Ethylene dichloride
Synonyms & Trade Names
1,2-Dichloroethane, Ethylene chloride, Glycol dichloride
Exposure Limits
NIOSH REL
Ca TWA 1 ppm (4 mg/m3) ST 2 ppm (8 mg/m3) See Appendix A See Appendix C (Chloroethanes)OSHA PEL
TWA 50 ppm C 100 ppm 200 ppm [5-minute maximum peak in any 3 hours] See Appendix GMeasurement Methods
Physical Description
Colorless liquid with a pleasant, chloroform-like odor.
[Note: Decomposes slowly, becomes acidic & darkens in color.]
Molecular Weight
99.0
Boiling Point
182°F
Freezing Point
-32°F
Solubility
0.9%
Vapor Pressure
64 mmHg
Ionization Potential
11.05 eV
Specific Gravity
1.24
Flash Point
56°F
Upper Explosive Limit
16%
Lower Explosive Limit
6.2%
Class IB Flammable Liquid: Fl.P. below 73°F and BP at or above 100°F.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Strong oxidizers & caustics; chemically-active metals such as magnesium or aluminum powder, sodium & potassium; liquid ammonia
[Note: Decomposes to vinyl chloride & HCl above 1112°F.]
Exposure Routes
inhalation, ingestion, skin absorption, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms
irritation eyes, corneal opacity; central nervous system depression; nausea, vomiting; dermatitis; liver, kidney, cardiovascular system damage; [potential occupational carcinogen]
Target Organs
Eyes, skin, kidneys, liver, central nervous system, cardiovascular system
Cancer Site
[in animals: forestomach, mammary gland & circulatory sys cancer]
Personal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)
Skin:Prevent skin contact
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:When contaminated
Remove:When wet (flammable)
Change:No recommendation
Provide:Eyewash, Quick drench
Skin:Prevent skin contact
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:When contaminated
Remove:When wet (flammable)
Change:No recommendation
Provide:Eyewash, Quick drench
First Aid
(See procedures)
Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Soap wash promptly
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately
Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Soap wash promptly
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