IPCS INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMME ON CHEMICAL SAFETY
Health and Safety Guide No. 35
PHOSPHORUS TRICHLORIDE AND PHOSPHORUS OXYCHLORIDE
HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE
UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME
INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION
WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION
WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, GENEVA 1989
Please note that there is no Environmental Health Criteria document
for this Health and Safety Guide.
Published by the World Health Organization for the International
Programme on Chemical Safety (a collaborative programme of the United
Nations Environment Programme, the International Labour Organisation,
and the World Health Organization)
ISBN 92 4 154356 6
ISSN 0259-7268
(c) World Health Organization 1989
Publications of the World Health Organization enjoy copyright
protection in accordance with the provisions of Protocol 2 of the
Universal Copyright Convention. For rights of reproduction or
translation of WHO publications, in part or in toto, application
should be made to the Office of Publications, World Health
Organization, Geneva, Switzerland. The World Health Organization
welcomes such applications.
The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this
publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on
the part of the Secretariat of the World Health Organization
concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city, or area
or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers
or boundaries.
The mention of specific companies or of certain manufacturers'
products does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by the
World Health Organization in preference to others of a similar nature
that are not mentioned. Errors and omissions excepted, the names of
proprietary products are distinguished by initial capital letters.
This report contains the collective views of an international group of
experts and does not necessarily represent the decisions or the stated
policy of the United Nations Environment Programme, the International
Labour Organisation, or the World Health Organization.
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
1. PRODUCT IDENTITY AND USES
1.1. Identity
1.2. Physical and chemical properties
1.2.1. Phosphorus trichloride
1.2.2. Phosphorus oxychloride
1.3. Analytical methods
1.4. Production and uses
2. SUMMARY AND EVALUATION
2.1. Exposure to phosphorus trichloride and phosphorus
oxychloride
2.2. Fate of phosphorus trichloride and phosphorus oxychloride
2.3. Uptake, metabolism, and excretion
2.4. Effects on organisms in the environment
2.5. Effects on animals and human beings
3. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
3.1. Conclusions
3.2. Recommendations
4. HUMAN HEALTH HAZARDS, PREVENTION AND PROTECTION, EMERGENCY ACTION
4.1. Human health hazards, prevention and protection, first aid
4.1.1. Prevention and protection
4.1.2. First aid
4.2. Advice to physicians
4.3. Health surveillance advice
4.4. Explosions and fire hazards
4.5. Storage
4.6. Transport
4.7. Spillage and disposal
4.7.1. Spillage
4.7.2. Disposal
5. HAZARDS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND THEIR PREVENTION
6. INTERNATIONAL CHEMICAL SAFETY CARD
7. CURRENT REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND STANDARDS
7.1. Exposure limit values
7.2. Specific restrictions
7.3. Labelling, packaging, and transport
BIBLIOGRAPHY
INTRODUCTION
The Environmental Health Criteria (EHC) documents produced by the
International Programme on Chemical Safety include an assessment of
the effects on the environment and human health from exposure to a
chemical or combinations of chemicals, or to physical or biological
agents. They also provide guidelines for setting exposure limits.
The purpose of a Health and Safety Guide is to facilitate the
application of these guidelines in national chemical safety
programmes. The first three sections of a Health and Safety Guide
highlight the relevant technical information in the corresponding EHC.
Section 4 includes advice on preventive and protective measures and
emergency action; health workers should be thoroughly familiar with
the medical information to ensure that they can act efficiently in an
emergency. Within the Guide is an International Chemical Safety Card
which should be readily available, and should be clearly explained, to
all who could come into contact with the chemical. The section on
regulatory information has been extracted from the legal file of the
International Register of Potentially Toxic Chemicals (IRPTC) and from
other United Nations sources.
The target readership includes those in the occupational health
services, ministries, governmental agencies, industry, and trade
unions, who are involved in the safe use of chemicals and the
prevention of environmental health hazards, and those workers wanting
more information on this topic. An attempt has been made to use only
terms that are familiar to the user. However, sections 1 and 2
inevitably contain some technical terms. A bibliography has been
included for readers who would like to have further background
information.
Revision of the information in this Guide will take place in due
course, and the eventual aim is to use standardized terminology.
