Common Name: Ethylene
CAS Number: 74-85-1
DOT Number: UN 1962/UN 1038
Date: January, 1989
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HAZARD SUMMARY
* Ethylene gas can affect you when breathed in.
* Ethylene gas is HIGHLY FLAMMABLE and EXPLOSIVE. This is the
major hazard of Ethylene exposure.
* Exposure to the gas can cause you to feel dizzy, lightheaded,
and to pass out.
* Contact with liquid Ethylene could cause frostbite.
* Ethylene may cause suffocation. Excessive amounts in the air
in an enclosed space will decrease the amount of oxygen.
* The health effects caused by exposure to Ethylene are much
less serious than its FIRE and EXPLOSION RISK.
IDENTIFICATION
Ethylene is a colorless gas at room temperatures. At very low
temperatures it is a liquid. It is used as a refrigerant and in
welding and cutting metals.
REASON FOR CITATION
* Ethylene is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is
cited by ACGIH, DOT, NFPA and EPA.
* This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List
because it is FLAMMABLE and REACTIVE.
* Definitions are attached.
HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING EXPOSED
* Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely
evaluated. This may include collecting air samples. Under OSHA
1910.20, you have a legal right to obtain copies of sampling
results from you employer. If you think you are experiencing
any work related health problems, see a doctor trained to
recognize occupational diseases. Take this Fact Sheet with
you.
* ODOR THRESHOLD = 290 ppm.
* The odor threshold only serves as a warning of exposure. Not
smelling it does not mean you are not being exposed.
WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS
* No exposure limits have been determined.
* Large amounts of Ethylene will decrease the amount of
available oxygen. Before entering an enclosed space, oxygen
content should be tested to ensure that it is at least 19.5%
by volume.
WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE
* Where possible, enclose operations and use local exhaust
ventilation at the site of chemical release. If local exhaust
ventilation or enclosure is not used, respirators should be
worn.
* Wear specially designed protective clothing where exposure to
cold equipment, vapors, or liquid can occur.
* Permanently installed analyzers should be used to monitor for
a dangerous release of Ethylene gas.
* Post hazard and warning information in the work area. In
addition, as part of an ongoing education and training effort,
communicate all information on the health and safety hazards
of Ethylene to potentially exposed workers.
This Fact Sheet is a summary source of information of all potential
and most severe health hazards that may result from exposure.
Duration of exposure, concentration of the substance and other
factors will affect your susceptibility to any of the potential
effects described below.
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HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION
Acute Health Effects
The following acute (short term) health effects may occur
immediately or shortly after exposure to Ethylene:
* Exposure can cause you to feel dizzy, lightheaded, and to pass
out.
* Contact with liquid Ethylene can cause frostbite.
Chronic Health Effects
The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some
time after exposure to Ethylene and can last for months or years:
Cancer Hazard
* There is insufficient evidence available to evaluate Ethylene
for its ability to cause cancer in animals.
Reproductive Hazard
* According to the information presently available to the New
Jersey Department of Health, Ethylene has not been tested for
its ability to adversely affect reproduction.
Other Long Term Effects
* Ethylene has not been tested for other chronic (long term)
health effects.
MEDICAL
Medical Testing
* There is no special test for this chemical. However, if
illness occurs or overexposure is suspected, medical attention
is recommended.
Any evaluation should include a careful history of past and present
symptoms with an exam. Medical tests that look for damage already
done are not a substitute for controlling exposure.
Request copies of your medical testing. You have a legal right to
this information under OSHA 1910.20.
WORKPLACE CONTROLS AND PRACTICES
Unless a less toxic chemical can be substituted for a hazardous
substance, ENGINEERING CONTROLS are the most effective way of
reducing exposure. The best protection is to enclose operations
and/or provide local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical
release. Isolating operations can also reduce exposure. Using
respirators or protective equipment is less effective than the
controls mentioned above, but is sometimes necessary.
In evaluating the controls present in your workplace, consider: (1)
how hazardous the substance is, (2) how much of the substance is
released into the workplace and (3) whether harmful skin or eye
contact could occur. Special controls should be in place for highly
toxic chemicals or when significant skin, eye, or breathing
exposures are possible.
In addition, the following controls are recommended:
* Where possible, automatically pump liquid Ethylene from
storage containers to process containers.
* Before entering a confined space which may contain Ethylene,
check to make sure that sufficient oxygen (at least 19.5%)
exists.
* Before entering a confined space where Ethylene may be
present, check to make sure that an explosive concentration
does not exist.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
WORKPLACE CONTROLS ARE BETTER THAN PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT.
However, for some jobs (such as outside work, confined space entry,
jobs done only once in a while, or jobs done while workplace
controls are being installed), personal protective equipment may be
appropriate.
The following recommendations are only guidelines and may not apply
to every situation.
Clothing
* Where exposure to cold equipment, vapors, and liquid may
occur, special gloves and clothing designed to prevent
freezing of body tissues should be used.
