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Risk Management for Hazardous Chemicals Page: 1

©1996 by CRC Press, Inc.

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETCHEMICAL NAME

TRICHLOROETHYLENE

CRC PRESS/LEWIS PUBLISHERS DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONSPRESENTED HEREIN ARE BASED ON SOURCES BELIEVED TO BE RELIABLE. CRC MAKES NO REPRESENTATION ONITS COMPLETENESS OR ACCURACY. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE USER TO DETERMINE THE CHEMICAL'SSUITABILITY FOR ITS INTENDED USE, THE CHEMICAL'S SAFE USE, AND THE CHEMICAL'S PROPER DISPOSAL. NOREPRESENTATIONS AND/OR WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, OF THE MERCHANTABILITY ORFITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR OF ANY OTHER NATURE, ARE MADE WITH RESPECT TO THE IN-FORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS MSDS OR TO THE CHEMICAL TO WHICH INFORMATION MAY REFER. CRC NEITHERASSUMES NOR AUTHORIZES ANY OTHER PERSON TO ASSUME FOR IT, ANY OTHER ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITY ORLIABILITY FOR THE USE OF, OR RELIANCE UPON, THIS INFORMATION.

HAZARD WARNING INFORMATIONHEALTH FIRE REACTIVE OTHER DEGREE OF HAZARD COLOR CODING OTHER CODES

2 2 00 = Minimum Hazard1 = Slight Hazard2 = Moderate Hazard3 = Serious Hazard4 = Severe Hazard

HEALTH = BLUEFIRE = REDREACTIVITY = YELLOWOTHER = WHITE

OX = OxidizerACID = AcidALK = AlkaliCOR = CorrosiveW = Use No Water

SECTION I - GENERAL INFORMATIONCharacterization

Halogenated HydrocarbonRCRA Number

U228 (F002-spent solvent)EPA Class

Toxic WasteDOT Proper Shipping Name

TrichloroethyleneChemical Abstract Service (CAS) Number

79-01-6DOT Hazard Class and Label Requirements

ORM-A; Poison B; St. Andrews CrossDOT Emergency Guide Code

74DOT Identification Number

UN 1710Chemical Formula

CHCl:CCl 2Synonyms

Ethylene trichloride; TCE; trichloroethane; trilene; acetylene trichloride; Algylen; Anamenth; Benzinol;Cecolene; Chlorylen; Germalgene; Narcogen; Triasol; trichloroethene; 1,1,3-trichloroethylene.

SECTION II - HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS AND IDENTITY INFORMATIONHazardous Components (specific identity) OSHA Exposure Criteria NIOSH Exposure Criteria Immediately Dangerous to

Life and Health (IDLH)ACGIH Exposure Criteria

Trichloroethylene (derivation: Fromtetrachloroethylene by treatment with limeor alkali in the presence of water, or bythermal decomposition, followed by steamdistillation).

1 ppm = 5.46 mg/m 3

PEL (8-hour): 100 ppm 546 mg/m 3

CEILING 200 ppm 1092 mg/m 3

PEAK (5-min) 300 ppm

REL (10-hour): 250 ppm 1365 mg/m 3

CEILING (1-hr) 2 ppm 11 mg/m 3

PossibleCarcinogen

1000 ppm

TLV: 50 ppm 269 mg/m 3

STEL: 200 ppm 1070 mg/m 3

SECTION III - PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICSBoiling Point

189°°F (87°°C)Specific Gravity (H2O = 1)

1.46Vapor Pressure (gas)

58 at 68°°F (20°°C)Molecular Weight

131.4Vapor Density (Air = 1)

4.53Melting Point

-99°°F (-73°°C)Solubility

Slightly soluble in water (0.0001%). Soluble in organic solvents (alcohol, acetone, ether) and lipids.Appearance and Odor

Colorless liquid (may be dyed blue) with a chloroform-like odor. Odor Threshold = 28 ppm.

