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CHLOROFORM ICSC: 0027
April 2000
Trichloromethane
Methane trichloride
Formyl trichloride
PDF for printing Explanation of fields
CAS No: 67-66-3
RTECS No: FS9100000
UN No: 1888
EC No: 602-006-00-4
    CHCl3
Molecular mass: 119.4

TYPES OF
HAZARD /
EXPOSURE
ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS      PREVENTION      FIRST AID / FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Not combustible. See Notes. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.   In case of fire in the surroundings: use appropriate extinguishing media.
EXPLOSION     In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.
 
EXPOSURE   STRICT HYGIENE! AVOID EXPOSURE OF ADOLESCENTS AND CHILDREN!  
Inhalation Cough. Dizziness. Drowsiness. Headache. Nausea. Unconsciousness. Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection. Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.
Skin Redness. Pain. Dry skin. Protective gloves. Protective clothing. Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention.
Eyes Redness. Pain. Face shield or eye protection in combination with breathing protection. First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
Ingestion Abdominal pain. Vomiting. (Further see Inhalation). Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Rinse mouth. Give plenty of water to drink. Rest. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL PACKAGING & LABELLING
Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent and remove to safe place. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus. Xn Symbol
R: 22-38-40-48/20/22
S: (2-)36/37
UN Hazard Class: 6.1
UN Pack Group: III

Unbreakable packaging; put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container. Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.


EMERGENCY RESPONSE SAFE STORAGE
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-61S1888
NFPA Code: H 2; F 0; R 0
Separated from food and feedstuffs and incompatible materials, (see Chemical Dangers). Ventilation along the floor.

IMPORTANT DATA
Physical State; Appearance
VOLATILE COLOURLESS LIQUID, WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

Physical dangers
The vapour is heavier than air.

Chemical dangers
On contact with hot surfaces or flames this substance decomposes forming toxic and corrosive fumes (hydrogen chloride ICSC0163, phosgene ICSC0007 and chlorine fumes ICSC0126). Reacts violently with strong bases, strong oxidants, some metals, such as aluminium, magnesium and zinc, causing fire and explosion hazard. Attacks plastic, rubber and coatings.

Occupational exposure limits
TLV: 10 ppm as TWA; A3 (confirmed animal carcinogen with unknown relevance to humans); (ACGIH 2004).
MAK: 0.5 ppm, 2.5 mg/m³; Peak limitation category: II(2); skin absorption (H); Carcinogen category: 4; Pregnancy risk group: C; (DFG 2004).

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

Inhalation risk
A harmful contamination of the air can be reached very quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C.

Effects of short-term exposure
The substance is irritating to the eyes. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system, liver and kidneys. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated.

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
The liquid defats the skin. The substance may have effects on the liver and kidneys. This substance is possibly carcinogenic to humans.


PHYSICAL PROPERTIES ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
Boiling point: 62°C
Melting point: -64°C
Relative density (water = 1): 1.48
Solubility in water, g/100 ml at 20°C: 0.8
Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 21.2
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 4.12
Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.7
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 1.97
The substance is toxic to aquatic organisms.

NOTES
Turns combustible on addition of small amounts of a flammable substance or an increase in the oxygen content of the air.
Use of alcoholic beverages enhances the harmful effect.
Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is indicated.
The odour warning when the exposure limit value is exceeded is insufficient.
Do NOT use in the vicinity of a fire or a hot surface, or during welding.
Card has been partly updated in April 2005. See section Occupational Exposure Limits.

IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety
WHO ILO UNEP EC Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the European Commission
© IPCS 2004
LEGAL NOTICE Neither the EC nor the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the EC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information.

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