IPCS INCHEM Home
EPICHLOROHYDRINICSC: 0043 (June 2015)
1-Chloro-2,3-epoxypropane
gamma-Chloropropylene oxide
2-(Chloromethyl)oxirane
CAS #: 106-89-8
UN #: 2023
EC Number: 203-439-8

  ACUTE HAZARDS PREVENTION FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE & EXPLOSION Flammable. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.  Above 31°C explosive vapour/air mixtures may be formed.  NO open flames, NO sparks and NO smoking.  Above 31°C use a closed system, ventilation and explosion-proof electrical equipment.  Use water spray, powder, foam, carbon dioxide.  In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water. 

 AVOID ALL CONTACT! IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR! 
  SYMPTOMS PREVENTION FIRST AID
Inhalation Cough. Sore throat. Burning sensation. Headache. Laboured breathing. Nausea. Shortness of breath. Vomiting. Tremor. Symptoms may be delayed. See Notes.  Use ventilation, local exhaust or breathing protection.  Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer immediately for medical attention. 
Skin MAY BE ABSORBED! Redness. Pain. Burning sensation. Blisters. Serious skin burns.  Protective gloves. Protective clothing.  Wear protective gloves when administering first aid. First rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, then remove contaminated clothes and rinse again. Put clothes in sealable container. Refer immediately for medical attention. 
Eyes Pain. Redness. Loss of vision. Severe deep burns.  Wear face shield or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.  Rinse with plenty of water (remove contact lenses if easily possible). Refer immediately for medical attention. 
Ingestion Sore throat. Burns in mouth and throat. Headache. Nausea. Vomiting. Diarrhoea. Shock or collapse.  Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.  Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer immediately for medical attention. 

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL CLASSIFICATION & LABELLING
Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Personal protection: chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Do NOT wash away into sewer. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations. 

According to UN GHS Criteria

flam;flameskull;toxiccorrcancer;health haz
DANGER
Flammable liquid and vapour
Toxic if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled
Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
May cause an allergic skin reaction
May cause genetic defects
May cause cancer 

Transportation
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 6.1; UN Subsidiary Risks: 3; UN Pack Group: II 

STORAGE
Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants, acids, bases, aluminium, zinc, amines and food and feedstuffs. Well closed. 
PACKAGING
Unbreakable packaging.
Put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container.
Do not transport with food and feedstuffs. 
EPICHLOROHYDRIN ICSC: 0043
PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION

Physical State; Appearance
COLOURLESS LIQUID WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR. 

Physical dangers
 

Chemical dangers
The substance polymerizes due to heating or under the influence of strong acids and bases. On combustion, forms toxic and corrosive fumes of hydrogen chloride (see ICSC 0163) and chlorine (see ICSC 0126). Reacts violently with strong oxidants. Reacts violently with aluminium, zinc, alcohols, phenols, amines (especially aniline) and organic acids. This generates fire and explosion hazard. Attacks steel in the presence of water. 

Formula: C3H5ClO
Molecular mass: 92.5
Boiling point: 116°C
Melting point: -48°C
Relative density (water = 1): 1.2
Solubility in water, g/100ml at 20°C: 6
Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 1.6
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 3.2
Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.05
Flash point: 31°C c.c.
Auto-ignition temperature: 385°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 3.8-21
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 0.26  


EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS

Routes of exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, through the skin and by ingestion. 

Effects of short-term exposure
The substance is corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion. Inhalation of the vapour may cause lung oedema. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated. See Notes. Inhalation of the vapour may cause asthma-like reactions. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system, kidneys and liver. This may result in convulsions, kidney impairment and liver impairment. Exposure at high levels could cause death. 

Inhalation risk
A harmful contamination of the air can be reached very quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C. 

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
Repeated or prolonged contact may cause skin sensitization. The substance may have effects on the kidneys, liver and lungs. This may result in impaired functions. May cause heritable genetic damage to human germ cells. This substance is probably carcinogenic to humans. 


OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS
TLV: 0.5 ppm as TWA; (skin); A3 (confirmed animal carcinogen with unknown relevance to humans).
MAK: skin absorption (H); sensitization of skin (SH); carcinogen category: 2; germ cell mutagen group: 3B.
EU-OEL: 1.9 mg/m3 as TWA; (skin) 

ENVIRONMENT
The substance is harmful to aquatic organisms. 

NOTES
Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is suggested.
The symptoms of lung oedema often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation are therefore essential.
Immediate administration of an appropriate inhalation therapy by a doctor, or by an authorized person, should be considered.
The odour warning when the exposure limit value is exceeded is insufficient.
Do NOT take working clothes home. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
  EC Classification
Symbol: T; R: 45-10-23/24/25-34-43; S: 53-45; Note: E 

All rights reserved. The published material is being distributed without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. Neither ILO nor WHO nor the European Commission shall be responsible for the interpretation and use of the information contained in this material.


    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations
       Epichlorohydrin (EHC 33, 1984)
       Epichlorohydrin (HSG 8, 1987)
       Epichlorohydrin (IARC Summary & Evaluation, Volume 71, 1999)