* All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear)
should be clean, available each day, and put on before work.
Eye Protection
* Wear splash proof chemical goggles and face shield when
working with liquid, or gas proof mask when working with gas,
unless full facepiece respiratory protection is worn.
Respiratory Protection
IMPROPER USE OF RESPIRATORS IS DANGEROUS. Such equipment should
only be used if the employer has a written program that takes into
account workplace conditions, requirements for worker training,
respirator fit testing and medical exams, as described in OSHA
1910.134.
* Engineering controls must be effective to ensure that exposure
to Ethylene does not occur.
* Exposure to Ethylene gas is dangerous because it can replace
oxygen and lead to suffocation. Only MSHA/NIOSH ap proved self
contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated
in positive pressure mode should be used in oxygen deficient
environments.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
* Prior to working with Ethylene you should be trained on its
proper handling and storage.
* Procedures for the handling, use and storage of Ethylene
cylinders should be in compliance with OSHA 1910.101 and
follow the recommendations of the Compressed Gas Association
as well as OSHA 1910 Subpart M.
* Store in tightly closed containers in a cool well ventilated
area away from CHLORINE COMPOUNDS, OXIDIZING AGENTS, and
COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS.
* Sources of ignition such as smoking and open flames are
prohibited where Ethylene is handled, used, or stored.
* Use only non sparking tools and equipment, especially when
opening and closing containers of Ethylene.
* Wherever Ethylene is used, handled, manufactured, or stored,
use explosion proof electrical equipment and fittings.
* Piping should be electrically bonded and grounded.
Common Name: ETHYLENE
DOT Number: UN 1962/UN 1038
DOT Emergency Guide code: 22
CAS Number: 74-85-1
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NFPA Hazard Rating
FLAMMABILITY 4
REACTIVITY 2
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CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE
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Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious;
4=severe
FIRE HAZARDS
* Ethylene is a FLAMMABLE LIQUID OR GAS.
* Vapors may travel to a source of ignition and flash back.
* CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE.
* Stop flow of gas. Use dry chemical, CO2, or water spray in
large amounts.
* Use water spray to keep fire exposed containers cool.
* If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained
and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156.
SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES
If Ethylene is leaked, take the following steps:
* Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of
leak until cleanup is complete. Contact may cause severe burns
and vapor build up may cause suffocation.
* Remove all ignition sources.
* Ventilate area of leak to disperse the gas.
* Stop flow of gas. If source of leak is a cylinder and the leak
cannot be stopped in place, remove the leaking cylinder to a
safe place in the open air, and repair leak or allow cylinder
to empty.
* Keep Ethylene out of a confined space, such as a sewer,
because of the possibility of an explosion, unless the sewer
is designed to prevent the buildup of explosive
concentrations.
* It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Ethylene as a
HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your Department of Environmental
Protection (DEP) or your regional office of the federal
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for specific
recommendations.
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FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire department.
==========================================
FIRST AID
POISON INFORMATION
Eye Contact
* Seek medical attention.
Skin Contact
* Quickly immerse affected part in warm water.
* Seek medical attention.
Breathing
* Remove the person from exposure.
* Begin rescue breathing if breathing has stopped and CPR if
heart action has stopped.
* Transfer promptly to a medical facility.
PHYSICAL DATA
Flash Point: 213oF (136oC)
Water Solubility: Slightly soluble
OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES
Chemical Name:
Ethene
Other Names and Formulations:
Acetene; Olefiant Gas; Bicarburretted Hydrogen.
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Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial purposes.
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NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Right to Know Program
CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625 0368
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ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Ethylene is a colorless, flammable gas with a slightly sweet odor,
which is produced in very large volumes. It is a main building
block of the petrochemical industry, and is converted to many
intermediate and end products, including plastics, resins, fibers,
elastomers, solvents, surfactants, coatings, plasticizers and
antifreeze. It may enter the environment from industrial
discharges or spills.
ACUTE (SHORT-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS
Acute toxic effects may include the death of animals, birds, or
fish, and death or low growth rate in plants. Acute effects are
seen two to four days after animals or plants come in contact with
a toxic chemical substance.
Ethylene has slight acute toxicity to aquatic life. Ethylene has
caused injuries of many kinds to numerous agricultural crops.
Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the
short-term effects of ethylene to birds or land animals.
CHRONIC (LONG-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS
Chronic toxic effects may include shortened lifespan, reproductive
problems, lower fertility, and changes in appearance or behavior.
Chronic effects can be seen long after first exposure(s) to a toxic
chemical.
Ethylene has slight chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient
data are available to evaluate or predict the long-term effects of
ethylene to plants, birds, or land animals.
WATER SOLUBILITY
Ethylene is highly soluble in water. Concentrations of 1,000
milligrams and more will mix with a liter of water.
DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT
Ethylene is non-persistent in water, 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. About 99.9% of
ethylene will eventually end up in air; the rest will end up in the
water.
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
and humans.
SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.
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Last modified: 3 Mar 1996
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