Risk Management for Hazardous Chemicals

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MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

CHEMICAL NAME

CRC PRESS/LEWIS PUBLISHERS DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

PRESENTED HEREIN ARE BASED ON SOURCES BELIEVED TO BE RELIABLE . CRC MAKES NO REPRESENTATION ON
ITS COMPLETENESS OR ACCURACY. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE USER TO DETERMINE THE CHEMICAL'S
SUITABILITY FOR ITS INTENDED USE, THE CHEMICAL'S SAFE USE, AND THE CHEMICAL'S PROPER DISPOSAL. NO
REPRESENTATIONS AND/OR WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, OF THE MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR OF ANY OTHER NATURE, ARE MADE WITH RESPECT TO THE INFORMATION
PROVIDED IN THIS MSDS OR TO THE CHEMICAL TO WHICH INFORMATION MAY REFER. CRC NEITHER ASSUMES NOR
AUTHORIZES ANY OTHER PERSON TO ASSUME FOR IT, ANY OTHER ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR
THE USE OF, OR RELIANCE UPON, THIS INFORMATION.

VINYL CHLORIDE

HAZARD WARNING INFORMATION

HEALTH

FIRE

REACTIVE

OTHER

DEGREE OF HAZARD
0 = Minimum Hazard
1 = Slight Hazard
2 = Moderate Hazard
3 = Serious Hazard
4 = Severe Hazard

COLOR CODING
HEALTH = BLUE
FIRE = RED
REACTIVITY = YELLOW
OTHER = WHITE

OTHER CODES
OX = Oxidizer
ACID = Acid
ALK = Alkali
COR = Corrosive
W = Use No Water

SECTION I - GENERAL INFORMATION

Characterization

RCRA Number

EPA Class

Halogenated Hydrocarbon
DOT Proper Shipping Name

U043

Toxic Waste

Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) Number

Vinyl Chloride

75-01-4

DOT Hazard Class and Label Requirements

DOT Emergency Guide Code

Flammable Gas

17

DOT Identification Number

Molecular Formula

UN 1086

CH2=CHCl

Synonyms

Chloroethane; chloroethylene; ethylene monochloride; monochloroethane; monochloroethylene, VCM.

SECTION II - HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS AND IDENTITY INFORMATION

Hazardous Components (specific identity)

OSHA Exposure Criteria

Vinyl chloride (derivation: By dechlorination of ethylene dichloride; by reaction

of acetylene and hydrogen chloride, either
as liquids or gases).

1 ppm = 2.60 mg/m

NIOSH Exposure Criteria

PEL (8-hour):
1 ppm
2.6 mg/m3

REL:
Reduce to
Lowest Level

STEL (15-min):
5 ppm
13 mg/m3

Confirmed
Human
Carcinogen

Immediately Dangerous to Life

and Health (IDLH)

ACGIH Exposure Criteria

TLV:
5 ppm
13 mg/m3

Not
Applicable:
Human
Carcinogen
(all exposure is
IDLH)

Confirmed
Human
Carcinogen

SECTION III - PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Boiling Point

Specific Gravity (H2O = 1)

7F (-14C)
Vapor Pressure (mm Hg)

2.21 (gas) 0.91 (liquid at 15F)

Molecular Weight (atomic weight)

2530 at 68F (20C)

Vapor Density (Air = 1)

62.5
Melting Point

-245F (-160C)

2.155
Solubility

Slightly soluble (0.1% at 77F). Soluble in alcohol, benzene, carbon tetrachloride, ether, hydrocarbons.
Appearance and Odor

Colorless gas (or liquid below 7F) with a characteristic, pungent odor.

SECTION IV - FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD DATA

Flash Point (method used)

Explosive Limits in Air % by Volume

-108.4F (-78C) opened cup

NFPA Classification

LEL: 3.6%

UEL: 33%

Autoignition Temperature

Flammable Gas

882F (472C)

Extinguishing Media

Stop flow of gas. Use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray, or regular foam.
Special Fire Fighting Procedures

Poisonous gases are produced in fire. Wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and full protective
gear. Move containers from fire if it can be done without risk. Keep cooling sides of fire-exposed containers with water long after fire is out. Large fires may be inextinguishable.
Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards

Dangerous fire and explosion hazard. Containers may explode in fire. Stay away from the ends of tanks.
Vapors are heavier than air and can travel for great distances to an ignition source to flashback and cause
fire or explosion.

1996 by CRC Press, Inc.1996 by CRC Press, Inc.

