Right to Know

Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet

Common Name: ALLYL CHLORIDE
Synonyms: 3-Chloropropene; 1-Chloro-2-propene CAS Number: 107-05-1
Chemical Name: 1-Propene, 3-Chloro- RTK Substance Number: 0039
Date: June 1998 Revision: November 2007 DOT Number: UN 1100

Description and Use EMERGENCY RESPONDERS >>>> SEE BACK PAGE

Allyl Chloride is a colorless, yellow, brown or purple liquid Hazard Summary
with a strong, unpleasant odor. It is used in making Allyl Hazard Rating NJDOH NFPA
compounds. HEALTH - 3
FLAMMABILITY - 3
f ODOR THRESHOLD=0.47 ppm
REACTIVITY - 1
f Odor thresholds vary greatly. Do not rely on odor alone to
determine potentially hazardous exposures. CARCINOGEN
FLAMMABLE
POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE
CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE
Reasons for Citation
f Allyl Chloride is on the Right to Know Hazardous Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious;
Substance List because it is cited by OSHA, ACGIH, DOT, 4=severe
NIOSH, DEP, IARC, IRIS, NFPA and EPA.
f This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance f Allyl Chloride can affect you when inhaled and may be
List. absorbed through the skin.
f Allyl Chloride should be handled as a CARCINOGEN--
WITH EXTREME CAUTION.
SEE GLOSSARY ON PAGE 5. f Contact can severely irritate and burn the skin and eyes
leading to permanent eye damage.
f Exposure can irritate the nose and throat.
FIRST AID f Inhaling Allyl Chloride can irritate the lungs. Higher
Eye Contact exposures may cause a build-up of fluid in the lungs
f Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 30 (pulmonary edema), a medical emergency.
minutes, lifting upper and lower lids. Remove contact f Exposure can cause headache, dizziness and even
lenses, if worn, while flushing. Seek medical attention unconsciousness.
immediately. f Allyl Chloride may affect the liver and kidneys.
f Allyl Chloride is a FLAMMABLE LIQUID and a
Skin Contact DANGEROUS FIRE HAZARD.
f Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash
contaminated skin with large amounts of soap and water.
Seek medical attention immediately. Workplace Exposure Limits
OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is
Inhalation 1 ppm averaged over an 8-hour workshift.
f Remove the person from exposure.
f Begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions) if
breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. NIOSH: The recommended airborne exposure limit (REL) is
f Transfer promptly to a medical facility. 1 ppm averaged over a 10-hour workshift and 2 ppm,
f Medical observation is recommended for 24 to 48 hours after not to be exceeded during any 15-minute work period.
overexposure, as pulmonary edema may be delayed.

ACGIH: The threshold limit value (TLV) is 1 ppm averaged

over an 8-hour workshift and 2 ppm as a STEL
EMERGENCY NUMBERS (short-term exposure limit).
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
CHEMTREC: 1-800-424-9300 f Allyl Chloride may be a CARCINOGEN in humans. There
NJDEP Hotline: 1-877-927-6337 may be no safe level of exposure to a carcinogen, so all
contact should be reduced to the lowest possible level.
National Response Center: 1-800-424-8802 f The above exposure limits are for air levels only. When skin
contact also occurs, you may be overexposed, even though
air levels are less than the limits listed above.
ALLYL CHLORIDE Page 2 of 6

