Right to Know

Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet

Common Name: EPICHLOROHYDRIN
Synonyms: 3-Chloropropylene Oxide; 1-Chloro-2,3-Epoxypropane CAS Number: 106-89-8
Chemical Name: Oxirane, (Chloromethyl)- RTK Substance Number: 0828
Date: January 2011 Revision: July 2016 DOT Number: UN 2023

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

Epichlorohydrin is a clear, colorless liquid with an irritating Hazard Summary
odor. It is used in making epoxy resins and as an insect Hazard Rating NJDHSS NFPA
fumigant, solvent, and stabilizer. HEALTH - 4
FLAMMABILITY - 3
 ODOR THRESHOLD = 0.08 to 12 ppm
REACTIVITY - 2
 Odor thresholds vary greatly. Do not rely on odor alone to
determine potentially hazardous exposures. CARCINOGEN
FLAMMABLE AND REACTIVE
POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE
CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE
Reasons for Citation
 Epichlorohydrin 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, NTP, DEP, IARC, NFPA and EPA.
 This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance  Epichlorohydrin can affect you when inhaled and by
List. passing through the skin.
 Epichlorohydrin is a CARCINOGEN and MUTAGEN.
HANDLE WITH EXTREME CAUTION.
 Contact can irritate and burn the skin and eyes.
 Exposure can irritate the eyes, nose and throat.
 Inhaling Epichlorohydrin can irritate the lungs. Higher
exposures may cause a build-up of fluid in the lungs
(pulmonary edema), a medical emergency.
SEE GLOSSARY ON PAGE 5.  Epichlorohydrin may cause a skin allergy and may cause
an asthma-like allergy.
FIRST AID  Epichlorohydrin may damage the liver and kidneys.
Eye Contact  High exposure can affect the nervous system.
 Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 30  Epichlorohydrin is FLAMMABLE and REACTIVE and a
minutes, lifting upper and lower lids. Remove contact DANGEROUS FIRE and EXPLOSION HAZARD.
lenses, if worn, while flushing. Seek medical attention.  Epichlorohydrin can polymerize violently when exposed to
HEAT.
Skin Contact
 Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash
contaminated skin with large amounts of water. Workplace Exposure Limits
OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is
Inhalation
5 ppm averaged over an 8-hour workshift.
 Remove the person from exposure.
 Begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions) if
NIOSH: Recommends that exposure to occupational
breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. carcinogens be limited to the lowest feasible
 Transfer promptly to a medical facility. concentration.
 Medical observation is recommended for 24 to 48 hours after
overexposure, as pulmonary edema may be delayed.
ACGIH: The threshold limit value (TLV) is 0.5 ppm averaged
over an 8-hour workshift.
EMERGENCY NUMBERS  Epichlorohydrin is a PROBABLE CARCINOGEN in
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222 humans. There may be no safe level of exposure to a
CHEMTREC: 1-800-424-9300 carcinogen, so all contact should be reduced to the lowest
NJDEP Hotline: 1-877-927-6337 possible level.
 The above exposure limits are for air levels only. When skin
National Response Center: 1-800-424-8802 contact also occurs, you may be overexposed, even though
air levels are less than the limits listed above.
EPICHLOROHYDRIN Page 2 of 6

Determining Your Exposure Reproductive Hazard

 Epichlorohydrin may decrease fertility in males.
 Read the product manufacturer’s Material Safety Data
Sheet (MSDS) and the label to determine product Other Effects
ingredients and important safety and health information  Epichlorohydrin may cause a skin allergy. If allergy
about the product mixture. develops, very low future exposure can cause itching and a
 For each individual hazardous ingredient, read the New skin rash.
 Repeated high exposure may cause an asthma-like allergy.
Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services
Future exposure can cause asthma attacks with shortness of
Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet, available on the RTK breath, wheezing, coughing, and/or chest tightness.
Program website  Epichlorohydrin may damage the liver and kidneys.
(http://www.state.nj.us/health/workplacehealthandsafety/ri  High exposure can affect the nervous system.
ght-to-know/) or in your facility’s RTK Central File or
Hazard Communication Standard file.
 You have a right to this information under the New Jersey Medical
Worker and Community Right to Know Act and the Public Medical Testing
Employees Occupational Safety and Health (PEOSH) Act For frequent or potentially high exposure (half the TLV or
if you are a public worker in New Jersey, and under the greater), the following are recommended before beginning
federal Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) if you work and at regular times after that:
are a private worker.
 Liver function tests
 The New Jersey Right to Know Act requires most  Lung function tests. The results may be normal if the person
employers to label chemicals in the workplace and is not having an attack at the time of the test.
requires public employers to provide their employees with
information concerning chemical hazards and controls. If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the
The federal OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 following are recommended:
CFR 1910.1200) and the PEOSH Hazard Communication
 Consider chest x-ray after acute overexposure
Standard (N.J.A.C. 12:100-7) require employers to provide  Kidney function tests
similar information and training to their employees.  Exam of the nervous system
 Evaluation by a qualified allergist can help diagnose skin
This Fact Sheet is a summary of available information allergy.
regarding the health hazards that may result from exposure.
Duration of exposure, concentration of the substance and other Any evaluation should include a careful history of past and
factors will affect your susceptibility to any of the potential present symptoms with an exam. Medical tests that look for
effects described below. damage already done are not a substitute for controlling
exposure.

