ICSC 0796 - beta-HEXACHLOROCYCLOHEXANE

beta-HEXACHLOROCYCLOHEXANE	ICSC: 0796 (November 2009)
1-alpha,2-beta,3-alpha,4-beta,5-alpha,6-beta-Hexachlorocyclohexane beta-1,2,3,4,5,6-Hexachlorocyclohexane beta-Benzenehexachloride (beta-BHC)

CAS #: 319-85-7

UN #: 2761

EC Number: 206-271-3

	ACUTE HAZARDS	PREVENTION	FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE & EXPLOSION	Not combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire. Risk of fire and explosion if formulations contain flammable/explosive solvents.		In case of fire in the surroundings, use appropriate extinguishing media. In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.

AVOID ALL CONTACT! AVOID EXPOSURE OF BREASTFEEDING WOMEN!
	SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID
Inhalation	Cough. Sore throat. See Ingestion.	Avoid inhalation of dust.	Fresh air, rest. Seek medical attention if you feel unwell.
Skin	MAY BE ABSORBED!	Protective gloves. Protective clothing.	Wear protective gloves when administering first aid. Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap. Seek medical attention if you feel unwell.
Eyes	Redness.	Wear face shield or eye protection in combination with breathing protection if powder.	First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.
Ingestion	Headache. Nausea. Vomiting. Dizziness. Diarrhoea. Tremor. Convulsions.	Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.	Rinse mouth. Give a slurry of activated charcoal in water to drink, but NOT if convulsions occur. Refer immediately for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL	CLASSIFICATION & LABELLING
Personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and particulates adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance, chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus and protective gloves. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Sweep spilled substance into sealable non-metallic containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.	According to UN GHS Criteria DANGER Toxic if swallowed May be harmful in contact with skin Suspected of causing cancer May cause harm to breast-fed children May cause damage to central nervous system May cause damage to liver and kidneys through prolonged or repeated exposure if swallowed Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects Transportation UN Classification UN Hazard Class: 6.1; UN Pack Group: III
STORAGE
Well closed. Store in an area without drain or sewer access. Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing. Separated from bases, metals and food and feedstuffs.
PACKAGING
Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.

beta-HEXACHLOROCYCLOHEXANE

ICSC: 0796

PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION
Physical State; Appearance WHITE CRYSTALLINE POWDER. Physical dangers Chemical dangers Decomposes on contact with hot surfaces or flames. This produces toxic and corrosive fumes including chlorine (see ICSC 0126), hydrogen chloride (see ICSC 0163) and phosgene (see ICSC 0007). Reacts with bases and powdered metals.	Formula: C₆H₆Cl₆ Molecular mass: 290.8 Boiling point at 0.07Pa: 60°C Melting point: 309°C Density: 1.9 g/cm³ Solubility in water: very poor Vapour pressure, Pa at 20°C: 0.7 Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 3.8

PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION

Physical State; Appearance
WHITE CRYSTALLINE POWDER.

Physical dangers

Chemical dangers
Decomposes on contact with hot surfaces or flames. This produces toxic and corrosive fumes including chlorine (see ICSC 0126), hydrogen chloride (see ICSC 0163) and phosgene (see ICSC 0007). Reacts with bases and powdered metals.

Formula: C₆H₆Cl₆
Molecular mass: 290.8
Boiling point at 0.07Pa: 60°C
Melting point: 309°C
Density: 1.9 g/cm³
Solubility in water: very poor
Vapour pressure, Pa at 20°C: 0.7
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 3.8

EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS
Routes of exposure The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol, through the skin and by ingestion. Effects of short-term exposure The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system. This may result in convulsions.	Inhalation risk A harmful concentration of airborne particles can be reached quickly when dispersed. Effects of long-term or repeated exposure The substance may have effects on the central nervous system, liver and kidney. This substance is possibly carcinogenic to humans. Animal tests show that this substance possibly causes toxic effects upon human reproduction.

EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS

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

Effects of short-term exposure
The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system. This may result in convulsions.

Inhalation risk
A harmful concentration of airborne particles can be reached quickly when dispersed.

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
The substance may have effects on the central nervous system, liver and kidney. This substance is possibly carcinogenic to humans. Animal tests show that this substance possibly causes toxic effects upon human reproduction.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS
MAK: (inhalable fraction): 0.1 mg/m³; peak limitation category: II(8); skin absorption (H); carcinogen category: 4; pregnancy risk group: D

ENVIRONMENT
The substance is very toxic to aquatic organisms. Bioaccumulation of this chemical may occur along the food chain, for example in fish and seafood. The substance may cause long-term effects in the aquatic environment. This substance does enter the environment under normal use. Great care, however, should be taken to avoid any additional release, for example through inappropriate disposal.

NOTES
This substance is a component of the insecticide hexachlorocyclohexane (isomer mixture). Carrier solvents used in commercial formulations may change physical and toxicological properties. Do NOT take working clothes home. Do NOT use in the vicinity of a fire or a hot surface, or during welding. See ICSCs 0053, 0487 and 0795.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

EC Classification
Symbol: T, N; R: 21-25-40-50/53; S: (1/2)-22-36/37-45-60-61; Note: C

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    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations