Carbon tetrachloride
Synonyms & Trade Names
Carbon chloride, Carbon tet, Freon® 10, Halon® 104, Tetrachloromethane
Exposure Limits
NIOSH REL
Ca ST 2 ppm (12.6 mg/m3) [60-minute] See Appendix AOSHA PEL
TWA 10 ppm C 25 ppm 200 ppm (5-minute maximum peak in any 4 hours) See Appendix GMeasurement Methods
Physical Description
Colorless liquid with a characteristic ether-like odor.
Molecular Weight
153.8
Boiling Point
170°F
Freezing Point
-9°F
Solubility
0.05%
Vapor Pressure
91 mmHg
Ionization Potential
11.47 eV
Specific Gravity
1.59
Flash Point
NA
Upper Explosive Limit
NA
Lower Explosive Limit
NA
Noncombustible Liquid
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Chemically-active metals such as sodium, potassium & magnesium; fluorine; aluminum
[Note: Forms highly toxic phosgene gas when exposed to flames or welding arcs.]
Exposure Routes
inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms
irritation eyes, skin; central nervous system depression; nausea, vomiting; liver, kidney injury; drowsiness, dizziness, incoordination; [potential occupational carcinogen]
Target Organs
central nervous system, eyes, lungs, liver, kidneys, skin
Cancer Site
[in animals: liver cancer]
Personal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)
Skin:Prevent skin contact
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:When contaminated
Remove:When wet or contaminated
Change:No recommendation
Provide:Eyewash, Quick drench
Skin:Prevent skin contact
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:When contaminated
Remove:When wet or contaminated
Change:No recommendation
Provide:Eyewash, Quick drench
First Aid
(See procedures)
Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Soap wash immediately
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately
Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Soap wash immediately
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately
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 organic vapor canister
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