Material Safety Data Sheet for Ethylene Dichloride (EDC)

Identification

Product Name: Ethylene Dichloride
Synonyms: 1,2-Dichloroethane, EDC
Chemical Formula: C2H4Cl2
CAS Number: 107-06-2
Recommended Use: Mainly used in the production of vinyl chloride monomer, solvents, chemical synthesis
Manufacturer: Industrial chemical manufacturers, bulk storage facilities, laboratories
Emergency Contact: Local Poison Control, CHEMTREC, company safety officer’s number

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Flammable liquid (Category 3), Acute toxicity (oral, inhalation, dermal: Category 4), Carcinogenicity (Category 2)
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed, causes skin and eye irritation, causes respiratory tract irritation, suspected of causing cancer, may cause central nervous system depression, toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects
Signal Word: Danger
Pictograms: Flame, exclamation mark, health hazard, environment
Precautionary Statements: Wear protective gloves, eye protection, avoid breathing vapors, use outdoors or in well-ventilated area, do not eat, drink or smoke while using product, wash hands thoroughly after handling

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Component: Ethylene Dichloride
Concentration: 99-100%
CAS: 107-06-2
Impurities: Trace levels of 1,1-Dichloroethane, water, hydrochloric acid may be present following storage or transport

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove to fresh air, keep person still and warm, seek immediate medical attention if coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, do not induce vomiting, never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person, seek medical attention promptly
Skin Contact: Immediately flush skin with large amounts of water, remove contaminated clothing and shoes, wash before reuse, seek medical advice for any persistent irritation
Eye Contact: Flush eyes thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes, lifting upper and lower lids, remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, seek medical attention without delay
Symptoms: Dizziness, nausea, headache, coughing, drowsiness, burning sensation, chemical burns on skin or mucous membranes, confusion

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, foam, water spray (do not use direct jet)
Specific Hazards Arising from Substance: Gives off toxic and corrosive fumes such as hydrogen chloride and phosgene upon thermal decomposition
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Self-contained breathing apparatus with full face shield, chemical-protective clothing
Special Firefighting Procedures: Move containers away from fire if safe, cool containers with water spray, control run-off water to prevent contamination, avoid inhalation of combustion products
Flash Point: 13°C (55°F) closed cup
Explosion Limits: Lower: 6.2% Upper: 16% (by volume in air)

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate area, ensure adequate ventilation, avoid breathing vapors, prevent skin and eye contact, wear suitable personal protective equipment
Environmental Precautions: Prevent release to water, sewers, soil, and confined spaces, contain spillage if safe, inform authorities if product contaminates environment
Methods for Cleanup: Absorb with non-combustible absorbent materials such as earth, sand, or vermiculite, place in suitable container for disposal, ventilate area, decontaminate spill site after cleanup
Emergency Procedures: Restrict access to affected area, notify relevant response teams, isolate area until cleanup is complete

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use only in well-ventilated area, avoid contact with skin, eyes, clothing, avoid inhaling vapor or mist, wear appropriate PPE, keep away from heat, sparks and ignition sources, ground containers and receiving equipment
Storage: Store in tightly closed containers in cool, dry, well-ventilated area, segregate from oxidizers and acids, use corrosion-resistant materials, keep out of direct sunlight and away from incompatible materials, post safety signage in storage area
Incompatibilities: Avoid storage near alkalis, aluminum, oxidizers, amines, and strong bases
Other Precautions: Store at temperatures below 30°C, monitor storage area regularly for leaks or buildup of vapors

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL: 1 ppm (4 mg/m3), ACGIH TLV: 10 ppm (40 mg/m3) TWA
Engineering Controls: Provide local exhaust and general ventilation, use explosion-proof electrical and lighting equipment, provide eye-wash and safety shower, monitor atmosphere regularly
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene), sealed safety goggles, face shield, flame-retardant and chemical-resistant clothing, boots, respiratory protection with organic vapor cartridge if exposure limits exceeded
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands, forearms and face thoroughly after handling, change contaminated clothing, maintain good housekeeping and cleanliness

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
Odor: Sweet, chloroform-like
Odor Threshold: 6–10 ppm
Melting Point: -35°C
Boiling Point: 83.5°C
Vapor Pressure: 78 mmHg at 25°C
Vapor Density: 3.42 (air=1)
Density: 1.25 g/cm³ at 20°C
Solubility: 8.7 g/L in water at 25°C, miscible with organic solvents
pH: Not applicable (neutral in solution)
Viscosity: 0.86 cP at 20°C
Evaporation Rate: 7.2 (n-butyl acetate=1)
Partition Coefficient: log Kow 1.48

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under standard handling and storage conditions
Hazardous Reactions: Reacts with strong bases, strong oxidizers, aluminum, and potassium to generate heat and pressure
Decomposition Products: Hydrogen chloride, carbon monoxide, phosgene, chlorine gases
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, sparks, open flames, incompatible materials, direct sunlight
Polymerization: Not expected to occur under normal conditions

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): 680 mg/kg, Inhalation LC50 (rat, 4h): 4,000 ppm
Chronic Effects: Repeated exposure may damage liver, kidneys and central nervous system
Irritation: Causes skin and eye irritation, respiratory tract irritation
Carcinogenicity: Classified by IARC as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic in humans), NTP reasonably anticipated human carcinogen
Reproductive Toxicity: Some evidence of reproductive harm in animal studies
Symptoms of Overexposure: Drowsiness, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, tremors, confusion, loss of consciousness at high concentrations

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Toxic to aquatic life, LC50 (96h, fish): 136 mg/L
Persistence and Degradability: Moderately persistent; biodegradation in water is slow, high volatility increases atmospheric degradation
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low to moderate (log Kow 1.48), likely to volatilize from water or soil surfaces
Mobility in Soil: Moves through soil, potential to contaminate groundwater
Other Adverse Effects: Contributes to ozone formation in atmosphere; can be found in contaminated sites for decades

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose of as hazardous waste in accordance with local, state and federal regulations, incinerate in facilities with scrubbers to manage toxic gases
Container Handling: Triple rinse and puncture empty containers before final disposal, do not reuse, avoid release to environment
Precautions: Notify authorities if spill or uncontrolled release threatens water or soil, do not mix with household waste, consult with licensed hazardous waste contractor

Transport Information

UN Number: UN1184
Proper Shipping Name: Ethylene Dichloride
Transport Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable Liquid)
Packing Group: II
Labels: Flammable Liquid, Toxic
Transport Precautions: Secure upright containers, protect from physical damage and extreme temperatures, comply with all local, regional and international transportation regulations
Emergency Guidelines: Notify carrier and emergency response in cases of leakage or accident, use appropriate equipment for chemical emergencies during transport

Regulatory Information

TSCA (US): Listed
SARA 313: Subject to reporting
CERCLA Reportable Quantity: 100 pounds (45.4 kg)
RCRA: U077 hazardous waste code
OSHA: Regulated hazardous chemical
California Proposition 65: Listed as carcinogen
WHMIS (Canada): D1B (Toxic Material), D2A (Very Toxic Material), B2 (Flammable Liquid)
EU Regulation: EC No 1272/2008 (CLP): Carcinogen Category 2, Flammable Liquid Category 3
Other Local Regulations: Storage, usage and emissions restrictions may apply; consult local guidelines and fire codes