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Chemical Datasheet

ETHYLENE CHLOROHYDRIN

6.1 - Poison Inhalation Hazard 3 - Flammable liquid

Chemical Identifiers

CAS Number UN/NA Number DOT Hazard Label USCG CHRIS Code
  • 107-07-3   (ETHYLENE CHLOROHYDRIN)
  • 1135
  • Poison Inhalation Hazard
  • Flammable Liquid
  • ECH
NIOSH Pocket Guide International Chem Safety Card
Ethylene chlorohydrin
  • 2-CHLOROETHANOL
NFPA 704
Diamond Hazard Value Description
2
4 0
Blue Health 4 Can be lethal.
Red Flammability 2 Must be moderately heated or exposed to relatively high ambient temperatures before ignition can occur.
Yellow Instability 0 Normally stable, even under fire conditions.
White Special
(NFPA, 2010)
General Description
Ethylene chlorohydrin is a colorless liquid with an ether-like odor. It is soluble in water and is also a combustible liquid. Its vapors are heavier than air and it is very toxic by inhalation and skin absorption. Prolonged exposure to low concentrations or short term exposure to high concentrations may result in adverse health effects.

Hazards

Reactivity Alerts
none
Air & Water Reactions
Flammable. It is soluble in water.
Fire Hazard
Its decomposition products will react with water or steam to produce toxic and corrosive fumes of phosgene and hydrogen chloride. Vapors are heavier than air and may flash back to a source of ignition. (EPA, 1998)
Health Hazard
Very toxic; probable oral lethal dose in humans is 50-500 mg/kg or between 1 teaspoon and 1 ounce for a 70 kg (150 lb.) person. Poisoning causes liver and kidney degeneration and irritates mucous membranes; it may be cumulative. Several fatal cases with brain edema and lung edema have been reported from industrial exposure by inhalation and skin contact. It is more toxic by skin contact than orally. (EPA, 1998)
Reactivity Profile
Mixing ethylene chlorohydrin in equal molar portions with any of the following substances in a closed container caused the temperature and pressure to increase: chlorosulfonic acid, ethylene diamine, and sodium hydroxide, [NFPA 1991]. Ethylenediamine reacts violently with ethylene chlorohydrin. (Lewis, R.J., Sr. 1992. Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, 8th Edition. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold. pp. 1554.).
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 131 Polymerizable warning [Flammable Liquids - Toxic]:

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 1135 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 breathe fumes from burning material. Air purifying respirator or self-contained breathing apparatus, coat, pants, gloves, and boots should be worn. No skin surface should be exposed. Bands around legs, arm and waist should be provided.

Water spray may be used to extinguish the fire because the material can be cooled below its flash point. Alcohol foam, carbon dioxide, and dry chemical may be used. (EPA, 1998)
Non-Fire Response
Excerpt from 131 Polymerizable warning [Flammable Liquids - Toxic]:

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 Ethylene chlorohydrin:

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.

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
Chloro ethanol, 2- 107-07-3 Liquid imm >480 >480 >480 >480 >480 >480
Ethylene chlorohydrin 107-07-3 Liquid imm >480 >480 >480 >480 >480 >480
Glycol chlorohydrin 107-07-3 Liquid imm >480 >480 >480 >480 >480 >480
> indicates greater than.
"imm" indicates immediate; having a normalized breakthrough time of 10 minutes or less.

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
Signs and Symptoms of Acute Chloroethanol Exposure: Signs and symptoms of acute exposure to chloroethanol may include weakness, dizziness, confusion, visual disturbances, incoordination, shock, seizures, and coma. Dyspnea (shortness of breath), pulmonary edema, respiratory depression, and respiratory failure may occur. Weak pulse, hypotension (low blood pressure), and cyanosis (blue tint to the skin and mucous membranes) may be observed. Nausea, vomiting, and hematuria (bloody urine) may be seen after exposure. Liver and kidney damage may also occur. Chloroethanol is irritating to the skin and mucous membranes.

Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to chloroethanol 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 chloroethanol.
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 oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
4. Transport to a health care facility.

Dermal/Eye Exposure:
1. Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid self- exposure to chloroethanol.
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 oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Remove 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. Transport 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 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. 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.
4. Activated charcoal may be administered if victims are conscious and alert. Use 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) for children, 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) for adults, with 125 to 250 mL (1/2 to 1 cup) of water.
5. Promote excretion by administering a saline cathartic or sorbitol to conscious and alert victims. Children require 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) of cathartic; 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) is recommended for adults.
6. Transport to a health care facility. (EPA, 1998)

Physical Properties

Chemical Formula:
  • C2H5ClO
Flash Point: 140°F (EPA, 1998)
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): 4.9 % (EPA, 1998)
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL): 15.9 % (EPA, 1998)
Autoignition Temperature: 797°F (USCG, 1999)
Melting Point: -89.5°F (EPA, 1998)
Vapor Pressure: 4.9 mmHg (EPA, 1998)
Vapor Density (Relative to Air): 2.78 (EPA, 1998) - Heavier than air; will sink
Specific Gravity: 1.197 (EPA, 1998) - Denser than water; will sink
Boiling Point: 262°F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998)
Molecular Weight: 80.52 (EPA, 1998)
Water Solubility: greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 66°F (NTP, 1992)
Ionization Energy/Potential: 10.90 eV (NIOSH, 2023)
IDLH: 7 ppm (NIOSH, 2023)

AEGLs (Acute Exposure Guideline Levels)

Final AEGLs for Ethylene chlorohydrin (2-chloroethanol) (107-07-3)
Exposure Period AEGL-1 AEGL-2 AEGL-3
10 minutes NR 2.1 ppm 6.4 ppm
30 minutes NR 1.5 ppm 4.4 ppm
60 minutes NR 1.2 ppm 3.5 ppm
4 hours NR 0.47 ppm 1.4 ppm
8 hours NR 0.23 ppm 0.7 ppm
NR = Not recommended due to insufficient data.
(NAC/NRC, 2023)

ERPGs (Emergency Response Planning Guidelines)

No ERPG information available.

PACs (Protective Action Criteria)

Chemical PAC-1 PAC-2 PAC-3
Ethylene chlorohydrin; (2-Chloroethanol) (107-07-3) 0.11 ppm 1.2 ppm 3.5 ppm LEL = 49000 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
Chloroethanol 107-07-3 500 pounds 500 pounds

(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