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Chemical Datasheet

ETHYLENEIMINE, STABILIZED

6.1 - Poison Inhalation Hazard 3 - Flammable liquid

Chemical Identifiers

CAS Number UN/NA Number DOT Hazard Label USCG CHRIS Code
  • 151-56-4   (ETHYLENEIMINE)
  • 1185
  • Poison Inhalation Hazard
  • Flammable Liquid
  • ETI
NIOSH Pocket Guide International Chem Safety Card
Ethyleneimine
  • ETHYLENEIMINE
NFPA 704
Diamond Hazard Value Description
3
4 3
Blue Health 4 Can be lethal.
Red Flammability 3 Can be ignited under almost all ambient temperature conditions.
Yellow Instability 3 Capable of detonation or explosive decomposition or explosive reaction but requires a strong initiating source or must be heated under confinement before initiation.
White Special
(NFPA, 2010)
General Description
A clear colorless liquid with an ammonia-like odor. Flash point 12°F. Less dense than water. Flammable over a wide range of vapor-air concentrations. Vapors irritate the skin, eyes, nose, and throat. May be toxic by prolonged inhalation, skin absorption, or ingestion. Carcinogenic. Vapors heavier than air. May polymerize exothermically if heated or contaminated. If the polymerization takes place inside a container, the container may rupture violently.

Hazards

Reactivity Alerts
Air & Water Reactions
Highly flammable. Soluble in water.
Fire Hazard
Irritating vapors are generated when heated. Vapor is heavier than air and may travel a considerable distance to a source of ignition and flash back. May polymerize in fires with evolution of heat and container rupture. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Ethyleneimine vapors are not inhibited and may form polymers in vents or flame arresters, resulting in stopping of the vents. Toxic oxides of nitrogen are produced during combustion. Upon treatment with sodium hypochlorite, it gives off the explosive compound 1-chloroazidine. Avoid acids, sodium hypochlorite. If heated under pressure, instability may result. Hazardous polymerization may occur. Avoid contact with silver or aluminum. Explosive polymerization may occur upon contact with acids. Polymerization is catalyzed by carbon dioxide. (EPA, 1998)
Health Hazard
Ethyleneimine is classified as extremely toxic with a probable oral lethal dose of 5-50 mg/kg which is approximately 7 drops to 1 teaspoonful for a 70 kg (150 lb.) person. Ethyleneimine gives inadequate warning when over-exposure is by inhalation or skin absorption. It is a severe blistering agent, causing third degree chemical burns of the skin. Also, it has a corrosive effect on mucous membranes and may cause scarring of the esophagus. It is corrosive to eye tissue and may cause permanent corneal opacity and conjunctival scarring. Severe exposure may result in overwhelming pulmonary edema. Renal damage has been described. Hemorrhagic congestion of all internal organs has been observed. (EPA, 1998)
Reactivity Profile
ETHYLENEIMINE vapors are not inhibited and may form polymers in vents or flame arresters, resulting in stopping of the vents. Produces toxic oxides of nitrogen during combustion. Reacts with sodium hypochlorite and other chlorinating agents to give the explosive compound 1-chloroazidine. Decomposes if heated under pressure. or else hazardous polymerization may occur. Incompatible with silver or aluminum, which induce polymerization May polymerize explosively upon contact with acids. Polymerization is catalyzed by carbon dioxide [EPA, 1998].
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 absorbents listed below.

Response Recommendations

Isolation and Evacuation
Excerpt from 131 Polymerizable warning [Flammable Liquids - Toxic; polymerization hazard]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions.

SPILL: See ERG Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances on the UN/NA 1185 datasheet.

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
Do not extinguish fire unless flow can be stopped; use water in flooding quantities as a fog. Solid streams of water may be ineffective. Apply water from as far a distance as possible.

If tank car or truck is involved in fire, isolate the surrounding area in a 1/2 mile radius.

Dry chemical, alcohol foam, or carbon dioxide are useful for small fires. For large fires: water spray, fog or foam. (EPA, 1998)
Non-Fire Response
Excerpt from 131 Polymerizable warning [Flammable Liquids - Toxic; polymerization hazard]:

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded. Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. A vapor-suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors.

SMALL SPILL: Absorb with earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers for later disposal. Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect absorbed material.

LARGE SPILL: Dike far ahead of liquid spill for later disposal. Water spray may reduce vapor, but may not prevent ignition in closed spaces. (ERG, 2020)
Protective Clothing
Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Ethyleneimine:

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.
• DAILY - The worker should wash daily at the end of each work shift, and prior to eating, drinking, smoking, etc.

