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PROPYLENE OXIDE ICSC: 0192
Date of Peer Review: March 1995

 1,2-Epoxypropane
Methyloxirane
Methyl ethylene oxide
Propene oxide
CAS # 75-56-9 CH3CHCH2O / C3H6O
RTECS # TZ2975000 Molecular mass: 58.1
UN # 1280
EC Index # 603-055-00-4
TYPES OF HAZARD / EXPOSURE ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS PREVENTION FIRST AID / FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Extremely flammable. Heating will cause rise in pressure with risk of bursting.
NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking.
Powder, alcohol-resistant foam, water spray, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION Vapour/air mixtures are explosive.
Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Do NOT use compressed air for filling, discharging, or handling. Use non-sparking handtools.
In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water. Combat fire from a sheltered position.
EXPOSURE
STRICT HYGIENE!

Inhalation Cough. Sore throat.
Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.
Fresh air, rest.
Skin Redness.
Protective gloves. Protective clothing.
Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower.
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. Wash hands before eating.
Rinse mouth. Give plenty of water to drink. Refer for medical attention.
SPILLAGE DISPOSAL PACKAGING & LABELLING
Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Collect leaking liquid in sealable containers. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent and remove to safe place. Do NOT wash away into sewer. Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus.
Unbreakable packaging; put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container.
EU Classification
Symbol: F+, T
R: 45-46-12-20/21/22-36/37/38
S: 53-45
Note: [E]
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 3
UN Pack Group: I
EMERGENCY RESPONSE STORAGE
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-30S1280 or 30GF1-I+II
NFPA Code: H2; F4; R2
Fireproof. Separated from acids, bases, oxidants. Cool.
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 2005

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK
PROPYLENE OXIDE ICSC: 0192
IMPORTANT DATA
PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
VERY VOLATILE COLOURLESS LIQUID, WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
The vapour is heavier than air and may travel along the ground; distant ignition possible.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance may polymerize violently under the influence of bases, acids and metal chlorides with fire or explosion hazard. Reacts violently with chlorine, ammonia, strong oxidants, acids causing fire and explosion hazard.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: 2 ppm as TWA; A3 (confirmed animal carcinogen with unknown relevance to humans); SEN; (ACGIH 2004).
MAK: skin absorption (H); Carcinogen category: 2; (DFG 2004).
 		ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, through the skin and by ingestion.

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

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance is irritating to the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
Repeated or prolonged contact may cause skin sensitization. This substance is possibly carcinogenic to humans.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Boiling point: 34°C
Melting point: -104°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.8
Solubility in water, g/100 ml at 20°C: 40.5
Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 59
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 2.0
 		Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.6
Flash point: -37°C c.c.
Auto-ignition temperature: 449°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 2-38.5
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 0.03
ENVIRONMENTAL DATA

NOTES
No odour warning if toxic concentrations are present. Card has been partly updated in October 2005. See sections Occupational Exposure Limits, EU classification, Emergency Response.
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
© IPCS, CEC 2005 



    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations
       Propylene oxide (EHC 56, 1985)
       Propylene oxide (HSG 15, 1988)
       PROPYLENE OXIDE (JECFA Evaluation)
       Propylene Oxide (IARC Summary & Evaluation, Volume 60, 1994)