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ETHYLENEICSC: 0475 (March 1996)
Ethene
CAS #: 74-85-1
UN #: 1962
EC Number: 200-815-3

  ACUTE HAZARDS PREVENTION FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE & EXPLOSION Extremely flammable.  Gas/air mixtures are explosive.  NO open flames, NO sparks and NO smoking.  Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Prevent build-up of electrostatic charges (e.g., by grounding). Use non-sparking handtools.  Shut off supply; if not possible and no risk to surroundings, let the fire burn itself out. In other cases extinguish with water spray.  In case of fire: keep cylinder cool by spraying with water. Combat fire from a sheltered position. 

   
  SYMPTOMS PREVENTION FIRST AID
Inhalation Drowsiness. Unconsciousness.  Use ventilation.  Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention. 
Skin      
Eyes      
Ingestion      

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL CLASSIFICATION & 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. 

According to UN GHS Criteria

 

Transportation
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 2.1 

STORAGE
Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants. 
PACKAGING
 
ETHYLENE ICSC: 0475
PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION

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. 

Formula: C2H4 / CH2=CH2
Molecular mass: 28.0
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 


EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS

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

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

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

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
 


OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS
TLV: 200 ppm as TWA; A4 (not classifiable as a human carcinogen).
MAK: carcinogen category: 3 

ENVIRONMENT
 

NOTES
High concentrations in the air cause a deficiency of oxygen with the risk of unconsciousness or death.
Check oxygen content before entering area. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
  EC Classification
Symbol: F+; R: 12-67; S: (2)-9-16-33-46 

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    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations
       Ethylene (IARC Summary & Evaluation, Volume 60, 1994)