SECTION IV - FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD DATAFlash Point (method used)

90°°F (32°°C) closed cupExplosive Limits in Air % by Volume

LEL: 8% at 77 °°F (25°°C) UEL: 10% at 77 °°F (25°°C)NFPA Classification

Class 1C Flammable LiquidAutoignition Temperature

788°°F (420°°C)Extinguishing Media

Use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray, fog, or regular foam.Special Fire Fighting Procedures

Wear full protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Poisonous gases are pro-duced in fire. Move containers from fire or use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers cool.Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards

Vapor and air mixtures may explode when ignited. Although trichloroethylene has a 90 °°F flash point, itdoes not easily ignite. Containers can explode in fire; stay clear of ends of tanks and drums.



SECTION V - REACTIVITY DATA

StabilityConditions to Avoid

Slowly decomposes in the presence of light and moisture to form corrosive hydrochloric acid. Avoidcontact with heat, light, moisture, and incompatible materials.

Stable Unstable

X

Incompatibility (materials to avoid)Strong caustics and alkalis (sodium hydroxide). Also reacts with chemically active metals (lithium, beryl-lium, barium), sodium, magnesium, titanium), oxidants (explodes).

HazardousPolymerization

Conditions to Avoid

Under normal conditions of temperature and pressure, hazardous polymerization of trichloroethylene isnot expected to occur.

May Occur Will Not Occur

X

Hazardous Decomposition or By-products

When heated to decomposition, trichloroethylene can emit highly toxic/poisonous and acrid fumes andgases, including chlorine, carbon dioxide, hydrogen chloride, dichloro acetylene, and phosgene gas.

SECTION VI - HEALTH HAZARD DATA

Primary Route(s) of Entry:Inhalation?

X

Absorption (skin)?

X

Ingestion?

XHealth Hazards

INHALATION: Can produce human systemic effects, including eye, nose, and throat irritation, nausea, blurred vision, over-excitement, headache, drunkenness, stupor, memory loss, irregular heart beat (can be fatal), unconsciousness, death due to cardiac failure. High concentrations can lead to pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs), which can cause death.

ABSORPTION: Irritating to the skin and may produce dermatitis on repeated exposures. Absorbed in toxic amounts through intact skin. Eye contact may injure cornea.

INGESTION: Irritation and narcosis with burning of the mouth and lips. Can cause irregular heartbeat, nausea and vomiting, bloody diarrhea, drowsiness, unconsciousness, and pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs).Carcinogenicity

Suspected HumanQuestioned Animal

NTP Listed?

No

IARC Cancer Review Group?

Group 3

OSHA Regulated?

29 CFR 1910.1000Table Z-1 & Z-2

Target Organs?

Resp. sys., eyes, skin,liver, kidney, CVS, CNS.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure

Disorders of the nervous system, liver, kidney, heart, skin, and respiratory system.Emergency and First-aid Procedures

Eye contact: Flush immediately with water for 15 minutes (minimum); seek medical attention. Skin co n-tact: Remove all contaminated clothing. Immediately wash area with large amounts of soap and water.For inhalation: Remove the person from exposure. Provide respiratory assistance. Transfer to medicalfacility. Observe 48 hours for lung effects. If swallowed: Seek medical attention immediately. Unlessadvised otherwise, give conscious person 1 to 2 glasses of water and induce vomiting. Do NOT give milk(can enhance gastrointestinal irritation due to lipid solubility of trichloroethylene.

SECTION VII - PRECAUTIONS FOR SAFE HANDLING AND USESteps to be Taken in Case Material is Released or Spilled

Absorb large spills in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or similar material and deposit in sealed containers.Ventilate area and remove ignition sources. Restrict those not involved in cleanup from entering area.Preferred Waste Disposal Method

Mix with combustible solvent and burn in chemical incinerator with an afterburner and scrubber.Precautions to be Taken in Handling and Storage

Store to avoid contact with incompatible materials in tightly closed containers in cool, well-ventilatedarea away from heat and flame. Prevent damage to containers.Other Precautions and Warnings

Sources of ignition are prohibited where trichloroethylene is used, handled, or stored.

