecular Weight:
156.07
(EPA, 1998)
Water Solubility: data unavailable
Ionization Energy/Potential: data unavailable
IDLH: data unavailable
AEGLs (Acute Exposure Guideline Levels)
| Exposure Period | AEGL-1 | AEGL-2 | AEGL-3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | NR | 0.13 mg/m3 | 2.2 mg/m3 |
| 30 minutes | NR | 0.044 mg/m3 | 0.74 mg/m3 |
| 60 minutes | NR | 0.022 mg/m3 | 0.37 mg/m3 |
| 4 hours | NR | 0.0056 mg/m3 | 0.093 mg/m3 |
| 8 hours | NR | 0.0028 mg/m3 | 0.047 mg/m3 |
NR = Not recommended due to insufficient data
(NAC/NRC, 2024)
ERPGs (Emergency Response Planning Guidelines)
No ERPG information available.PACs (Protective Action Criteria)
| Chemical | PAC-1 | PAC-2 | PAC-3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nitrogen mustard; (Bis(b-chloroethyl)methylamine; Nitrogen mustard-2) (51-75-2) | 0.002 mg/m3 | 0.022 mg/m3 | 0.37 mg/m3 |
(DOE, 2024)
Regulatory Information
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The
Regulatory Information fields
include information from
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Title III Consolidated List of
Lists,
the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's Chemical Facility
Anti-Terrorism Standards,
and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration's
Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals Standard List
(see more about these
data sources).
EPA Consolidated List of Lists
| Regulatory Name | CAS Number/ 313 Category Code |
EPCRA 302 EHS TPQ |
EPCRA 304 EHS RQ |
CERCLA RQ | EPCRA 313 TRI |
RCRA Code |
CAA 112(r) RMP TQ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Chloro-N-(2-chloroethyl)-N-methylethanamine | 51-75-2 | 10 pounds | 10 pounds | X | |||
| Mechlorethamine | 51-75-2 | 10 pounds | 10 pounds | X | |||
| Nitrogen mustard | 51-75-2 | 10 pounds | 10 pounds | 313 |
- "X" indicates that this is a second name for an EPCRA section 313 chemical already included on this consolidated list. May also indicate that the same chemical with the same CAS number appears on another list with a different chemical name.
(EPA List of Lists, 2024)
CISA Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS)
| RELEASE | THEFT | SABOTAGE | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical of Interest | CAS Number | Min Conc | STQ | Security Issue |
Min Conc | STQ | Security Issue |
Min Conc | STQ | Security Issue |
| HN2 (nitrogen mustard-2); [Bis(2-chloroethyl)methylamine] | 51-75-2 | CUM 100 grams | CW/CWP | |||||||
- CW/CWP = chemical weapons/chemical weapons precursors.
- CUM = cumulative.
(CISA, 2007)
OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard List
No regulatory information available.Alternate Chemical Names
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This section provides a listing of alternate names for this chemical,
including trade names and synonyms.
- BETA,BETA'-DICHLORODIETHYL-N-METHYLAMINE
- BIS(2-CHLORO- ETHYL)METHYLAMINE
- BIS(2-CHLOROETHYL)METHYLAMINE
- BIS(BETA-CHLOROETHYL)METHYLAMINE
- CARYOLYSIN
- CHLORAMINE(THE NITROGEN MUSTARD)
- CHLORETHAZINE
- CHLORMETHINE
- 2-CHLORO-N-(2-CHLOROETHYL)- N-METHYLETHANAMINE
- 2-CHLORO-N-(2-CHLOROETHYL)-N-METHYLETHANAMINE
- CLORAMIN
- DI(2-CHLOROETHYL) METHYLAMINE
- DI(2-CHLOROETHYL)METHYLAMINE
- DICHLOR AMINE
- 2,2'-DICHLORO-N-METHYLDIETHYLAMINE
- DIETHYLAMINE, 2,2'-DICHLORO-N-METHYL-
- EMBICHIN
- ENT-25294
- ETHANAMINE, 2-CHLORO-N-(2-CHLOROETHYL)-N-METHYL-
- HN-2 (CHEMICAL WARFARE AGENT)
- HN2 (AMINE)
- HN2 (CHEMICAL WARFARE AGENT)
- MBA
- MECHLORETHAMINE
- METHYL-BETA,BETA-DICHLORODIETHYLAMINE
- METHYLBIS(2-CHLOROETHYL)AMINE
- METHYLBIS(BETA-CHLOROETHYL)AMINE
- METHYLBIS(CHLOROETHYLAMINE)
- METHYLDI(2-CHLOROETHYL)AMINE
- MUSTARGEN
- MUSTINE
- N,N-BIS(2-CHLOROETHYL)METHYLAMINE
- N,N-DI(CHLOROETHYL)METHYLAMINE
- N-METHYL-2,2'-DICHLORODIETHYLAMINE
- N-METHYL-BIS(2-CHLOROETHYL)AMINE
- N-METHYL-BIS(BETA-CHLOROETHYL)AMINE
- N-METHYLBIS(2-CHLOROETHYL)AMINE
- N-METHYLBIS(BETA-CHLOROETHYL)AMINE
- NITROGEN MUSTARD
- NSC 762
- TL 146
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