Determining Your Exposure Cancer Hazard

f Allyl Chloride may be a CARCINOGEN in humans since it
f Read the product manufacturer’s Material Safety Data has been shown to cause forestomach cancer in animals.
Sheet (MSDS) and the label to determine product The rodent forestomach does not exist in humans.
ingredients and important safety and health information f Allyl Chloride is a MUTAGEN. It may cause genetic
about the product mixture. changes.
f Many scientists believe there is no safe level of exposure to
f For each individual hazardous ingredient, read the New a carcinogen.
Jersey Department of Health Hazardous Substance Fact
Sheet, available on the RTK website Reproductive Hazard
(www.nj.gov/health/eoh/rtkweb) or in your facility’s RTK f There is limited evidence that Allyl Chloride may damage
Central File or Hazard Communication Standard file. the male reproductive system (including decreasing the
sperm count) in animals.
f You have a right to this information under the New Jersey
Worker and Community Right to Know Act, the Public Other Effects
Employees Occupational Safety and Health (PEOSH) Act f Allyl Chloride can cause chronic bronchitis with cough,
if you are a public worker in New Jersey, and under the phlegm and shortness of breath.
federal Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) if you f Allyl Chloride may affect the liver and kidneys.
are a private worker.
f The New Jersey Right to Know Act requires most
employers to label chemicals in the workplace and Medical
requires public employers to provide their employees with Medical Testing
information concerning chemical hazards and controls. For frequent or potentially high exposure (half the PEL or
The federal OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 greater, or significant skin contact) the following are
CFR 1910.1200) and the PEOSH Hazard Communication recommended before beginning work and at regular times after
Standard (N.J.A.C. 12:100-7) require employers to provide that:
similar information and training to their employees.
f Lung function tests

This Fact Sheet is a summary of available information If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the
regarding the health hazards that may result from exposure. following are recommended:
Duration of exposure, concentration of the substance and other
factors will affect your susceptibility to any of the potential f Liver and kidney function tests
effects described below. f Consider chest x-ray after acute overexposure
f Exam of the eyes and vision

Health Hazard Information Any evaluation should include a careful history of past and
Acute Health Effects present symptoms with an exam. Medical tests that look for
The following acute (short-term) health effects may occur damage already done are not a substitute for controlling
immediately or shortly after exposure to Allyl Chloride: exposure.

f Contact can severely irritate the skin and cause severe Request copies of your medical testing. You have a legal right
burns, deep aching and “bone pain.” to this information under the OSHA Access to Employee
f Allyl Chloride can irritate and burn the eyes, leading to Exposure and Medical Records Standard (29 CFR 1910.1020).
permanent damage.
f Exposure can irritate the nose and throat. Mixed Exposures
f Inhaling Allyl Chloride can irritate the lungs causing f Smoking can cause heart disease, lung cancer,
coughing and/or shortness of breath. Higher exposures may emphysema, and other respiratory problems. It may worsen
cause a build-up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), a respiratory conditions caused by chemical exposure. Even if
medical emergency, with severe shortness of breath. you have smoked for a long time, stopping now will reduce
f Exposure can cause headache, dizziness and even your risk of developing health problems.
unconsciousness. f More than light alcohol consumption can cause liver
damage. Drinking alcohol may increase the liver damage
Chronic Health Effects caused by Allyl Chloride.
The following chronic (long-term) health effects can occur at
some time after exposure to Allyl Chloride and can last for
months or years:
ALLYL CHLORIDE Page 3 of 6

Workplace Controls and Practices Eye Protection

Very toxic chemicals, or those that are reproductive hazards or f Wear indirect-vent, impact and splash resistant goggles
sensitizers, require expert advice on control measures if a less when working with liquids.
toxic chemical cannot be substituted. Control measures f Wear a face shield along with goggles when working with
include: (1) enclosing chemical processes for severely corrosive, highly irritating or toxic substances.
irritating and corrosive chemicals, (2) using local exhaust f Do not wear contact lenses when working with this
ventilation for chemicals that may be harmful with a single substance.
exposure, and (3) using general ventilation to control
exposures to skin and eye irritants. For further information on Respiratory Protection
workplace controls, consult the NIOSH document on Control Improper use of respirators is dangerous. Respirators
Banding at www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/ctrlbanding/. should only be used if the employer has a written program that
takes into account workplace conditions, requirements for
The following work practices are also recommended: worker training, respirator fit testing, and medical exams, as
f Label process containers.
described in the OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard (29
f Provide employees with hazard information and training. CFR 1910.134).
f Monitor airborne chemical concentrations.
f Use engineering controls if concentrations exceed f Where the potential exists for exposure over 1 ppm, use a
recommended exposure levels. NIOSH approved full facepiece respirator with an organic
f Provide eye wash fountains and emergency showers. vapor cartridge. Increased protection is obtained from full
f Wash or shower if skin comes in contact with a hazardous facepiece powered-air purifying respirators.
material. f Leave the area immediately if (1) while wearing a filter or
f Always wash at the end of the workshift. cartridge respirator you can smell, taste, or otherwise detect
f Change into clean clothing if clothing becomes Allyl Chloride, (2) while wearing particulate filters abnormal
contaminated. resistance to breathing is experienced, or (3) eye irritation
f Do not take contaminated clothing home. occurs while wearing a full facepiece respirator. Check to
f Get special training to wash contaminated clothing. make sure the respirator-to-face seal is still good. If it is,
f Do not eat, smoke, or drink in areas where chemicals are replace the filter or cartridge. If the seal is no longer good,
being handled, processed or stored. you may need a new respirator.
f Wash hands carefully before eating, smoking, drinking, f Consider all potential sources of exposure in your workplace.
applying cosmetics or using the toilet. You may need a combination of filters, prefilters or cartridges
to protect against different forms of a chemical (such as
In addition, the following may be useful or required: vapor and mist) or against a mixture of chemicals.
f Where the potential exists for exposure over 50 ppm, use a
f Before entering a confined space where Allyl Chloride may NIOSH approved supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece
be present, check to make sure that an explosive operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure
concentration does not exist. mode. For increased protection use in combination with an
auxiliary self-contained breathing apparatus operated in a
pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode.
Personal Protective Equipment f Exposure to 250 ppm is immediately dangerous to life and
health. If the possibility of exposure above 250 ppm exists,
The OSHA Personal Protective Equipment Standard (29 CFR
use a NIOSH approved self-contained breathing apparatus
1910.132) requires employers to determine the appropriate with a full facepiece operated in a pressure-demand or other
personal protective equipment for each hazard and to train positive-pressure mode equipped with an emergency escape
employees on how and when to use protective equipment. air cylinder.