SECTION VIII - CONTROL MEASURES AND PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENTRespiratory Protection (specify type)

For high exposures, use an MSHA/NIOSH-approved supplied-air respirator with full facepiece in continu-ous flow mode, or use a SCBA operated in pressure demand or other positive pressure mode.Ventilation

Local exhaust or general mechanical systems recommended.Protective Gloves

Neoprene or Viton MaterialEye Protection

Chemical Goggles or Face MaskOther Protective Clothing

Protective ApronWork/Hygiene Practices

Always wash hands thoroughly after using chemical; never bring food, drink, or smoking materials intovicinity of chemicals.



TRICHLOROETHYLENEClCH:CCl2 CAS: 79-01-6

C C

Cl

Cl Cl

H

22

0

IDENTIFICATION AND TYPICAL USES

Trichloroethylene is a colorless liquid (may be dyedblue) with a mild, chloroform-like odor. It is used inmetal de-greasing and as a extraction solvent for oils,fats, and waxes. It is also used in solvent dyeing, indry cleaning, as a refrigerant and heat-exchange liquid,as a fumigant, for cleaning and drying electronic parts,as a diluent in paints and adhesives, in textile proc-essing, as a chemical intermediate, and in aerospaceoperations for flushing liquid oxygen from propellantlines and hoses.

RISK ASSESSMENT: HEALTHGeneral Assessment

Trichloroethylene is a mild to moderately toxic com-pound to humans by inhalation, dermal absorption,and ingestion. Ingestion can occur, but is rare undermost circumstances. It is considered as a questionedanimal carcinogen and its human carcinogenic poten-tial is considered suspect by most reference sources. Ithas been shown to cause mutations in humans. Ex-perimental teratogenic data have also been reported inanimal tests.

Inhalation results in slight smarting of the eyeswith lachrymation and slight smarting of the throat.Inhalation of high concentrations of the vapors canalso lead to CNS depression with symptoms of intoxi-cation, loss of coordination, numbness around themouth, dizziness, narcosis, and convulsions. It canalso cause flushing of the face and neck, headache,somnolence, blurred vision, and slurred speech. Irri-tation of the upper respiratory tract can cause a dan-gerous buildup of fluid in the lungs (pulmonaryedema), which can be fatal. Symptoms of coughing,tightness in the chest, congestion, and dypsnea may bedelayed up to 48 hours, thereby creating a false senseof security with regard to health exposure risk. Therecan also be cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heart beat),

which can cause death due to cardiac arrest. Mild tomoderate liver and kidney dysfunction has also beenreported after exposure to high concentrations.

Skin contact may produce mild to moderate irrita-tion on contact. Prolonged skin contact can causeblisters and dermatitis because of trichloroethylene'sdefatting action on the skin's surface. It will passthrough unbroken skin to cause toxic systemic effectsincluding symptoms of inhalation. Direct eye contactcauses burning with a possibility for injury to the cor-neal epithelium. Absorption through the skin in com-bination with other exposures (such as inhalation) canpresent serious, even life-threatening effects.

On ingestion, trichloroethylene causes irritationand narcosis with burning of the lips, mouth, and gas-trointestinal tract. It may cause irregular heartbeat,nausea and vomiting, bloody diarrhea, drowsiness,unconsciousness, and possible pulmonary edema (fluidin the lungs) presumably from aspiration of the swal-lowed liquids into the lungs during vomiting.

1 Acute Health Effects

The following acute (short-term) health effects mayoccur immediately or shortly after exposure totrichloroethylene:

Skin: Moderate irritation with redness and possiblypainful inflammation with blisters and burns.It will pass through unbroken skin easily tocause toxic systemic effects.

Eye: Severe irritation and burning with a possibilityfor injury to the corneal epithelium.

Lung: Nose and throat irritation. Produces intoxi-cating effects and may cause lung effects suchas pulmonary edema (may be fatal).