Comments on any difficulties encountered in using the Guide would be
very helpful and should be addressed to:
The Manager
International Programme on Chemical Safety
Division of Environmental Health
World Health Organization
1211 Geneva 27
Switzerland
THE INFORMATION IN THIS GUIDE SHOULD BE CONSIDERED AS A STARTING POINT
TO A COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH AND SAFETY PROGRAMME
1. PRODUCT IDENTITY AND USES
1.1 Identity
Phosphorus Phosphorus
Trichloride Oxychloride
Chemical formula: PCl3 POCl3
Chemical structure: Cl Cl
' '
Cl - P Cl - P = O
' '
Cl Cl
Common synonyms: Phosphorus chloride; Phosphorus
phosphorous chloride; oxytrichloride
trichlorophosphine
Abbreviation: Tri; "Pickle" Oxy; "Pockle"
CAS registry number: 7719-12-2 10025-87-3
RTECS number: TH3675000 TH4897000
UN number: 1809 1810 (II)
Conversion factor: 1 ppm = 5.62 mg/m3 1 ppm = 6.27 mg/m3
and and
1 mg/m3= 0.178 ppm 1 mg/m3= 0.159 ppm
[at 25 °C [at 25 °C
and 101.3 kPa and 101.3 kPa
(760 mmHg, 1 bar)] (760 mmHg, 1 bar)]
1.2 Physical and Chemical Properties
1.2.1 Phosphorus trichloride
Phosphorus trichloride is a colourless or light-yellow volatile liquid
at room temperature and normal atmospheric pressure. It has a pungent
odour that can be detected at about 0.5 mg/m3. The liquid reacts
violently with water producing heat and decomposition products that
include hydrochloric and phosphorous acids. It reacts exothermically
with alcohols and phenols to produce phosphite esters and hydrogen
chloride. The vapour reacts with water vapour in the air producing
visible fumes of hydrogen chloride (HCl) and phosphorous acid or
phosphorus oxides and oxyacids (all of which are simple irritants).
Impurities that may be present in small amounts (<0.1%) include the
arsenic and bromine analogues of phosphorus trichloride. The presence
of these impurities and the hydrolysis products does not change the
overall toxicity of technical phosphorus trichloride.
1.2.2 Phosphorus oxychloride
Phosphorus oxychloride is a colourless volatile liquid at room
temperature and normal atmospheric pressure. It has a pungent odour
that can be detected at about 0.5 mg/m3. The liquid reacts
violently with water producing heat and decomposition products that
include hydrochloric and phosphoric acids. It reacts exothermically
with alcohols and phenols to produce phosphate esters and hydrogen
chloride. The vapour reacts with water in the air to produce visible
fumes of hydrogen chloride (HCl) and phosphoric acid or its anhydride
(H3PO4 or P4O10, which are simple irritants). Impurities that
may be present in small amounts (<0.1%) include: phosphorus
trichloride, phosphorus pentachloride, phosphoric anhydride, and the
arsenic and bromine analogues of phosphorus oxychloride. The presence
of these impurities and the hydrolysis products does not change the
overall toxicity of technical phosphorus oxychloride.
Some physical and chemical properties of phosphorus trichloride and
phosphorus oxychloride are given in the International Chemical Safety
Card (section 6).
1.3 Analytical methods
It is difficult to measure phosphorus trichloride and phosphorus
oxychloride levels in the air because of their reactivity with
atmospheric moisture. Existing analytical methods do not distinguish
between phosphorus trichloride or phosphorus oxychloride and their
hydrolysis products (see section 1.2).
In ambient air, phosphorus trichloride and phosphorus oxychloride are
absorbed onto silica gel that will also absorb any hydrolysis
products. The gel is then desorbed and the resulting chloride,
phosphite, and phosphate ions are identified and quantified by ion
chromatography.
Alternatively, air can be bubbled through a liquid impinger containing
distilled water. Aliquots of the water are analysed for phosphate
(e.g., sodium molybdate/heteropoly blue complex) with and without
prior oxidation by bromine water. The difference represents phosphite,
which, when multiplied by 2.8, gives the equivalent amount of
phosphorus trichloride.
1.4 Production and Uses
Both phosphorus trichloride and phosphorus oxychloride are
large-volume chemicals produced and used worldwide.
Phosphorus trichloride is produced by reacting yellow phosphorus
with chlorine. It is used as an intermediate in the manufacture of
phosphite esters, organophosphorus pesticides, and organophosphines.