Risk Management for Hazardous Chemicals

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SECTION V - REACTIVITY DATA

Conditions to Avoid

Under normal conditions of handling and storage, vinyl chloride is considered stable in closed containers.
Long-term exposure to air may result in the formation of explosive peroxides.

Stability
Stable

Unstable

Incompatibility (materials to avoid)

Reacts violently with strong oxidizers (chlorine, bromine, fluorine).

Conditions to Avoid

Hazardous
Polymerization
May Occur

Hazardous polymerization can occur upon exposure to light or in the presence of a catalyst. It is usually
inhibited with a phenol, which can be toxic.

Will Not Occur

Hazardous Decomposition or By-products

Poisonous gases and acrid fumes are produced in fire, including hydrogen chloride, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and toxic phosgene.

SECTION VI - HEALTH HAZARD DATA

Inhalation?

Primary Route(s) of Entry:

Absorption (skin/eye)?

Ingestion?

X (liquid)

Health Hazards

INHALATION: Causes depression of the central nervous system (CNS) with symptoms of headache, vertigo, nausea, drowsiness, ataxia, euphoria, vision and hearing disturbances, parasthesia
(numbness and tingling in the hands and feet), narcosis, unconsciousness, and death due
to respiratory arrest. Inhalation also causes dypsnea, asthma, and pneumoconiosis.
SKIN & EYES: Irritation with possible redness and pain to the skin and eyes. Eye contact may result in
mild to moderate irritation and possible inflammation. The compressed gas can lead to
tissue damage (frostbite) on contact with the skin or eyes.
INGESTION:

Unspecified gastrointestinal effects. An unlikely exposure route, but still possible.

Carcinogenicity

NTP Listed?

Confirmed Human
Confirmed Animal

Class 1

IARC Cancer Review Group?

Group 1

OSHA Regulated?

Target Organs?

29 CFR 1910.1017

Eyes, skin, liver,

CNS, lymph, bone.

blood,

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure

Liver, heart, respiratory, and connective tissue disorders may be aggravated by exposure.
Emergency and First-aid Procedures

Eye contact: Do not allow victim to keep eyes tightly shut. Do NOT rub eyes. Flush immediately with
warm (tepid) water for 15 minutes (minimum); seek medical attention. Skin contact: Remove all contaminated clothing, including shoes. Immediately wash area with flooding amounts of warm (tepid) water for
15 minutes (minimum). Do NOT rub or use dry-blown heat on frostbitten tissue. Seek medical attention
immediately. For inhalation: Remove the person from exposure. Provide respiratory assistance and CPR.
Transfer to medical facility. If swallowed: Not a likely exposure route.

SECTION VII - PRECAUTIONS FOR SAFE HANDLING AND USE

Steps to be Taken in Case Material is Released or Spilled

Remove all ignition sources, wear SCBA respiratory protection. Restrict those not involved in cleanup
from entering area. Stop flow of gas if it can be done without risk. Provide explosion-proof ventilation.
Absorb liquids with vermiculite and deposit in sealed containers.
Preferred Waste Disposal Method

No citation.
Precautions to be Taken in Handling and Storage

Store cylinders in cool, well-ventilated location. Keep away from sources of heat and sunlight.
Other Precautions and Warnings

Cylinders must always be stored upright and properly secured (around the body of the cylinder, never the
neck). Never drag or roll cylinders. Metal containers should be bonded and grounded.

SECTION VIII - CONTROL MEASURES AND PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Respiratory Protection (specify type)

A confirmed human carcinogen. At any level, use a supplied-air respirator or a self-contained breathing
apparatus (SCBA) with full facepiece operated in positive pressure mode for the best protection.
Ventilation

Local exhaust (preferred) at site of chemical work or general ventilation.

Protective Gloves

Impervious Thermal Gloves

Eye Protection

Chemical Goggles or Face Mask

Other Protective Clothing

Protective Apron if Splash is Likely

Work/Hygiene Practices

Always wash hands thoroughly after using chemical; never bring food, drink, or smoking materials into
vicinity of chemicals.
1996 by CRC Press, Inc.1996 by CRC Press, Inc.

Risk Management for Hazardous Chemicals

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VINYL CHLORIDE
CH2=CHCl

CAS: 75-01-4

H
C

Cl

IDENTIFICATION AND TYPICAL USES

Vinyl chloride is a colorless gas with a characteristic,
pungent, but pleasant odor. It can also exist as a liquid
below 7F (-14C). It is used as a monomer in the
manufacture of polyvinyl chloride resins and plastics,
as a refrigerant, and in organic synthesis. Its use has
been largely curtailed and regulated in recent years as
a result of its known human carcinogenic properties.

mediately flushed from eye surface. Liver and kidney

damage have been reported in test animals.