The following recommendations are only guidelines and may Fire Hazards
not apply to every situation. If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained
and equipped as stated in the OSHA Fire Brigades Standard
Gloves and Clothing (29 CFR 1910.156).
f Avoid skin contact with Allyl Chloride. Wear personal
protective equipment made from material which can not be
f Allyl Chloride is a FLAMMABLE LIQUID.
permeated or degraded by this substance. Safety
equipment suppliers and manufacturers can provide f Use dry chemical, CO2, foam or water spray extinguishing
recommendations on the most protective glove and clothing agents.
material for your operation. f May polymerize and explode at elevated temperatures.
f Safety equipment manufacturers recommend 4-H®/Silver f POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including
Shield® for gloves and DuPont Tychem®, CPF-4, BR and Hydrogen Chloride and Phosgene.
LV, Responder® and TK as protective materials for clothing. f CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE.
f All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear) f Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers cool.
should be clean, available each day, and put on before work. f Vapors may travel to a source of ignition and flash back.
f Vapor is heavier than air and may travel a distance to cause
a fire or explosion far from the source.
ALLYL CHLORIDE Page 4 of 6

Spills and Emergencies Occupational Health Information

If employees are required to clean-up spills, they must be
Resources
properly trained and equipped. The OSHA Hazardous Waste
Operations and Emergency Response Standard (29 CFR The New Jersey Department of Health offers multiple services
1910.120) may apply. in occupational health. These services include providing
informational resources, educational materials, public
If Allyl Chloride is spilled or leaked, take the following steps: presentations, and industrial hygiene and medical
investigations and evaluations.
f Evacuate personnel and secure and control entrance to the
area.
f Eliminate all ignition sources. For more information, please contact:
f Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or activated
carbon and deposit in sealed containers.
f Ventilate and wash area after clean-up is complete.
New Jersey Department of Health
f Keep Allyl Chloride out of confined spaces, such as Right to Know
sewers, because of the possibility of an explosion. PO Box 368
f It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Allyl Trenton, NJ 08625-0368
Chloride as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state Phone: 609-984-2202
Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) or your Fax: 609-984-7407
regional office of the federal Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) for specific recommendations. E-mail: [email protected]
Web address: http://www.nj.gov/health/eoh/rtkweb

Handling and Storage The Right to Know Hazardous Substance Fact Sheets
are not intended to be copied and sold
Prior to working with Allyl Chloride you should be trained on
for commercial purposes.
its proper handling and storage.