It is also used as a chlorinating agent and a chemical intermediate in
the manufacture of phosphorus oxychloride, surfactants, and
stabilizers, and in the production of special metallic deposits.
Phosphorus oxychloride is produced by oxidizing phosphorus
trichloride or by reacting phosphorus pentachloride with phosphorus
pentoxide. It is used in the manufacture of phosphate esters that are
used in plasticizers, hydraulic fluids, pesticides, and flame
retardants, and in the manufacture of several pharmaceuticals. It is
also used as a solvent in cryoscopy.
2. SUMMARY AND EVALUATION
2.1 Exposure to Phosphorus Trichloride and Phosphorus Oxychloride
Exposure to phosphorus trichloride and phosphorus oxychloride occurs
only during their transport and in the workplace. The general
population is exposed only if there is a massive accidental release
or, exceptionally, an intentional discharge into the air. These
substances are not found in the natural environment.
The pattern of exposure in the workplace is usually irregular,
resulting from small leaks that volatilize and hydrolyse rapidly in
the air. Because phosphorus chlorides are transient in the air, they
are difficult to analyse. Thus, accurate estimates of their exposure
levels are difficult to obtain.
The skin, eyes, and respiratory tract can be exposed. However, the
chemicals are so volatile that they react immediately with the tissues
and are not usually absorbed systemically. It is impossible to
distinguish between exposure to phosphorus chlorides and exposure to
their hydrolysis products.
2.2 Fate of Phosphorus Trichloride and Phosphorus Oxychloride
The very small amounts of phosphorus trichlorides and oxychlorides
that actually enter the environment react rapidly with water to form
hydrochloric and phosphorus oxyacids. After deposition, these oxyacids
are neutralized and/or buffered to form chloride (by oxidation of
phosphite) and phosphate salts. The quantities of these chlorides and
phosphate salts are not significant.
2.3 Uptake, Metabolism, and Excretion
Phosphorus trichloride and phosphorus oxychloride react with the water
component of the tissues they first contact. The resulting hydrogen
chloride and phosphorus oxyacid ions, if absorbed, join the body pools
of these ions. Phosphate, chloride, and hydrogen ions are easily
excreted by the kidneys by normal physiological mechanisms.
2.4 Effects on Organisms in the Environment
Phosphorus trichloride and phosphorus oxychloride hydrolyse by
reacting 3 moles of water per mole and yielding 6 moles of hydrogen
ion per mole. As liquids or in high vapour concentrations, they kill
most animal and plant tissues they contact. However, the dehydrating
and acidifying effects of major releases are transient and local.
2.5 Effects on Animals and Human Beings
Because of the corrosiveness of both phosphorus trichloride and
phosphorus oxychloride, many types of toxicological tests cannot
be done. For phosphorus trichloride, a 4-h LC50 in rats was
584 mg/m3, and an oral LD50 was 550 mg/kg body weight; a 4-h LC50 in
guinea-pigs was 281 mg/m3. For phosphorus oxychloride, 4-h LC50
values were 301 mg/m3 in rats and 332 mg/m3 in guinea-pigs. The
LC50 values should be interpreted with caution because of the
difficulty in measuring administered concentrations.
Because of the predominance of local effects of little clinical
interest, few cases have been reported although the effects on human
beings are well known. Contact with the skin can cause severe
chemical burns with extensive blistering but no charring. If liquids
enter the eyes, severe corrosive injury can occur.
Depending on their concentration, the vapours can be irritating or
corrosive, but they may be less irritating than their hydrolysis
products. However, exposure to the vapours can cause necrosis of the
tissues of the respiratory tract. The vapours can be deeply inhaled
and may reach the lower airways where they hydrolyse to produce
hydrogen chloride and phosphorous or phosphoric acid.
Irritation of the airways causes swelling and bronchospasm resulting
in tightness of the chest, wheezing, and difficulty in breathing.
Reactive secretion of mucus causes a cough with sputum and possible
bronchial obstruction and local lung collapse.
Severe irritation to the alveolar membrane can cause exudative
pulmonary oedema with restricted gaseous diffusion and hypoxia, frothy
blood-tinged sputum, and possible healing by scarring that leaves a
permanent restrictive defect.
