VINYL CHLORIDE (ICSC)

VINYL CHLORIDE	ICSC: 0082

Date of Peer Review: April 2000

Chloroethene
Chloroethylene
VCM
(cylinder)

CAS #

75-01-4

C₂H₃Cl / H₂C=CHCl

RTECS #

KU9625000

Molecular mass: 62.5

UN #

1086 (stabilized)

EC #

602-023-00-7

TYPES OF HAZARD / EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID / FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE	Extremely flammable. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.	NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking.	Shut off supply; if not possible and no risk to surroundings, let the fire burn itself out; in other cases extinguish with powder, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION	Gas/air mixtures are explosive.	Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Use non-sparking handtools.	In case of fire: keep cylinder cool by spraying with water. Combat fire from a sheltered position.

EXPOSURE		AVOID ALL CONTACT!	IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
Inhalation	Dizziness. Drowsiness. Headache. Unconsciousness.	Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.
Skin	ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID: FROSTBITE.	Protective gloves. Cold-insulating gloves. Protective clothing.	ON FROSTBITE: rinse with plenty of water, do NOT remove clothes.
Eyes	Redness. Pain.	Safety goggles or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.	First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
Ingestion		Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Ventilation. Remove all ignition sources. Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus.

EU Classification
Symbol: F+, T
R: 45-12
S: 53-45
Note: [D]
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 2.1

EMERGENCY RESPONSE

STORAGE

Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-20S1086
NFPA Code: H 2; F 4; R 2;

Fireproof. Separated from incompatible materials. (See Chemical Dangers.) Cool. Store only if stabilized.

IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS, CEC 1999

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

VINYL CHLORIDE

ICSC: 0082

IMPORTANT DATA

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS COMPRESSED LIQUEFIED GAS, WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
The gas is heavier than air, and may travel along the ground; distant ignition possible. Vinyl chloride monomer vapours are uninhibited and may form polymers in vents or flame arresters of storage tanks, resulting in blockage of vents.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance can under specific circumstances form peroxides, initiating explosive polymerization. The substance will polymerize readily due to heating and under the influence of air, light and on contact with a catalyst, strong oxidizing agents and metals such as copper and aluminium, with fire or explosion hazard. The substance decomposes on burning producing toxic and corrosive fumes (hydrogen chloride, phosgene). Attacks iron and steel in the presence of moisture.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: 1 ppm as TWA; A1 (confirmed human carcinogen); (ACGIH 2004).
MAK: Carcinogen category: 1; (DFG 2004).

ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation.

INHALATION RISK:
A harmful concentration of this gas in the air will be reached very quickly on loss of containment.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance is irritating to the eyes. The liquid may cause frostbite. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system. Exposure could cause lowering of consciousness. Medical observation is indicated.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
The substance may have effects on the liver, spleen, blood and peripheral blood vessels, and tissue and bones of the fingers. This substance is carcinogenic to humans.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Boiling point: -13°C
Melting point: -154°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.9 (liquid)
Density: 8 (vapour) at 15°C g/l
Solubility in water: none
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 2.2

Flash point: -78°C c.c.
Auto-ignition temperature: 472°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 3.6-33
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 0.6

ENVIRONMENTAL DATA

This substance may be hazardous to the environment; special attention should be given to ground water contamination.

NOTES

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 April 2005. See section Occupational Exposure Limits.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

LEGAL NOTICE

Neither the CEC nor the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information

    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations
       Vinyl Chloride (EHC 215, 1999)
       Vinyl Chloride (HSG 109, 1999)
       Vinyl chloride (WHO Food Additives Series 19)
       VINYL CHLORIDE (JECFA Evaluation)
       Vinyl chloride (PIM 558)
       Vinyl chloride (SIDS)
       Vinyl Chloride  (IARC Summary & Evaluation, Supplement7, 1987)
       Vinyl Chloride (IARC Summary & Evaluation, Volume 7, 1974)