1 Acute Health Effects

The following acute (short-term) health effects may
occur immediately or shortly after exposure to vinyl
chloride:
Skin:

Irritation with potential for redness, pain, inflammation, and tissue damage (frostbite).

RISK ASSESSMENT: HEALTH

General Assessment

Eye:

Severe irritation, burning, pain, and permanent

damage possible.

As a gas, vinyl chloride is highly toxic by inhalation.

While absorption through the skin has not been known
to occur in toxic amounts, skin contact can cause localized damage to tissues. Ingestion is rare but possible (liquid threat only). Vinyl chloride is considered a
confirmed human carcinogen and a confirmed animals
carcinogen. Human mutation data have also been reported. Physiologically, it acts as an anesthetic and
narcotic. The initial (acute) human response to vinyl
chloride is depression of the central nervous system
(CNS). Chronic illnesses include cancers and adverse
reproductive effects.
Inhalation causes some irritation of the eyes, nose,
and lungs. Symptoms of exposure and CNS depression include drowsiness, slurred speech, lack of coordination, fatigue, headaches, vertigo, ataxia, euphoria,
vision and hearing disturbances, parasthesia (tingling
and numbness in the extremities), narcosis, anesthesia,
possible loss of consciousness, and death due to respiratory failure. In addition, inhalation causes dypsnea,
asthma, and pneumoconiosis.
Skin contact may cause localized burning at site of
contact as a result of frostbite damage. Eye contact
can result in severe irritation to the cornea, with redness and swelling. Damage can be serious if not im-

Lung: Nose, throat, and respiratory tract irritation.

Symptoms can include dyspnea, asthma, and
pneumoconiosis.
CNS:

Narcosis, headaches, lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, confusion,

decreased mental status, possible loss of consciousness, and death (respiratory arrest).

0 Chronic Health Effects

The following chronic (long-term) health effects may
occur at some time after exposure to vinyl chloride
and can last for months or even years:
Cancer Hazards: According to information presented
in the references, vinyl chloride is a confirmed human
carcinogen causing cancers of the liver. Human mutation data have also been reported confirming the
strong toxicity of this compound in humans.
Reproductive Hazard: According to information presented in the references, vinyl chloride has been
shown to adversely affect reproduction in humans.
Studies have shown loss of libido and sperm in men.
Women experienced ovarian dysfunction, benign
uterine growths, and prolapsed genital organs. There

1996 by CRC Press, Inc.1996 by CRC Press, Inc.

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Risk Management for Hazardous Chemicals

is limited evidence that exposure damages the developing fetus (a teratogen) in animals. This has not been
established in humans. An excess of spontaneous
abortions has been reported among spouses of workers
who had been exposed to vinyl chloride. Increased
rate of birth defects have been shown in areas where
vinyl chloride processing plants are located. The role
of vinyl chloride in this increased risk has not been
established.
Other Chronic Effects: Repeated exposure can cause a
disease known as scleroderma, causing the skin to become very smooth, tight, and shiny. It causes the
bones in the fingers to erode (acroosteolysis), and
damages the blood vessels in the hands (Raynaud's
syndrome). This, in turn, causes the hands (or feet) to
become numb, pale or blue with even the slightest exposure to cold. Repeated exposure can permanently
damage the kidney, liver, nervous system, and blood
cells. Vinyl chloride can also cause symptoms similar
to stomach ulcers. Prolonged skin contact can cause a
skin allergy to develop in some persons. Once an allergy develops, very low future exposures can cause
itching and rash.

Recommended Risk-Reduction Measures

Personnel should avoid direct contact with vinyl chloride. It is a confirmed human carcinogen and poses an
extremely serious risk to human health. Occupational
poisoning occurs most commonly by inhalation. If a
less toxic material or compound cannot be substituted
for vinyl chloride, then engineering controls are the
most effective method of reducing exposures. The
best protection is to enclose operations and/or provide
local explosion-proof exhaust ventilation at the site of
vinyl chloride release. While not always operationally
feasible, isolating operations can also reduce exposure.
Using respiratory protection is less effective than the
controls mentioned above, but is still advisable whenever working with or around vinyl chloride. OSHA
has established a PEL of 1 ppm over an eight-hour
period. This level is extremely low and difficult to
accurately monitor. For exposure to any concentrations, especially when the concentration is unknown
(as in an emergency), use a supplied-air respirator with
full facepiece and mask operated in positive pressure
mode or a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
with full facepiece operated in pressure demand. If a
full facepiece is not available, then chemical goggles
should be worn to protect the eyes. A face shield
should also be considered. To prevent hand and skin
exposures, impervious thermal gloves should be used.