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

Change: DAILY - Workers whose clothing may have become contaminated should change into uncontaminated clothing before leaving the work premises.

Provide:
• EYEWASH - Eyewash fountains should be provided in areas where there is any possibility that workers could be exposed to the substances; this is irrespective of the recommendation involving the wearing of eye protection.
• QUICK DRENCH - Facilities for quickly drenching the body should be provided within the immediate work area for emergency use where there is a possibility of exposure. [Note: It is intended that these facilities provide a sufficient quantity or flow of water to quickly remove the substance from any body areas likely to be exposed. The actual determination of what constitutes an adequate quick drench facility depends on the specific circumstances. In certain instances, a deluge shower should be readily available, whereas in others, the availability of water from a sink or hose could be considered adequate.] (NIOSH, 2023)
DuPont Tychem® Suit Fabrics
Normalized Breakthrough Times (in Minutes)
Chemical CAS Number State QS QC SL C3 TF TP RC TK RF
Aziridine 151-56-4 Liquid 59 >480 59
Ethylene imine 151-56-4 Liquid 59 >480 59
> indicates greater than.

Special Warning from DuPont: Tychem® and Tyvek® fabrics should not be used around heat, flames, sparks or in potentially flammable or explosive environments. Only...

(DuPont, 2023)

First Aid
Warning: Ethyleneimine exposure may result in delayed pulmonary edema within 24 to 48 hours. Also, acute effects such as nausea, eye irritation, etc., are often delayed for 30 minutes to 3 hours. Caution is advised.

Signs and Symptoms of Ethyleneimine Exposure: Acute exposure to ethyleneimine may result in irritation and burning of the eyes, nose, throat, respiratory tract, and mucous membranes. Dermal sensitization may occur. Corneal damage, bone marrow depression, delayed coughing, and laryngeal and pulmonary edema may also occur. Gastrointestinal effects may include nausea and vomiting. Nephrotoxicity (kidney damage) may be observed.

Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to ethyleneimine 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 ethyleneimine.
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 ethyleneimine.
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.
5. Wash exposed skin areas thoroughly with soap and water.
6. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or 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.
2. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
3. DO NOT induce vomiting.
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

Chemical Formula:
  • C2H5N
Flash Point: 12°F (EPA, 1998)
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): 3.6 % (EPA, 1998)
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL): 46 % (EPA, 1998)
Autoignition Temperature: 608°F (USCG, 1999)
Melting Point: -98°F Freezing Point (EPA, 1998)
Vapor Pressure: 160 mmHg at 68°F (EPA, 1998)
Vapor Density (Relative to Air): 1.48 (EPA, 1998) - Heavier than air; will sink
Specific Gravity: 0.8321 at 68°F (EPA, 1998) - Less dense than water; will float
Boiling Point: 131 to 133°F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998)
Molecular Weight: 43.07 (EPA, 1998)
Water Solubility: Miscible (NIOSH, 2023)
Ionization Energy/Potential: 9.20 eV (NIOSH, 2023)
IDLH: 100 ppm ; A potential occupational carcinogen. (NIOSH, 2023)

AEGLs (Acute Exposure Guideline Levels)

Final AEGLs for Ethyleneimine (151-56-4)
Exposure Period AEGL-1 AEGL-2 AEGL-3
10 minutes NR 33 ppm 51 ppm
30 minutes NR 9.8 ppm 19 ppm
60 minutes NR 4.6 ppm 9.9 ppm
4 hours NR 1 ppm 2.8 ppm
8 hours NR 0.47 ppm 1.5 ppm
NR = Not recommended due to insufficient data
Level of Distinct Odor Awareness = 10.9 ppm
(NAC/NRC, 2023)

ERPGs (Emergency Response Planning Guidelines)

No ERPG information available.

PACs (Protective Action Criteria)

Chemical PAC-1 PAC-2 PAC-3
Ethyleneimine (151-56-4) 0.1 ppm 4.6 ppm 9.9 ppm LEL = 33000 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
Aziridine 151-56-4 500 pounds 1 pound 1 pound X P054 10000 pounds
Ethyleneimine 151-56-4 500 pounds 1 pound 1 pound 313 P054 10000 pounds

(EPA List of Lists, 2022)

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
Ethyleneimine; [Aziridine] 151-56-4 1.00 % 10000 pounds flammable

(CISA, 2007)

OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard List

Chemical Name CAS Number Threshold Quantity (TQ)
Ethyleneimine 151-56-4 1000 pounds

(OSHA, 2019)

Alternate Chemical Names