CNS: Depressive effects by all routes of exposure.There may be numbness around the lips andmouth, dizziness, loss of coordination, head-ache, somnolence, slurred speech, blurred vi-



sion, flushed face, irregular heartbeat, andother effects on nervous system functions.Death can result from cardiac arrest.

0 Chronic Health Effects

The following chronic (long-term) health effects mayoccur at some time after exposure to trichloroethyleneand can last for months or even years:

Cancer Hazards: According to information presentedin the references, trichloroethylene has been shown tocause cancer in test animals and its carcinogenic capa-bility in humans is considered suspect. Some studiesindicate that it causes mutations in humans, while oth-ers are inconclusive in this regard.

Reproductive Hazard: According to information pre-sented in the references, trichloroethylene may causeteratogenic effects in animals and adversely affect re-production as well.

Other Chronic Effects: Prolonged skin contact maycause drying, cracking, and chapping of the affectedarea leading to dermatitis. Prolonged exposure mayalso cause impaired memory, weakness in the handsand feet, peripheral neuropathy, visual disturbancesand impairment, and muscular cramps. There may beliver injury and kidney damage. Chronic toxicity maycause an increased tolerance to alcohol and"degreasers flush" with redness of the face, torso, andarms and a euphoric effects that causes a craving andhabitual sniffing of trichloroethylene vapors.

Ä Recommended Risk-Reduction Measures

Personnel should avoid direct contact with trichloro-ethylene. It is toxic by all routes of exposure. There-fore, prudent risk management requires it be treated asthough it posed a significant health risk in the event ofoverexposure. If a less toxic chemical cannot be sub-stituted for a hazardous substance, then engineeringcontrols are the most effective method of reducingexposures. The best protection is to enclose operationsand/or provide local exhaust ventilation at the site ofchemical release. While not always operationally fea-sible, isolating operations can also reduce exposure.Using respiratory protection is less effective than thecontrols mentioned above, but is still advisable when-ever working with or around trichloroethylene. Forlong exposures above the PEL, a supplied-air respira-tor with full facepiece operated in continuous flowmode, or a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)with full facepiece in pressure demand are the recom-mended respiratory protection methods of choice. If a

full facepiece is not available, then chemical gogglesshould be worn to protect the eyes. Whenever achemical splash hazard exists, a face shield and a rub-ber apron should be worn. To prevent hand and skinexposures, butyl rubber, Viton, or neoprene glovesshould be used.

Administrative controls should also be in place tominimize the potential for human exposures. Thesemay include written procedures or policies whichspecify the methods and techniques that will be prac-ticed whenever personnel are to work with trichloro-ethylene.

All personnel should receive training on the use,hazards, protective measures, emergency actions, andother precautions per 29 CFR 1910.1200 (HazardCommunication), prior to the first assignment in anarea where trichloroethylene is used or stored.

If symptoms develop or overexposure is sus-pected, the following tests are recommended:

; Lung, kidney, and liver function tests.

; Complete examination of the nervous system withnerve conduction tests and electroencephalogram(EEG) to detect abnormalities which may be in-dicative of chronic toxicity.

; Complete blood count (CBC) with monitoring ofblood trichloroethylene levels (for acute expo-sure).

; Urinary trichloracetic acid level (for repeated ex-posures).

; Electrocardiogram (EKG).

; Evaluation by a qualified allergist with carefulconsideration of exposure history and specialtesting (may help diagnose skin allergy).

; Consider chest X-ray after acute overexposure(may be negative if taken immediately after expo-sure due to delayed onset of pulmonary edema).

Any evaluation should include a careful history of pastand present symptoms with an examination. Medicaltests that simply look for existing damage are not asubstitute for controlling exposures. Also, sincesmoking can cause heart disease, lung cancer, emphy-sema and other respiratory diseases, smokers exposedto trichloroethylene may experience symptoms morerapidly than non-smokers under the same conditions ofexposure. Drinking alcohol (beer, wine, and liquor)may cause flush on the back and neck in people ex-posed to trichloroethylene. Because more than lightalcohol consumption can cause liver damage, drinking



alcohol can increase the potential liver damage causedby trichloroethylene.

