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TETRACHLOROETHYLENE ICSC: 0076
April 2000
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethylene
Perchloroethylene
Tetrachloroethene
PDF for printing Explanation of fields
CAS No: 127-18-4
RTECS No: KX3850000
UN No: 1897
EC No: 602-028-00-4
    C2Cl4 / Cl2C=CCl2
Molecular mass: 165.8

TYPES OF
HAZARD /
EXPOSURE
ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS      PREVENTION      FIRST AID / FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Not combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.   In case of fire in the surroundings: use appropriate extinguishing media.
EXPLOSION      
 
EXPOSURE   STRICT HYGIENE! PREVENT GENERATION OF MISTS!  
Inhalation Dizziness. Drowsiness. Headache. Nausea. Weakness. Unconsciousness. Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection. Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.
Skin Dry skin. Redness. Protective gloves. Protective clothing. Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap.
Eyes Redness. Pain. Safety goggles, face shield. First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
Ingestion Abdominal pain. (Further see Inhalation). Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Give plenty of water to drink. Rest.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL PACKAGING & LABELLING
Ventilation. 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: filter respirator for organic gases and vapours. Xn Symbol
N Symbol
R: 40-51/53
S: (2-)23-36/37-61
UN Hazard Class: 6.1
UN Pack Group: III

Do not transport with food and feedstuffs. Marine pollutant.


EMERGENCY RESPONSE SAFE STORAGE
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-61S1897
NFPA Code: H2; F0; R0
Separated from metals, (see Chemical Dangers), food and feedstuffs. Keep in the dark. Ventilation along the floor.

IMPORTANT DATA
Physical State; Appearance
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, phosgene, chlorine). The substance decomposes slowly on contact with moisture producing trichloroacetic acid and hydrochloric acid. Reacts with metals such as aluminium, lithium, barium, beryllium.

Occupational exposure limits
TLV: 25 ppm as TWA, 100 ppm as STEL; A3 (confirmed animal carcinogen with unknown relevance to humans); BEI issued; (ACGIH 2004).
MAK: skin absorption (H); Carcinogen category: 3B; (DFG 2004).

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

Inhalation risk
A harmful contamination of the air will be reached rather slowly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C.

Effects of short-term exposure
The substance is irritating to the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. If this liquid is swallowed, aspiration into the lungs may result in chemical pneumonitis. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system. Exposure at high levels may result in unconsciousness.

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis. The substance may have effects on the liver and kidneys. This substance is probably carcinogenic to humans.


PHYSICAL PROPERTIES ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
Boiling point: 121°C
Melting point: -22°C
Relative density (water = 1): 1.6
Solubility in water, g/100 ml at 20°C: 0.015
Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 1.9
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 5.8
Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.09
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 2.9
The substance is toxic to aquatic organisms. The substance may cause long-term effects in the aquatic environment.

NOTES
Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is suggested.
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.
An added stabilizer or inhibitor can influence the toxicological properties of this substance, consult an expert.
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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