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Chemical Datasheet

NITROGEN MUSTARD HYDROCHLORIDE

6.1 - Poison

Chemical Identifiers

CAS Number UN/NA Number DOT Hazard Label USCG CHRIS Code
  • 55-86-7
  • 2811
  • Poison
none
NIOSH Pocket Guide International Chem Safety Card
none none
NFPA 704
data unavailable
General Description
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: White to off-white crystals or powder with a fishy odor. Initial pH (2% aqueous solution) 3.0-4.0. (NTP, 1992)

Hazards

Reactivity Alerts
none
Air & Water Reactions
Hygroscopic. Water soluble.
Fire Hazard
Flash point data for this chemical are not available. It is probably combustible. (NTP, 1992)
Health Hazard
SYMPTOMS: Symptoms of exposure to this compound may include irritation of the mucous membranes, vesication, burning sensation, destruction of tissues of the skin, eyes, mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract, shortness of breath and headache. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting and anorexia. It can cause irritation, severe damage and burns of the eyes, and necrotizing uveitis. Exposure can lead to depression of the formed elements in the blood, weakness, diarrhea, and rarely, jaundice, alopecia, vertigo, tinnitus, diminished hearing, hemolytic anemia, various chromosomal abnormalities, agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia (which may lead to bleeding from the gums and gastrointestinal tract, petechiae and small subcutaneous hemorrhages), immunosuppression, erythema multiforme, delayed catamenia, severe and even uncontrollable depression of the hematopoietic system, persistent pancytopenia, oligomenorrhea, temporary or permanent amenorrhea, and in males, impaired spermatogenesis, azoospermia and total germinal aplasia. Other symptoms may include leukopenia, granulocytopenia, hypoplasia of all elements of bone marrow, lymphopenia and precipitation of uric acid in kidney tubules. It can cause myelosuppression and gastrointestinal symptoms. It can also cause hemorrhagic complications, maculopapular skin eruptions, herpes zoster, and on injection, thrombophlebitis. It can also cause thrombosis on injection. Exposure can also lead to latent viral infection and menstrual irregularities in women. Necrosis has occurred following extravascular injections.

ACUTE/CHRONIC HAZARDS: This compound is highly toxic and may be fatal if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through the skin. It is a severe irritant of the mucous membranes. It is a powerful vesicant. High concentrations are extremely destructive to tissues of the skin, eyes, mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract. There is sufficient evidence that it is an animal carcinogen. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides and hydrogen chloride gas. (NTP, 1992)
Reactivity Profile
Dry crystals are stable at temperatures up to 104°F. This chemical is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents. (NTP, 1992).
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.

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
Fires involving this material can be controlled with a dry chemical, carbon dioxide or Halon extinguisher. A water spray may also be used. (NTP, 1992)
Non-Fire Response
SMALL SPILLS AND LEAKAGE: Should a spill occur while you are handling this chemical, FIRST REMOVE ALL SOURCES OF IGNITION, then you should dampen the solid spill material with 60-70% ethanol and transfer the dampened material to a suitable container. Use absorbent paper dampened with 60-70% ethanol to pick up any remaining material. Seal the absorbent paper, and any of your clothes, which may be contaminated, in a vapor-tight plastic bag for eventual disposal. Solvent wash all contaminated surfaces with 60-70% ethanol followed by washing with a 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: You should store this chemical under refrigerated temperatures, and protect it from moisture. Keep it away from oxidizing materials. (NTP, 1992)
Protective Clothing
MINIMUM PROTECTIVE CLOTHING: If Tyvek-type disposable protective clothing is not worn during handling of this chemical, wear disposable Tyvek-type sleeves taped to your gloves.

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). Splash proof safety goggles should be worn while handling this chemical. Alternatively, a full face respirator, equipped as above, may be used to provide simultaneous eye and respiratory protection. (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. IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital for treatment after washing the affected areas.

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. Corrosive chemicals will destroy the membranes of the mouth, throat, and esophagus and, in addition, have a high risk of being aspirated into the victim's lungs during vomiting which increases the medical problems. 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. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. 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. Transport the victim IMMEDIATELY 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:
  • C5H11Cl2N.ClH
Flash Point: data unavailable
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): data unavailable
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL): data unavailable
Autoignition Temperature: data unavailable
Melting Point: 226 to 232°F (NTP, 1992)
Vapor Pressure: data unavailable
Vapor Density (Relative to Air): data unavailable
Specific Gravity: data unavailable
Boiling Point: data unavailable
Molecular Weight: 192.52 (NTP, 1992)
Water Solubility: greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 66°F (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
Nitrogen mustard hydrochloride (55-86-7) 0.013 mg/m3 0.14 mg/m3 0.83 mg/m3
(DOE, 2018)

Regulatory Information

EPA Consolidated List of Lists

No regulatory information available.

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
Nitrogen mustard hydrochloride; [Bis(2-chloroethyl)methylamine hydrochloride] 55-86-7 30.00 % 2.2 pounds CW/CWP

(CISA, 2007)

OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard List

No regulatory information available.

Alternate Chemical Names