Permanent or delayed effects, other than scarring at the site of
contact (including corneal opacity and pulmonary fibrosis) are
unlikely. Repeated exposure to levels that are not high enough to
cause severe immediate symptoms may cause progressive impairment of
lung function.
Severe acute overexposure to either compound can rapidly lead to
death.
3. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
3.1 Conclusions
Phosphorus trichloride and phosphorus oxychloride are highly reactive
and hazardous corrosive chemicals. Intense exposure to their vapours
may leave a residual restrictive defect in the lungs. Repeated minor
overexposures may result in progressive impairment of lung function,
and can be fatal. Apart from spillages that destroy plant and animal
life in the immediate area, the impact of these chemicals on the
environment is negligible.
3.2 Recommendations
Phosphorus trichloride and phosphorus oxychloride should only be used
and handled under the careful supervision of managers who fully
understand the hazards and the good handling and manufacturing
practices necessary to control them. These managers should train
operators, maintenance personnel, and contractors about the hazards
and safety procedures.
4. HUMAN HEALTH HAZARDS, PREVENTION AND PROTECTION, EMERGENCY ACTION
4.1 Human Health Hazards, Prevention and Protection, First Aid
The main human health hazards are the severe irritant and corrosive
effects caused by both the liquids and the vapours of these compounds.
The violence of the reaction of phosphorus trichloride or phosphorus
oxychloride with water, which may be delayed after the first moment of
contact, can cause splashing. Accidents can occur if there is
residual moisture in any of the equipment used for phosphorus
trichloride or phosphorus oxychloride and when water is used to
extinguish fires and control spillages.
4.1.1 Prevention and protection
Phosphorus trichloride and phosphorus oxychloride should be handled in
completely enclosed systems. Warning and information labels should be
placed on pipes and equipment. Impervious clothing and gloves, eye
and face protection, or full-face respiratory protection equipment
should be used during all operations, including sampling, where there
is open exposure. Particular care needs to be taken when pumps,
pipes, and other equipment used to transfer the liquids are serviced
or dismantled. Drums and other containers that hold the liquids must
be completely dry. Before opening the drums, ensure that there is no
water on top.
4.1.2 First Aid
The human health hazards, preventive and protective measures, and
first-aid recommendations, are given in the International Chemical
Safety Card (section 6).
4.2 Advice to Physicians
No specific antidote is known. Eyes and skin burns should be washed
with freshly drawn potable water, or with sterile 1% sodium
bicarbonate solution, if available, and treated conventionally.
Patients with severe, extensive burns need fluid replacement.
Metabolic acidosis should be treated in a burns unit, and eye injuries
should be examined by an ophthalmologist as soon as possible.
Even after a minor exposure to vapours, the patient should be admitted
to hospital for 24- to 48-h observation, and a chest X-ray taken,
because there is a chance that pulmonary oedema may develop.
Bronchodilators may be given with a nebuliser or in metered-dose
aerosol form to reduce bronchospasm and dyspnea. If there are
immediate respiratory symptoms that indicate airway exposure, steroids
may be given to minimize chemical pneumonitis and scarring.
Intravenous methylprednisolone in initial doses up to 30 mg/kg, with
subsequent smaller doses, or steroids in metered-dose aerosol form at
several times the normal maintenance dosage, may be given.
Prophylactic antibiotic therapy is indicated because secondary
bacterial infection of the airways is common.
If pulmonary oedema develops, the patient should remain in a seated
upright position and be given oxygen. High doses of intravenous
methylprednisolone may be more effective than steroids inhaled from
aerosol. Diuretics, morphine, and theophylline derivatives are of
little benefit, because the oedema is an exudate rather than a
transudate due to raised pulmonary capillary pressure. Intermittent
positive pressure ventilation, combined with bronchial cleansing
(bronchial toilet) and suction, are additional treatments that can be
used.
4.3 Health Surveillance Advice
It is difficult to measure phosphorus chlorides in the air. It may be
easier to collect samples of air in water or in an alkaline buffer, so
that phosphorus chlorides will be hydrolysed, and then measure the
total chloride. Phosphorus trichloride, 1 mg/m3, corresponds to
about 0.75 mg/m3 chloride; 1 mg/m3 phosphorus oxychloride
corresponds to about 0.67 mg/m3 chloride. Exposure limits for the
total chloride in air derived in this way for exposure limits for
phosphorus trichloride or phosphorus oxychloride (see the table on
pages 26 to 28) are within the exposure limit of 7 mg/m3 for
hydrogen chloride. These limits are conservative because it was
assumed that all the Cl- was in the form of the phosphorus chloride.
