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ETHYLENE
(cylinder) 		ICSC: 0475
Peer-Review Status: 25.03.1996 Validated
Ethene 
CAS #: 74-85-1 RTECS #: KU5340000
UN #: 1962
EC #: 601-010-00-3
EINECS #: 200-815-3
 		    Formula: C2H4 / CH2=CH2
Molecular mass: 28.0

TYPES OF
HAZARD /
EXPOSURE 		ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS      PREVENTION      FIRST AID / FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Extremely flammable.  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 water spray. 
EXPLOSION Gas/air mixtures are explosive.  Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Prevent build-up of electrostatic charges (e.g., by grounding). Use non-sparking handtools.  In case of fire: keep cylinder cool by spraying with water. Combat fire from a sheltered position. 
 
EXPOSURE      
Inhalation Drowsiness. Unconciousness.  Use ventilation.  Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention. 
Skin      
Eyes      
Ingestion      

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL
 		PACKAGING & LABELLING
Evacuate danger area! Ventilation. Remove all ignition sources. Turn off gas at source if possible. Personal protection: chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus.   
EC Classification
Symbol: F+; R: 12-67; S: (2)-9-16-33-46 
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 2.1 
GHS Classification
 

EMERGENCY RESPONSE SAFE STORAGE
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-20S1962.
NFPA Code: H1; F4; R2.  		Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants. 

IMPORTANT DATA
Physical State; Appearance
COLOURLESS COMPRESSED GAS WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR. 

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

Chemical dangers
The substance may polymerize to form aromatic compounds under the influence of temperatures above 600°C. Reacts with strong oxidants. This generates fire and explosion hazard. 

Occupational exposure limits
TLV: 200ppm as TWA; A4 (not classifiable as a human carcinogen); (ACGIH 2005).
MAK: Carcinogen category: 3B; (DFG 2005). 

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

Inhalation risk
On loss of containment this substance can cause suffocation by lowering the oxygen content of the air in confined areas. 

Effects of short-term exposure
Exposure could cause lowering of consciousness. 

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
 


PHYSICAL PROPERTIES ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
Boiling point: -104°C
Melting point: -169.2°C
Solubility in water: none
Vapour pressure, kPa at 15°C: 8100
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 0.98
Flash point: Flammable gas
Auto-ignition temperature: 490°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 2.7-36.0  		 

NOTES
High concentrations in the air cause a deficiency of oxygen with the risk of unconsciousness or death.
Check oxygen content before entering area.
Card has been partly updated in October 2004 and 2005.
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
       Ethylene  (SIDS)
       Ethylene (IARC Summary & Evaluation, Volume 60, 1994)