Vinyl chloride
Synonyms & Trade Names
Chloroethene, Chloroethylene, Ethylene monochloride, Monochloroethene, Monochloroethylene, VC, VCM, Vinyl chloride monomer (VCM)
Exposure Limits
Measurement Methods
Physical Description
Colorless gas or liquid (below 7°F) with a pleasant odor at high concentrations.
[Note: Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas.]
Molecular Weight
62.5
Boiling Point
7°F
Freezing Point
-256°F
Solubility
(77°F): 0.1%
Vapor Pressure
3.3 atm
Ionization Potential
9.99 eV
Flash Point
NA (Gas)
Upper Explosive Limit
33.0%
Lower Explosive Limit
3.6%
Relative Gas Density
2.21
Flammable Gas
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Copper, oxidizers, aluminum, peroxides, iron, steel
[Note: Polymerizes in air, sunlight, or heat unless stabilized by inhibitors such as phenol. Attacks iron & steel in presence of moisture.]
Exposure Routes
inhalation, skin and/or eye contact (liquid)
Symptoms
lassitude (weakness, exhaustion); abdominal pain, gastrointestinal bleeding; enlarged liver; pallor or cyanosis of extremities; liquid: frostbite; [potential occupational carcinogen]
Target Organs
Liver, central nervous system, blood, respiratory system, lymphatic system
Cancer Site
[liver cancer]
Personal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)
Skin:Frostbite
Eyes:Frostbite
Wash skin:No recommendation
Remove:When wet (flammable)
Change:No recommendation
Provide:Frostbite wash
Skin:Frostbite
Eyes:Frostbite
Wash skin:No recommendation
Remove:When wet (flammable)
Change:No recommendation
Provide:Frostbite wash
First Aid
Respirator Recommendations
NIOSH
At concentrations above the NIOSH REL, or where there is no REL, at any detectable concentration:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus
Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted canister providing protection against the compound of concern
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
See also
Page last reviewed: October 30, 2019
Content
source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health