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Chemical Datasheet

ALPHA-BHC

6.1 - Poison

Chemical Identifiers

CAS Number UN/NA Number DOT Hazard Label USCG CHRIS Code
  • 319-84-6
  • 2811
  • Poison
none
NIOSH Pocket Guide International Chem Safety Card
none
  • alpha-HEXACHLOROCYCLOHEXANE
NFPA 704
data unavailable
General Description
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: White crystalline powder. (NTP, 1992)

Hazards

Reactivity Alerts
none
Air & Water Reactions
Insoluble in water.
Fire Hazard
Excerpt from 154 Polymerizable warning [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:

Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. Some are oxidizers and may ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated. For electric vehicles or equipment, 147 Polymerizable warning (lithium ion batteries) or 138 Polymerizable warning (sodium batteries) should also be consulted. (ERG, 2020)
Health Hazard
ACUTE/CHRONIC HAZARDS: Carcinogen. Toxic. Irritant. Hazardous decomposition product. (NTP, 1992)
Reactivity Profile
Halogenated aliphatic compounds, such as ALPHA-BHC, are moderately or very reactive. Halogenated organics generally become less reactive as more of their hydrogen atoms are replaced with halogen atoms. Materials in this group may be incompatible with strong oxidizing and reducing agents. Also, they may be incompatible with many amines, nitrides, azo/diazo compounds, alkali metals, and epoxides.
Belongs to the Following Reactive Group(s)
Potentially Incompatible Absorbents

No information available.

Response Recommendations

Isolation and Evacuation
Excerpt from 154 Polymerizable warning [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-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 car or tank truck 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, 2020)
Firefighting
To extinguish a fire involving this chemical you may use a dry chemical, carbon dioxide, foam or halon extinguisher; a water spray may also be used. (NTP, 1992)
Non-Fire Response
SMALL SPILLS AND LEAKAGE: If you spill this chemical, use absorbent paper to pick up all liquid spill material. Your contaminated clothing and absorbent paper should be sealed in a vapor-tight plastic bag for eventual disposal. Solvent wash all contaminated surfaces with alcohol followed by washing with a strong soap and water solution. Do not reenter the contaminated area until the Safety Officer (or other responsible person) has verified that the area has been properly cleaned.

STORAGE PRECAUTIONS: Store at or below ambient; protect from light. (NTP, 1992)
Protective Clothing
RECOMMENDED RESPIRATOR: Where the neat test chemical is weighed and diluted, wear a NIOSH-approved half face respirator equipped with a combination filter cartridge, i.e. organic vapor/acid gas/HEPA (specific for organic vapors, HCl, acid gas, SO2 and a high efficiency particulate filter).

RECOMMENDED GLOVE MATERIALS: Permeation data indicate that polyvinyl chloride gloves may provide protection to contact with this compound. Polyvinyl chloride over latex gloves is recommended. However, if this chemical makes direct contact with your gloves remove them at once. (NTP, 1992)
DuPont Tychem® Suit Fabrics
No information available.
First Aid
EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.

INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used; if not available, use a level of protection greater than or equal to that advised under Protective Clothing.

INGESTION: DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. If the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give 1 or 2 glasses of water to dilute the chemical and IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center. Be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital if advised by a physician. If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, ensure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side with the head lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital.

OTHER: Since this chemical is a known or suspected carcinogen you should contact a physician for advice regarding the possible long term health effects and potential recommendation for medical monitoring. Recommendations from the physician will depend upon the specific compound, its chemical, physical and toxicity properties, the exposure level, length of exposure, and the route of exposure. (NTP, 1992)

Physical Properties

Chemical Formula:
  • C6H6Cl6
Flash Point: data unavailable
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): data unavailable
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL): data unavailable
Autoignition Temperature: data unavailable
Melting Point: 316°F (NTP, 1992)
Vapor Pressure: 0.0317 mmHg at 68°F (NTP, 1992)
Vapor Density (Relative to Air): data unavailable
Specific Gravity: 1.87 at 68°F (NTP, 1992) - Denser than water; will sink
Boiling Point: 550°F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Molecular Weight: 290.82 (NTP, 1992)
Water Solubility: Insoluble (1 mg/100 ml) (NTP, 1992)
Ionization Energy/Potential: data unavailable
IDLH: data unavailable

AEGLs (Acute Exposure Guideline Levels)

No AEGL information available.

ERPGs (Emergency Response Planning Guidelines)

No ERPG information available.

PACs (Protective Action Criteria)

Chemical PAC-1 PAC-2 PAC-3
Lindane; (gamma-Benzenehexachloride); includes the isomers (319-84-6, 319-85-7, 608-73-1) 9.1 mg/m3 100 mg/m3 1000 mg/m3
(DOE, 2018)

Regulatory Information

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
alpha-BHC 319-84-6 10 pounds X
alpha-Hexachlorocyclohexane 319-84-6 10 pounds 313

(EPA List of Lists, 2022)

CISA Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS)

No regulatory information available.

OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard List

No regulatory information available.

Alternate Chemical Names