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Chemical Datasheet

BROMOFORM

6.1 - Poison

Chemical Identifiers

CAS Number UN/NA Number DOT Hazard Label USCG CHRIS Code
  • 75-25-2   (BROMOFORM)
  • 2515
  • Poison
  • BRO
NIOSH Pocket Guide International Chem Safety Card
Bromoform
  • BROMOFORM
NFPA 704
data unavailable
General Description
A colorless liquid with a chloroform-like odor. Denser than water (density: 2.9 g / cm3 ) and slightly soluble in water. Hence sinks in water. Nonflammable. Toxic by ingestion, inhalation and skin absorption. A lachrymator. Used as a solvent and to make pharmaceuticals. Often stabilized with 1 to 3% ethanol.

Hazards

Reactivity Alerts
none
Air & Water Reactions
Slightly soluble in water.
Fire Hazard
Behavior in Fire: May decompose to produce toxic gases and vapor such as hydrogen bromide and bromine. (USCG, 1999)
Health Hazard
Harmful if inhaled, swallowed, contacts skin or eyes or is absorbed through skin. It is a lachrymator, respiratory irritant, a narcotic and an hepatotoxin. Prolonged exposure may cause dermatitis. Inhalation causes irritation of nose and throat; provokes the flow of tears and saliva and reddening of the face. Ingestion may cause dizziness, disorientation and slurred speech, unconsciousness and death. (USCG, 1999)
Reactivity Profile
Heating BROMOFORM to decomposition produces highly toxic fumes of carbon oxybromide (carbonyl bromide) and hydrogen bromide [Sax, 9th ed., 1996, p. 519]. Reaction with powdered potassium or sodium hydroxide, Li or Na/K alloys, is violently exothermic [Weizmann, C. et al., J. Am Chem. Soc., 1948, 70, p. 1189]. Explosive reaction with crown ethers in the presence of potassium hydroxide [Le Goaller, R. et al., Synth. Comm., 1982, 12, p. 1163].
Belongs to the Following Reactive Group(s)
Potentially Incompatible Absorbents

No information available.

Response Recommendations

Isolation and Evacuation
Excerpt from 159 Polymerizable warning [Substances (Irritating)]:

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
Excerpt from 159 Polymerizable warning [Substances (Irritating)]:

SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2, water spray or regular foam.

LARGE FIRE: Water spray, fog or regular foam. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Dike runoff from fire control for later disposal.

FIRE INVOLVING TANKS OR CAR/TRAILER LOADS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Do not get water inside containers. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks engulfed in fire. For massive fire, use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn. (ERG, 2020)
Non-Fire Response
Excerpt from 159 Polymerizable warning [Substances (Irritating)]:

Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk.

SMALL SPILL: Pick up with sand or other non-combustible absorbent material and place into containers for later disposal.

LARGE SPILL: Dike far ahead of liquid spill for later disposal. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. (ERG, 2020)
Protective Clothing
Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Bromoform:

Skin: PREVENT SKIN CONTACT - Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact.

Eyes: PREVENT EYE CONTACT - Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact.

Wash skin: WHEN CONTAMINATED - The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated.

Remove: WHEN WET OR CONTAMINATED - Work clothing that becomes wet or significantly contaminated should be removed and replaced.

Change: No recommendation is made specifying the need for the worker to change clothing after the workshift. (NIOSH, 2023)
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. 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:
  • CHBr3
Flash Point: data unavailable
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): data unavailable
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL): data unavailable
Autoignition Temperature: data unavailable
Melting Point: 48°F (NTP, 1992)
Vapor Pressure: 5 mmHg at 68°F ; 5.6 mmHg at 77°F (NTP, 1992)
Vapor Density (Relative to Air): 8.7 (NTP, 1992) - Heavier than air; will sink
Specific Gravity: 2.8912 at 68°F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Boiling Point: 301.1°F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Molecular Weight: 252.75 (NTP, 1992)
Water Solubility: less than 0.1 mg/mL at 72.5°F (NTP, 1992)
Ionization Energy/Potential: 10.48 eV (NIOSH, 2023)
IDLH: 850 ppm (NIOSH, 2023)

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
Bromoform; (Tribromomethane) (75-25-2) 1.5 ppm 6.8 ppm 41 ppm
(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
Bromoform 75-25-2 100 pounds 313 U225
Tribromomethane 75-25-2 100 pounds X U225

(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