Glove manufacturers should be contacted and permeation studies obtained before final glove selections are
made.
Administrative controls should also be in place to
minimize the potential for human exposures. These
may include written procedures or policies which
specify the methods and techniques that will be practiced whenever personnel are to work with vinyl chloride.
All personnel should receive training on the use,
hazards, protective measures, emergency actions, and
other precautions per 29 CFR 1910.1200 (Hazard
Communication), prior to the first assignment in an
area where vinyl chloride is used or stored. OSHA 29
CFR 1910.1017 requires employers to provide all exposed workers with the following before starting work
and every year after that (or every six months for those
on the job more than 10 years):
; Complete liver function tests.
The following additional tests may be helpful:
; Kidney function tests.
; Complete blood count.
; Complete examination of the skin and nervous
system.
If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the
following recommended medical tests should be considered:
; Consider X-rays of the fingers.
; A test called urinary thiodiglycolic acid level
(normal is usually less than 2 mg/liter).
; Evaluation by a qualified allergist, including
careful consideration of exposure history and special testing (may help diagnose skin allergy).
Any evaluation should include a careful history of past
and present symptoms with an examination. Medical
tests that simply look for existing damage are not a
substitute for controlling exposures.
Other methods to reduce exposure include:
;

Where possible, enclose operations and use local

exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release.
If local exhaust ventilation or enclosure is not
used, respiratory protection should be mandatory.

Always ensure that proper protective clothing is

worn when using chemical substances and that
personnel have been trained in its use and care.

Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to

vinyl chloride and at the end of the work shift or

1996 by CRC Press, Inc.1996 by CRC Press, Inc.

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Risk Management for Hazardous Chemicals

before eating, drinking, smoking, or applying

cosmetics.

Vinyl chloride can enter the environment from

industrial effluents and from spills.

Hazard warning information should be posted in

the work area. In addition, as part of an on-going
education and training program, all information
on the health and safety hazards of vinyl chloride
should be communicated to all exposed and potentially exposed workers.

1 Acute Ecological Effects

Eye wash stations should be provided in the immediate work area for emergency use. If there is
a possibility of skin exposure to vinyl chloride,
emergency shower facilities should be provided.

Workers whose clothing has been contaminated

by vinyl chloride should change into clean
clothes before leaving work.
Contaminated
clothing that is worn home can expose family
members to vinyl chloride. Contaminated work
clothing should be laundered only by individuals
who have been informed of the hazards of vinyl
chloride.

Where possible, automatically transfer liquids

containing vinyl chloride from drums or other
containers to process containers.

; Specific engineering controls are outlined in

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1017 ("Vinyl Chloride").

RISK ASSESSMENT: ENVIRONMENT

General Assessment
The environment is at risk of exposure during transportation, storage, disposal, or destruction of vinyl
chloride. In almost every scenario, the threat of environmental exposure is contingent upon the proper handling of the chemical substance. Accidental spills,
large or small, can result in contamination of the surrounding environmental mediums (water, soil, and
air).
Vinyl chloride is an extremely flammable gas with
a low flash point of -108F (-78C). It is a dangerous
fire and explosion hazard when exposed to heat or
flame. It is incompatible with strong oxidizers, such
as chlorine, fluorine, and bromine, and can polymerize
violently on exposure to sunlight. In a fire, it can decompose to hydrogen chloride, oxides of carbon, and
toxic phosgene. Caution is always required in handling, storage, transportation, and disposal of vinyl
chloride. Emergency responders should be made
aware of the presence of vinyl chloride at any emergency response situation.

Acute (short-term) toxic effects may include the death

of animals, birds, or fish and death or low growth rate
in plants. Acute effects are seen 2 to 4 days after animals or plants are exposed to vinyl chloride.
Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short-term effects of vinyl chloride to aquatic
life, plants, birds or land animals.

0 Chronic Ecological Effects

Chronic (long-term) toxic effects may include shortened life span, reproductive problems, lower fertility,
and changes in appearance or behavior in exposed
animals. These effects can be seen long after first exposure(s) to toxic chemicals.
Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long-term effects of vinyl chloride to aquatic
life, plants, birds, or terrestrial animals.

6 Water Solubility
Vinyl chloride may be slightly soluble in the aquatic
environment. Concentrations between 1 and 1000
milligrams may mix with a liter of water.