It is advisable that people with pre-existing respiratory disease not
work with respiratory irritants such as phosphorus trichloride and
phosphorus oxychloride.
Wherever workers are exposed, or where exposure levels require that
personal respiratory protection equipment be used, it is advisable to
measure pulmonary function regularly to ensure that there is no
abnormal reduction.
4.4 Explosions and Fire Hazards
Phosphorus trichloride and phosphorus oxychloride do not burn or
explode, but when they come in contact with water, they may splash
over a wide area. The violent reaction of phosphorus trichloride or
phosphorus oxychloride with water may ignite other combustible
materials. When heated to decomposition, they emit toxic fumes.
During fires, containers should be kept cool with water spray BUT ONLY
IF THERE IS NO RISK OF CONTACT BETWEEN THE PRODUCT AND WATER.
In emergency situations, a positive pressure-demand/self-contained
breathing apparatus, with complete chemically resistant clothing,
should be used, and fire-fighters should wear compressed-air breathing
apparatus. For mixed fires, if there is no risk of contact between
the phosphorus trichloride or phosphorus oxychloride and the
fire-fighting medium, the medium can be chosen according to the other
chemicals involved. Otherwise, dry foam or inert gases should be
used.
4.5 Storage
Phosphorus trichloride and phosphorus oxychloride should be stored in
properly sealed and labelled drums, or in suitable bulk containers, in
a cool, dry, well-ventilated place. Drums should be handled carefully
to prevent puncturing. Water should not come in contact with the
material or packaging. Containers (cylinders, carboys) should be made
of steel-jacketed lead and tank-cars should be nickel-lined. Phenol
resins can be used as an additional lining. Carbon steel can be used
for phosphorus trichloride, but not for phosphorus oxychloride.
4.6 Transport
If an accident occurs during road transport, stop the engine and
remain upwind. If a vapour cloud drifts towards an in-habited area,
warn the inhabitants and evacuate the areas close to the spillage, if
this can be done without risking exposure. If not, instruct people to
remain indoors with doors, windows, and ventilators closed.
4.7 Spillage and Disposal
4.7.1 Spillage
Liquid spillage should be handled only by trained personnel wearing
protective clothing and full-face mask/positive-pressure breathing
apparatus. The spillage should be absorbed in dry sand or in an inert
absorbent material and shovelled into sealable polyethylene-lined
containers for disposal.
Vapour drifting towards people can be "knocked-down" with water spray.
Do not wet the spillage itself and never use a water jet on a
spillage. When the absorbent medium has been cleared from the ground,
flush the contaminated area with water until the fumes disappear;
residues may be neutralized with soda ash (sodium carbonate) or lime.
If phosphorus trichloride or phosphorus oxychloride enter a
watercourse or sewer, or contaminate soil or vegetation, warn the
police and public authorities immediately.
4.7.2 Disposal
Spillage should be handled only by an operator wearing full protective
clothing and full-face mask/positive-pressure breathing apparatus.
Absorbed spillage and residues should be buried in an approved
landfill, away from water sources. Small amounts of spillage can be
added at intervals to an open tank of water in the open air at a safe
distance from people. The water should be neutralized with soda ash
(sodium carbonate) or lime before disposal in a drain or sewer.
5. HAZARDS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND THEIR PREVENTION
Phosphorus trichloride and phosphorus oxychloride hydrolyse in water
to form hydrochloric and phosphorous or phosphoric acids. The toxic
effects on organisms in the environment depend on the extent to which
the hydrogen ion is diluted and buffered; organisms die if they come
in contact with undiluted material.
In general, an environmental hazard will occur only in the immediate
area of a spillage or if disposed of improperly. Recovery of soil and
surface waters is rapid and there are no residual effects on the
environment (see section 4.7).
6. INTERNATIONAL CHEMICAL SAFETY CARD
This card should be easily available to all health workers concerned
with, and users of, phosphorus trichloride or phosphorus oxychloride.
It should be displayed at or near entrances to areas where there is
potential exposure to phosphorus trichloride or phosphorus
oxychloride, and on processing equipment and containers. The card
should be translated into the appropriate language(s). All persons
potentially exposed to the chemicals should have the instructions on
the chemical safety card clearly explained.