f Allyl Chloride may react violently with OXIDIZING AGENTS

(such as PERCHLORATES, PEROXIDES,
PERMANGANATES, CHLORATES, NITRATES,
CHLORINE, BROMINE and FLUORINE); STRONG ACIDS
(such as HYDROCHLORIC, SULFURIC and NITRIC); ACID
CATALYSTS; AMINES; IRON or ALUMINUM CHLORIDES;
CHEMICALLY ACTIVE METALS (such as POTASSIUM,
SODIUM, MAGNESIUM and ZINC); and SODIUM
HYDROXIDE.
f Allyl Chloride may decompose in WATER or MOIST AIR to
release Hydrogen Chloride gas.
f Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated
area away from HEAT, SUNLIGHT and COMBUSTIBLE
MATERIALS.
f Attacks PLASTIC, RUBBER and COATINGS.
f Hydrogen Chloride gas accumulates in containers during
storage.
f Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are
prohibited where Allyl Chloride is used, handled, or stored.
f Metal containers involving the transfer of Allyl Chloride
should be grounded and bonded.
f Use only non-sparking tools and equipment, especially when
opening and closing containers of Allyl Chloride.
ALLYL CHLORIDE Page 5 of 6

GLOSSARY

ACGIH is the American Conference of Governmental Industrial LEL or Lower Explosive Limit, is the lowest concentration of
Hygienists. They publish guidelines called Threshold Limit a combustible substance (gas or vapor) in the air capable of
Values (TLVs) for exposure to workplace chemicals. continuing an explosion.