Other methods to reduce exposure include:

; Where possible, enclose operations and use localexhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release.If local exhaust ventilation or enclosure is notused, respiratory protection should be mandatory.

; Always ensure that proper protective clothing isworn when using chemical substances.

; Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure totrichloroethylene and at the end of the work shiftor before eating, drinking, or smoking.

; Hazard warning information should be posted inthe work area. In addition, as part of an on-goingeducation and training program, all informationon the health and safety hazards of trichloroeth-ylene should be communicated to all exposedworkers.

; Eye wash stations should be provided in the im-mediate work area for emergency use. If there isa possibility of skin exposure to trichloroethyl-ene, emergency shower facilities should also beprovided in the area.

; Personnel should never wear contaminatedclothing home (family members can be exposed).Clothing should be laundered only by personnelwho have been properly trained on the hazards oftrichloroethylene.

RISK ASSESSMENT: ENVIRONMENTGeneral Assessment

The environment is at risk of exposure during trans-portation, storage, disposal, or destruction of trichloro-ethylene. In almost every scenario, the threat of envi-ronmental exposure is contingent upon the proper han-dling of the chemical substance. Accidental spills,large or small, can result in fire, explosion, and possi-ble contamination of the surrounding environmentalmediums (water, soil, and air).

Trichloroethylene is considered a Class 1C flam-mable liquid. It will decompose in a fire to producetoxic hydrogen chloride and phosgene gas. It is in-compatible with a number of commonly encounteredmaterials including strong alkalis, caustics, and manychemically active metals. Contact can cause fire orexplosion. These characteristics require extreme cau-tion in handling, storage, transportation, and disposal.Also, because containers and tankers can explode un-

der conditions of extreme heat, special consideration isrequired during any emergency situation involving aleak or spill of trichloroethylene. Should trichloroeth-ylene ever come into contact with incompatible sub-stances during use, transportation, storage, or disposal,the formation of highly toxic and/or highly explosivecommodities (including hydrogen chloride) is ex-tremely possible.

The proper disposal method for trichloroethyleneis to mix it with a combustible solvent and then burn itin a permitted chemical incinerator equipped with anafterburner and scrubber.

Trichloroethylene may enter the environmentthrough industrial discharges or spills.

1 Acute Ecological Effects

Acute (short-term) toxic effects may include the deathof animals, birds, or fish and death or low growth ratein plants. Acute effects are seen 2 to 4 days after ani-mals or plants are exposed to trichloroethylene.

Trichloroethylene has moderate acute toxicity toaquatic life. Insufficient data are available on theshort-term effects of trichloroethylene exposure tobirds, plants, or land animals.

0 Chronic Ecological Effects

Chronic (long-term) toxic effects may include short-ened life span, reproductive problems, lower fertility,and changes in appearance or behavior in exposedanimals. These effects can be seen long after first ex-posure(s) to toxic chemicals.

Trichloroethylene has moderate chronic toxicity toaquatic life. Insufficient data are available on thelong-term effects of trichloroethylene exposure tobirds, plants, or land animals.

6 Water Solubility

Trichloroethylene is slightly soluble in water. Con-centrations of 1 to 100 milligrams may mix with a literof water.

� Persistence in the Environment

Trichloroethylene is non-persistent in water, with ahalf-life of less than 2 days. The half-life of a pollut-ant is the amount of time it takes for one half of thechemical to be degraded. About 99.6% of trichloro-ethylene will eventually end up in air; the remainderwill end up in water.O Bioaccumulation in Aquatic Organisms



Some substances increase in concentration, or bioac-cumulate, in living organisms as they breathe con-taminated air, drink contaminated water, or eat con-taminated food. These chemicals can become con-centrated in the tissues and internal organs of animalsas well as humans. The concentration of trichloroeth-ylene found in fish tissue is expected to be somewhathigher than the average concentration of trichloroeth-ylene in the water from which the fish was taken.