Space is available on the card for insertion of the National
Occupational Exposure Limit, the address and telephone number of the
National Poison Control Centre, and for local trade names.
PHOSPHORUS TRICHLORIDE PHOSPHORUS OXYCHLORIDE
(Phosphorus chloride, Tri; "Pickle") (Phosphorus oxytrichloride, Oxy; "Pockle")
(PCl3) (POCl3)
(CAS Registry No. 7719-12-2) (CAS Registry No. 10025-87-3)
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OTHER CHARACTERISTICS
Phosphorus Phosphorus
trichloride oxychloride
Relative molecular mass 137.33 153.33 Clear, colourless, strongly fuming liquids,
Melting point (°C) -91 2 with a pungent odour, and a heavy vapour which
Boiling point (°C) 75.5 107.2 reacts with atmospheric water vapour to produce
Water solubility reacts reacts hydrogen chloride that has a relative vapour
Relative density (21 °C) 1.5 1.6 density of about 1.25. The liquids react violently
Relative vapour density 4.77 5.32 with water, sometimes after a quiescent period.
Vapour pressure 13.3 5.3 Both liquids and vapours are corrosive to all
(kPa) (27.3 °C) tissues.
HAZARDS/SYMPTOMS PREVENTION AND PROTECTION FIRST AID
Vapour/fumes
EYES: Lacrimation, severe Use proper containers or efficient Remove from exposure; irrigate eyes
irritation, or corrosion. local exhaust ventilation; otherwise, for at least 15 min with a gentle flow
a full-face mask/compressed-air of freshly drawn potable water or, if
breathing apparatus should be worn. available, sterile sodium bicarbonate
solution or other eye-irrigation fluid;
obtain medical attention.
INHALATION: Severe irritation, Use proper containers or efficient Remove from exposure; if breathing has
tightness of chest, wheezing, local exhaust ventilation; otherwise, stopped, give artificial respiration;
breathing difficulty, cough, a full-face mask/compressed-air maintain airway; keep patient at rest
air-hunger, blue lips. breathing apparatus should be worn. and, if conscious, seated upright;
administer oxygen; obtain medical
attention.
Liquid
SKIN: Severe chemical burns. Use proper containers; do not FIRST AIDERS MUST PROTECT
contaminate with water; wear impervious THEMSELVES from skin contact and
overalls, gauntlets, and head and fumes; remove contaminated clothing
face protection; respiratory and throw clear to a dry place
protection may also be required. downwind; drench the patient in a shower,
keeping away from evolved fumes; clean
affected areas thoroughly; do not burst
blisters; cover with clean wet (water)
dressings; obtain medical attention.
EYES: Severe chemical burns, Use proper containers; do not Remove from exposure; irrigate eyes for
pain, and lacrimation. contaminate with water; wear full head at least 15 min with a gentle flow of
and face protection; respiratory freshly drawn potable water, sterile
protection may also be required. sodium bicarbonate solution, or other
sterile eye-irrigation fluid; obtain
medical attention.
HAZARDS/SYMPTOMS PREVENTION AND PROTECTION FIRST AID
INGESTION: Severe burns to Do not eat, drink, or smoke while Rinse mouth with sodium bicarbonate
mouth, throat, and oesophagus; handling chemicals. solution or water; do not induce
abdominal pain. vomiting; obtain medical attention.
7. CURRENT REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND STANDARDS
The information given in this section has been extracted from the
International Register of Potentially Toxic Chemicals (IRPTC) legal
file.
Regulatory decisions about chemicals taken in a certain country can be
fully understood only in the framework of that country's legislation.
Therefore, they should always be verified with the appropriate
authorities.
There are restrictions, limitations, and safety precautions in some of
the countries where phosphorus trichloride and phosphorus oxychloride
have been registered. They should always be consulted before these
substances are used.
A full reference to the original national document from which the
information was extracted can be obtained from IRPTC. When no
effective date appears in the IRPTC legal file, the year of the
reference from which the data are taken is shown, indicated by (r).
7.1 Exposure Limit Values
Some exposure limit values are given on the following pages.
7.2 Specific Restrictions
In the USA, phosphorus trichloride is classified as a hazardous waste
and as a hazardous pollutant.