Acute Exposure Guideline Levels (AEGLs) are established mg/m3 means milligrams of a chemical in a cubic meter of air.
by the EPA. They describe the risk to humans resulting from It is a measure of concentration (weight/volume).
once-in-a lifetime, or rare, exposure to airborne chemicals.
A mutagen is a substance that causes mutations. A mutation
Boiling point is the temperature at which a substance can is a change in the genetic material in a body cell. Mutations
change its physical state from a liquid to a gas. can lead to birth defects, miscarriages, or cancer.
A carcinogen is a substance that causes cancer. NFPA is the National Fire Protection Association. It classifies
substances according to their fire and explosion hazard.
The CAS number is unique, identifying number, assigned by
the Chemical Abstracts Service, to a specific chemical. NIOSH is the National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health. It tests equipment, evaluates and approves
CFR is the Code of Federal Regulations, which are the respirators, conducts studies of workplace hazards, and
regulations of the United States government. proposes standards to OSHA.
A combustible substance is a solid, liquid or gas that will burn. NTP is the National Toxicology Program which tests chemicals
and reviews evidence for cancer.
A corrosive substance is a gas, liquid or solid that causes
destruction of human skin or severe corrosion of containers. OSHA is the federal Occupational Safety and Health
Administration, which adopts and enforces health and safety
DEP is the New Jersey Department of Environmental standards.
Protection.
PEOSHA is the New Jersey Public Employees Occupational
DOT is the Department of Transportation, the federal agency Safety and Health Act, which adopts and enforces health and
that regulates the transportation of chemicals. safety standards in public workplaces.
EPA is the Environmental Protection Agency, the federal Permeated is the movement of chemicals through protective
agency responsible for regulating environmental hazards. materials.
ERG is the Emergency Response Guidebook. It is a guide for PIH is a DOT designation for chemicals which are Poison
emergency responders for transportation emergencies Inhalation Hazards.
involving hazardous substances.
ppm means parts of a substance per million parts of air. It is a
Emergency Response Planning Guideline (ERPG) values measure of concentration by volume in air.
are intended to provide estimates of concentration ranges
where one reasonably might anticipate observing adverse A reactive substance is a solid, liquid or gas that releases
effects. energy under certain conditions.
A fetus is an unborn human or animal. STEL is a Short Term Exposure Limit which is usually a 15-
minute exposure that should not be exceeded at any time
A flammable substance is a solid, liquid, vapor or gas that will during a work day.
ignite easily and burn rapidly.
A teratogen is a substance that causes birth defects by
The flash point is the temperature at which a liquid or solid damaging the fetus.
gives off vapor that can form a flammable mixture with air.
UEL or Upper Explosive Limit is the highest concentration in
IARC is the International Agency for Research on Cancer, a air above which there is too much fuel (gas or vapor) to begin a
scientific group. reaction or explosion.
Ionization Potential is the amount of energy needed to Vapor Density is the ratio of the weight of a given volume of
remove an electron from an atom or molecule. It is measured one gas to the weight of another (usually Hydrogen), at the
in electron volts. same temperature and pressure.
IRIS is the Integrated Risk Information System database The vapor pressure is a measure of how readily a liquid or a
maintained by federal EPA. The database contains solid mixes with air at its surface. A higher vapor pressure
information on human health effects that may result from indicates a higher concentration of the substance in air and
exposure to various chemicals in the environment. therefore increases the likelihood of breathing it in.
 Right to Know Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet
Common Name: ALLYL CHLORIDE
Synonyms: 3-Chloropropene; 1-Chloro-2-propene
CAS No: 107-05-1
Molecular Formula: C3H5Cl
RTK Substance No: 0039
Description: Colorless, brown, yellow or purple liquid with a strong, unpleasant odor
HAZARD DATA
Hazard Rating Firefighting Reactivity
3 - Health FLAMMABLE LIQUID Allyl Chloride may react violently with OXIDIZING
3 - Fire Use dry chemical, CO2, foam or water spray as AGENTS (such as PERCHLORATES, PEROXIDES,
extinguishing agents. PERMANGANATES, CHLORATES, NITRATES,
1 - Reactivity
May polymerize and explode at elevated temperatures. CHLORINE, BROMINE and FLUORINE); STRONG
DOT#: UN 1100 ACIDS (such as HYDROCHLORIC, SULFURIC and
POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, NITRIC); ACID CATALYSTS; AMINES; IRON or
ERG Guide #: 131 including Hydrogen Chloride and Phosgene. ALUMINUM CHLORIDES; CHEMICALLY ACTIVE
Hazard Class: 3 CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE. METALS (such as POTASSIUM, SODIUM,
(Flammable) Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers cool. MAGNESIUM and ZINC); and SODIUM
Vapors may travel to a source of ignition and flash HYDROXIDE.
back. Allyl Chloride may decompose in WATER or MOIST
Vapor is heavier than air and may travel a distance AIR to release Hydrogen Chloride gas.
to cause a fire or explosion far from the source.
Attacks PLASTIC, RUBBER and COATINGS.
SPILL/LEAKS PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Isolation Distance: Odor Threshold: 0.47 ppm
Flash Point: -20oF (-29oC)
Small Spill: 60 meters (200 feet)
LEL: 2.9%
Large Spill: 270 meters (900 feet) UEL: 11.1%
Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or Relative Vapor
activated carbon and deposit in sealed containers. Density: 2.6 (air = 1)
Liquid floats on water. Vapor Pressure: 295 mm Hg at 68oF (20oC)
Harmful to aquatic life in very low concentrations. Water Solubility: Slightly soluble
Ionization Potential: 10.05 eV
Boiling Point: 113oF (45oC)
Molecular Weight: 76.5
EXPOSURE LIMITS PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
OSHA: 1 ppm, 8-hr TWA Gloves: 4-H®/Silver Shield® (>4-hr breakthrough)
NIOSH: 1 ppm, 10-hr TWA, 2 ppm STEL Coveralls: DuPont Tychem®, CPF-4, BR and LV, Responder® and
TK (>8-hr breakthrough)
ACGIH: 1 ppm, 8-hr TWA; 2 ppm STEL
Boots: No information
IDLH LEVEL: 250 ppm >1 ppm - Full-facepiece APR with Organic Vapor
Respirator:
cartridges
>50 ppm - Supplied air
HEALTH EFFECTS FIRST AID AND DECONTAMINATION
Eyes: Irritation, burns leading to eye damage Remove the person from exposure.
Skin: Irritation, severe burns Flush eyes with large amounts of water for at least 30 minutes. Remove
contact lenses if worn. Seek medical attention immediately.
Acute: Nose, throat and lung irritation with Quickly remove contaminated clothing and wash contaminated skin with
coughing and shortness of breath large amounts of soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately.
Headache, dizziness and Begin artificial respiration if breathing has stopped and CPR if
unconsciousness necessary.
Chronic: Transfer to a medical facility.
Limited evidence - Cancer in animals.
May cause mutations Medical observation is recommended as symptoms may be delayed.
Cough, phlegm and shortness of breath
November 2007