 Persistence in the Environment

As a gas vinyl chloride is non-persistent in water, due
to volatilization, with a half-life of less than 2 days.
The half-life of a pollutant is the amount of time it
takes for one half of the chemical to be degraded. Approximately 99.9% of vinyl chloride will eventually
end up in air; the rest will end up in the water. However, if released in moist soil, vinyl chloride may leach
into and contaminate ground water supplies. In dry
soil, it evaporates rapidly with no persistence expected.

O Bioaccumulation in Aquatic Organisms

Some substances increase in concentration, or bioaccumulate, in living organisms as they breathe contaminated air, drink contaminated water, or eat contaminated food. These chemicals can become concentrated in the tissues and internal organs of animals
as well as humans.
The concentration of vinyl chloride found in fish
tissues is expected to be about the same as the average
concentration of vinyl chloride in the water from
which the fish was taken.

1996 by CRC Press, Inc.1996 by CRC Press, Inc.

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Risk Management for Hazardous Chemicals

Recommended Risk-Reduction Measures

Proper training of all transporters will reduce the likelihood of a mishap or accident resulting in a leak or
spill of vinyl chloride into the environment. Labels on
all containers, trucks, and rail cars must meet DOT
requirements and accurately reflect their contents to
enable emergency responders to react properly and
quickly to any disaster thereby reducing the potential
risk to the environment and to personnel.
Storage of vinyl chloride should be segregated
from other chemicals and materials to minimize the
risk of cross-contamination. Cylinders must always be
stored upright and properly secured (always around
the cylinder body, never around its neck). Cylinders
must never be dragged or rolled during handling.
They must be kept away from heat and direct sunlight.
If a spill or leak to the environment has occurred,
fire department, emergency response and/or hazardous
materials spill personnel should be notified immediately. Cleanup should be attempted only by those
trained in proper spill containment procedures using
non-sparking tools. Contaminated soils should be removed for incineration and replaced with clean soil. If
vinyl chloride should contact the water table, aquifer,
or navigable waterway, time is of the essence. It may
be insoluble and remediation may be successful. The
local and/or state emergency response authorities must
be notified. A comprehensive emergency response or
disaster preparedness/recovery plan should be in place
prior to any operations involving the use, transportation, storage, or disposal of vinyl chloride.
If vinyl chloride is spilled or leaked, the following
specific steps are recommended:
;

Restrict persons not wearing protective clothing

from area of spill or leak until cleanup is complete. Use non-sparking tools.
If applicable, stop flow of leaking liquid or gas.
If leak source is a cylinder and the leak cannot be
stopped in place, remove leaking cylinder to a
safe place in the open air, and repair or allow
cylinder to empty. Use water spray to knock
down vapors that have not yet ignited.

Absorb any liquids in vermiculite, sand, earth, or

similar material and deposit in sealed drum.

Ventilate area of spill or leak. Container should

be removed to safer area if it can be done without
increasing the risk.

It may be necessary to dispose of vinyl chloride

as a hazardous waste. The responsible state

agency or the regional office of the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should be
contacted for specific recommendations.

RISK ASSESSMENT: BUSINESS

General Assessment
Accidents or mishaps involving vinyl chloride can
present a serious threat to business operations. The
loss or damage of equipment or facilities can significantly affect fiscal viability. Lawsuits that may result
from personnel illness, injury/death, public exposures,
and/or environmental contamination will require a serious expenditure of resources. Media attention surrounding an injury, death, or environmental damage
can also result in a loss of profits and loss of current as
well as future business. Always remember that anytime terms such as cancer or carcinogen are used,
public emotion, hysteria, and ignorance can run
equally high. This must be carefully considered
whenever developing or implementing a public relations policy.

Recommended Risk-Reduction Measures

Company attorneys, safety and health professionals,
and environmental specialists should be involved in
the development of any procedures for responding to
chemical incidents. A company official should be predesignated as a public relations officer with specific
training in dealing with the press. Corporate plans and
policies should be developed, approved, and implemented long before any need for such arises.

REFERENCES
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. 1988.
Documentation of the Threshold Limit Values and Biological Exposure Indices, 5th Edition (with updates). Cincinnati: ACGIH
Bloom, A. D. and F. J. DeSerres. 1995. Ecotoxicity and Human Health.
New York: CRC Press/Lewis Publishers.
Calabrese, E. J. 1994. Biological Effects of Low Level Exposures. New
York: CRC Press/Lewis Publishers.
Lewis, R. J., Sr. 1993. Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, 12th
Edition. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.

1996 by CRC Press, Inc.1996 by CRC Press, Inc.