ÄÄ Recommended Risk-Reduction Measures

Proper training of all transporters will reduce the like-lihood of a mishap or accident resulting in a leak orspill to the environment. The correct use of DOT la-beling (per the MSDS) on all containers, trucks, andrail cars will enable emergency responders to reactproperly and quickly to any disaster thereby reducingthe potential risk to the environment and to personnel.

Storage of trichloroethylene should be segregatedfrom incompatible chemicals to minimize the risk ofcross-contamination or contact. Buildings designatedfor storage should be equipped with appropriate fireprotection systems (alarms, sprinklers, emergencylighting, portable extinguishers).

If a spill or leak to the environment has occurred,fire department, emergency response and/or hazardousmaterials spill personnel should be notified immedi-ately. Cleanup should be attempted only by thosetrained in proper spill containment procedures. Con-taminated soils should be removed for incineration andreplaced with clean soil. If trichloroethylene shouldcontact the water table, aquifer, or navigable water-way, cleanup should be started immediately. It is onlyslightly soluble in water and total remediation may bepossible. The local and/or state emergency responseauthorities must be notified. A comprehensive emer-gency response or disaster preparedness/recovery planshould be in place prior to any operations involvingthe use, transportation, storage, or disposal oftrichloroethylene. If trichloroethylene is spilled orleaked, the following specific steps are recommended:

; Restrict persons not wearing protective clothingfrom area of spill or leak until cleanup is com-plete and area can be opened for normal work.

; Remove all ignition sources, ventilate area ofleak.

; Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, orsimilar material and deposit in sealed containers.

RISK ASSESSMENT: BUSINESS

General Assessment

Accidents or mishaps involving trichloroethylene canpresent a significant threat to business operations. Theloss or damage of equipment or facilities can signifi-cantly affect fiscal viability. Lawsuits that may resultfrom personnel injury/death, public exposures, and/orenvironmental contamination will also require a seri-ous expenditure of resources. Media attention sur-rounding an injury, death, or environmental damagecan also result in a loss of profits and loss of current aswell as future business. Always remember that any-time the terms "cancer," "carcinogen," or"reproductive hazard" are used, public emotion, igno-rance, hysteria, and anxiety can all run equally high.This must be carefully considered when implementingpublic relations policies.

ÄÄ Recommended Risk-Reduction Measures

Company attorneys, safety and health professionals,and environmental specialists should be involved inthe development of any procedures dealing with safetyor emergency response. A company official should bepre-designated as a public relations officer with spe-cific training in dealing with the press. Corporateplans and policies should be developed, approved, andimplemented long before any need for such arises.

REFERENCESAmerican Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. 1988.

Documentation of the Threshold Limit Values and Biological Expo-sure Indices, 5th Edition (with updates). Cincinnati: ACGIH

Gardner, R. W. 1994. Chemical Intolerance. New York: CRCPress/Lewis Publishers.

Jones, F. E. 1994. Toxic Organic Vapors in the Workplace. New York:CRC Press/Lewis Publishers.

Lewis, R. J., Sr. 1992. Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materi-als, Volumes 1, 2, and 3, 8th Edition. New York: Van NostrandReinhold.

Meyer, E. 1990. Chemistry of Hazardous Materials. Englewood Cliffs,NJ: Prentice Hall.

Patnaik, P. 1992. A Comprehensive Guide to the Hazardous Properties ofChemical Substances. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.

Rea, W. J. 1995. Chemical Sensitivity, Vol. I-III. New York: CRCPress/Lewis Publishers.

Richardson, M. 1995. Dictionary of Substance and Their Effects, Vol. I-VI. New York: CRC Press/Lewis Publishers.

Sacarello, H. L. A. 1994. The Comprehensive Handbook of HazardousMaterials. New York: CRC Press/Lewis Publishers.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute forOccupational Safety and Health. 1994. NIOSH Pocket Guide toChemical Hazards. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government PrintingOffice.

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