The USA also classifies phosphorus oxychloride as a hazardous
substance for water pollution. When used in pesticides, it is exempt
from tolerance requirements in plant and meat products. Kenya permits
its use as a starch-modifying food additive.
7.3 Labelling, Packaging, and Transport
The European Community Legislation requires labelling of phosphorus
trichloride and phosphorus oxychloride as corrosive.
EXPOSURE LIMIT VALUES
Medium Specification Country/ Exposure limit description Value Effective
organization date
Phosphorus Phosphorus
Trichloride Oxychloride
AIR Occupational Australia Threshold limit value (TLV) 1983(r)
- Time-weighted average (TWA) 1.5 mg/m3 -
- Short-term exposure limit (STEL) 3 mg/m3 -
Belgium Threshold limit value (TLV) 1987/
- Time-weighted average (TWA) 1.5 mg/m3 0.6 mg/m3 1984(r)
- Short-term exposure limit (STEL) 3 mg/m3 3 mg/m3
Bulgaria Maximum allowable concentration (MAC) 1987
- Ceiling value 0.2 mg/m3 -
Finland Maximum permissible concentration (MPC) 1982/
- Short-term exposure limit (STEL) 3 mg/m3 3 mg/m3 1985(r)
Germany, Maximum permissible concentration (MPC) 1987(r)
Democratic - Short-term exposure limit (STEL) - 1 mg/m3
Republic of
Germany, Maximum work-site concentration 1987(r)
Federal - Time-weighted average (TWA) 3 mg/m3 1 mg/m3
Republic of - Short-term exposure limit (STEL) 6 mg/m3 2 mg/m3
(5 min, 8 x/shift)
Hungary Maximum allowable concentration (MAC) 1978(r)
- Time-weighted average (TWA) 1 mg/m3 -
- Short-term exposure limit (STEL) 2 mg/m3 -
(30 min)
Medium Specification Country/ Exposure limit description Value Effective
organization date
Phosphorus Phosphorus
Trichloride Oxychloride
Italy Threshold limit value (TLV) 1986/
- Time-weighted average (TWA) 2 mg/m3 1 mg/m3 1985(r)
(provisional)
Netherlands Maximum limit (MXL) 1987/
- Time-weighted average (TWA) 1.5 mg/m3 0.6 mg/m3 1986(r)
Romania Maximum permissible concentration (MPC) 1985/
- Time-weighted average (TWA) 2 mg/m3 2 mg/m3 1975(r)
- Ceiling value (CLV) 5 mg/m3 5 mg/m3
Switzerland Maximum work-site concentration (MAK) 1987(r)
- Time-weighted average (TWA) 1.5 mg/m3 0.6 mg/m3
United Occupational Exposure Standard 1989(r)
Kingdom - Time-weighted average (TWA) 1.5 mg/m3 1.2 mg/m3
- Short-term exposure limit (STEL) 3 mg/m3 3.6 mg/m3
(10-min time-weighted average)
USA Threshold limit value (TLV) 1987(r)
(ACGIH) - Time-weighted average (TWA) 1.5 mg/m3 0.6 mg/m3
- Short-term exposure limit (STEL) 3 mg/m3 3 mg/m3
USA Permissible exposure limit (PEL) 1986(r)
(OSHA) - Time-weighted average (TWA) 3 mg/m3 -
- Immediately Dangerous to Life and 300 mg/m3 -
Health (IDLH)
USSR Maximum allowable concentration (MAC) 1977
- Ceiling value 0.2 mg/m3 0.05 mg/m3
Medium Specification Country/ Exposure limit description Value Effective
organization date
Phosphorus Phosphorus
Trichloride Oxychloride
Yugoslavia Maximum allowable concentration (MAC) 1971(r)
- Time-weighted average (TWA) 3 mg/m3 1 mg/m3
WATER Surface USSR Maximum allowable concentration (MAC) 0.1 mg/ - 1978(r)
(surface water for fishing) litre
FOOD FAO/WHO No acceptable daily intake (ADI) 1982(r)
allocated
The label must read as follows:
Corrosive, causes burns, irritating to respiratory system. Keep
container tightly closed and dry. In case of contact with eyes,
rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice.
The following symbol should be used:
In the United Kingdom, road tankers transporting phosphorus
trichloride or phosphorus oxychloride must be labelled "Corrosive
Substance".
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