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DICHLOROACETIC ACID
ICSC: 0868
Peer-Review Status: 10.04.2000 Validated
Bichloroacetic acid
Dichlorethanoic acid
DCA
2,2-Dichloroacetic acid 
CAS #: 79-43-6 RTECS #: AG6125000
UN #: 1764
EC #: 607-066-00-5
EINECS #: 201-207-0
 		    Formula: C2H2Cl2O2 / CHCl2COOH
Molecular mass: 128.9

TYPES OF
HAZARD /
EXPOSURE 		ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS      PREVENTION      FIRST AID / FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Not combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.    In case of fire in the surroundings, use appropriate extinguishing media. 
EXPLOSION      
 
EXPOSURE   AVOID ALL CONTACT!  IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR! 
Inhalation Burning sensation. Sore throat. Cough. Laboured breathing. Shortness of breath. Symptoms may be delayed. See Notes.  Use ventilation, local exhaust or breathing protection.  Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Refer for medical attention. 
Skin Redness. Pain. Blisters. Serious skin burns.  Protective gloves. Protective clothing.  Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention . 
Eyes Redness. Pain. Severe deep burns.  Wear face shield 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. Burning sensation. Shock or collapse.  Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.  Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer for medical attention . 

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL
 		PACKAGING & LABELLING
Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Cautiously neutralize remainder. Then wash away with plenty of water.  Unbreakable packaging.
Put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container.
Do not transport with food and feedstuffs. 
EC Classification
Symbol: C, N; R: 35-50; S: (1/2)-26-45-61 
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 8; UN Pack Group: II 
GHS Classification
 

EMERGENCY RESPONSE SAFE STORAGE
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-80GC3-II+III.  Separated from metals, combustible substances, reducing agents, strong oxidants, strong bases and food and feedstuffs. Well closed. Ventilation along the floor. 

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

Physical dangers
 

Chemical dangers
Decomposes on heating. This produces toxic and corrosive fumes including hydrogen chloride. The substance is a strong acid. It reacts violently with bases and is corrosive. Attacks many metals. This produces flammable/explosive gas (hydrogen - see ICSC 0001). 

Occupational exposure limits
TLV: 0.5ppm as TWA; (skin); A3 (confirmed animal carcinogen with unknown relevance to humans); (ACGIH 2005). 

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

Inhalation risk
No indication can be given about the rate at which a harmful concentration of this substance in the air is reached on evaporation at 20°C. 

Effects of short-term exposure
Corrosive. The substance is corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion. Inhalation of the vapour may cause lung oedema. See Notes. Exposure could cause death. Medical observation is indicated. 

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
 


PHYSICAL PROPERTIES ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
Boiling point: 194°C
Melting point: 13.5°C
Relative density (water = 1): 1.56
Solubility in water: miscible
Vapour pressure, Pa at 20°C: 19
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 4.4
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 0.92   		The substance is harmful to aquatic organisms. 

NOTES
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 a person authorized by him/her, should be considered.
NEVER pour water into this substance; when dissolving or diluting always add it slowly to the water.
Card has been partly updated in October 2005.
See sections Occupational Exposure Limits, 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
       Dichloroacetic Acid (IARC Summary & Evaluation, Volume 63, 1995)
       Dichloroacetic acid (IARC Summary & Evaluation, Volume 84, 2004)