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TRICHLOROETHYLENE
ICSC: 0081
Peer-Review Status: 10.04.2000 Validated
1,1,2-Trichloroethylene
Trichloroethene
Ethylene trichloride
Acetylene trichloride 
CAS #: 79-01-6 RTECS #: KX4550000
UN #: 1710
EC #: 602-027-00-9
EINECS #: 201-167-4
    Formula: C2HCl3 / ClCH=CCl2
Molecular mass: 131.4

TYPES OF
HAZARD /
EXPOSURE
ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS      PREVENTION      FIRST AID / FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Combustible under specific conditions. See Notes.    In case of fire in the surroundings, use appropriate extinguishing media. 
EXPLOSION   Prevent build-up of electrostatic charges (e.g., by grounding).  In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water. 
 
EXPOSURE   PREVENT GENERATION OF MISTS! STRICT HYGIENE!   
Inhalation Dizziness. Drowsiness. Headache. Weakness. Nausea. Unconciousness.  Use ventilation, local exhaust or breathing protection.  Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention. 
Skin Dry skin. Redness.  Protective gloves.  Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap. 
Eyes Redness. Pain.  Wear safety spectacles or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.  First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention. 
Ingestion Abdominal pain. Further see Inhalation.  Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.  Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Give one or two glasses of water to drink. Rest. 

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL
PACKAGING & LABELLING
Personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and vapours adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Ventilation. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. 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.  Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
Marine pollutant. 
EC Classification
Symbol: T; R: 45-36/38-52/53-67; S: 53-45-61 
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 6.1; UN Pack Group: III 
GHS Classification
 

EMERGENCY RESPONSE SAFE STORAGE
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-61S1710.
NFPA Code: H2; F1; R0. 
Separated from metals, strong bases and food and feedstuffs. See Chemical Dangers. Dry. Keep in the dark. Ventilation along the floor. 

IMPORTANT DATA
Physical State; Appearance
COLOURLESS LIQUID WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR. 

Physical dangers
The vapour is heavier than air. As a result of flow, agitation, etc., electrostatic charges can be generated. 

Chemical dangers
Decomposes on contact with hot surfaces or flames. This produces toxic and corrosive fumes of of phosgene and hydrogen chloride. Decomposes on contact with strong alkali. This produces dichloroacetylene. This increases fire hazard. Reacts violently with metal powders such as magnesium, aluminium, titanium and barium. Slowly decomposed by light in the presence of moisture. This produces corrosive hydrochloric acid. 

Occupational exposure limits
TLV: 50 ppm as TWA; 100 ppm as STEL; A5 (not suspected as a human carcinogen); BEI issued; (ACGIH 2004).
MAK: Carcinogen category: 1; Germ cell mutagen group: 3B; Skin absorption (H); (DFG 2007). 

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

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

Effects of short-term exposure
The substance is irritating to the eyes and skin. If this liquid is swallowed, aspiration into the lungs may result in chemical pneumonitis. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system. This may result in respiratory failure. Exposure could cause lowering of consciousness. 

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis. The substance may have effects on the central nervous system. This may result in loss of memory. The substance may have effects on the liver and kidneys. See Notes. This substance is probably carcinogenic to humans. 


PHYSICAL PROPERTIES ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
Boiling point: 87°C
Melting point: -73°C
Relative density (water = 1): 1.5
Solubility in water, g/100ml at 20°C: 0.1
Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 7.8
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 4.5
Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.3
Auto-ignition temperature: 410°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 8-10.5
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 2.42
Electrical conductivity: 800 pS/m  
The substance is harmful to aquatic organisms. The substance may cause long-term effects in the aquatic environment. 

NOTES
Combustible vapour/air mixtures difficult to ignite, may be developed under certain conditions.
Use of alcoholic beverages enhances the harmful effect.
Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is suggested.
The odour warning when the exposure limit value is exceeded is insufficient.
Do NOT use in the vicinity of a fire or a hot surface, or during welding.
An added stabilizer or inhibitor can influence the toxicological properties of this substance, consult an expert.
Card has been partly updated in October 2004.
See sections Occupational Exposure Limits, EU classification, Emergency Response. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 

IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety
WHO ILO EC Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the European Commission
© IPCS 2004-2012
LEGAL NOTICE Neither the EC nor the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the EC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information.
    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations
       Trichloroethylene (EHC 50, 1985)
       Trichloroethylene (WHO Food Additives Series 10)
       TRICHLOROETHYLENE (JECFA Evaluation)
       Trichloroethylene (FAO/PL:1968/M/9/1)
       Trichloroethylene (IARC Summary & Evaluation, Volume 63, 1995)