Health Hazard Information Request copies of your medical testing. You have a legal right
to this information under the OSHA Access to Employee
Acute Health Effects Exposure and Medical Records Standard (29 CFR 1910.1020).
The following acute (short-term) health effects may occur
immediately or shortly after exposure to Epichlorohydrin:
Mixed Exposures
 Smoking can cause heart disease, lung cancer,
 Contact can irritate and burn the skin and eyes.
emphysema, and other respiratory problems. It may worsen
 Exposure can irritate the eyes, nose and throat.
respiratory conditions caused by chemical exposure. Even if
 Inhaling Epichlorohydrin can irritate the lungs causing
you have smoked for a long time, stopping now will reduce
coughing and/or shortness of breath. Higher exposures may
your risk of developing health problems.
cause a build-up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), a
 More than light alcohol consumption can cause liver
medical emergency, with severe shortness of breath.
damage. Drinking alcohol may increase the liver damage
caused by Epichlorohydrin.
Chronic Health Effects
The following chronic (long-term) health effects can occur at
some time after exposure to Epichlorohydrin and can last for
months or years:

Cancer Hazard
 Epichlorohydrin is a PROBABLE CARCINOGEN in
humans. There is evidence that it causes lung cancer in
humans and it has been shown to cause nasal cavity and
skin cancer in animals.
 Many scientists believe there is no safe level of exposure to
a carcinogen.
EPICHLOROHYDRIN Page 3 of 6

Workplace Controls and Practices  All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear)
should be clean, available each day, and put on before work.
Very toxic chemicals, or those that are reproductive hazards or
sensitizers, require expert advice on control measures if a less
toxic chemical cannot be substituted. Control measures Eye Protection
include: (1) enclosing chemical processes for severely  Wear indirect-vent, impact and splash resistant goggles
irritating and corrosive chemicals, (2) using local exhaust when working with liquids.
ventilation for chemicals that may be harmful with a single  Wear a face shield along with goggles when working with
exposure, and (3) using general ventilation to control corrosive, highly irritating or toxic substances.
exposures to skin and eye irritants. For further information on  Do not wear contact lenses when working with this
workplace controls, consult the NIOSH document on Control substance.
Banding at www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/ctrlbanding/.
Respiratory Protection
The following work practices are also recommended: Improper use of respirators is dangerous. Respirators
should only be used if the employer has implemented a written
 Label process containers. program that takes into account workplace conditions,
 Provide employees with hazard information and training.
requirements for worker training, respirator fit testing, and
 Monitor airborne chemical concentrations.
 Use engineering controls if concentrations exceed
medical exams, as described in the OSHA Respiratory
recommended exposure levels. Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134).
 Provide eye wash fountains and emergency showers.
 Wash or shower if skin comes in contact with a hazardous  Where the potential exists for exposure over 0.5 ppm, use a
material. NIOSH approved supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece
 Always wash at the end of the workshift. operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure
 Change into clean clothing if clothing becomes mode. For increased protection use in combination with an
contaminated. auxiliary self-contained breathing apparatus or an
 Do not take contaminated clothing home. emergency escape air cylinder.
 Get special training to wash contaminated clothing.  Exposure to 75 ppm is immediately dangerous to life and
 Do not eat, smoke, or drink in areas where chemicals are health. If the possibility of exposure above 75 ppm exists,
being handled, processed or stored. use a NIOSH approved self-contained breathing apparatus
 Wash hands carefully before eating, smoking, drinking, with a full facepiece operated in a pressure-demand or other
applying cosmetics or using the toilet. positive-pressure mode equipped with an emergency escape
air cylinder.
In addition, the following may be useful or required:

 Before entering a confined space where Epichlorohydrin Fire Hazards

may be present, check to make sure that an explosive If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained
concentration does not exist. and equipped as stated in the OSHA Fire Brigades Standard
 Where possible, transfer Epichlorohydrin from drums or (29 CFR 1910.156).
other containers to process containers in an enclosed
system.  Epichlorohydrin is a FLAMMABLE and REACTIVE LIQUID
that can polymerize violently when exposed to HEAT.
 Use dry chemical, CO2, water spray or alcohol-resistant
foam as extinguishing agents.
Personal Protective Equipment  POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including
The OSHA Personal Protective Equipment Standard (29 CFR Hydrogen Chloride and Phosgene.
 CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE.
1910.132) requires employers to determine the appropriate
 Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers cool.
personal protective equipment for each hazard and to train  Vapor is heavier than air and may travel a distance to cause
employees on how and when to use protective equipment. a fire or explosion far from the source or flash back.
 Epichlorohydrin may form an ignitable vapor/air mixture in
The following recommendations are only guidelines and may closed tanks or containers.
not apply to every situation.

Gloves and Clothing

 Avoid skin contact with Epichlorohydrin. Wear personal
protective equipment made from material which can not be
permeated or degraded by this substance. Safety
equipment suppliers and manufacturers can provide
recommendations on the most protective glove and clothing
material for your operation.
 The recommended glove materials for Epichlorohydrin are
Butyl, Viton and Barrier®.
 The recommended protective clothing materials for
Epichlorohydrin are Tychem® BR, CSM and TK; and
Trellchem® HPS and VPS, or the equivalent.
EPICHLOROHYDRIN 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 and Senior Services,
1910.120) may apply. Occupational Health Service, offers multiple services in
occupational health. These services include providing
If Epichlorohydrin is spilled or leaked, take the following informational resources, educational materials, public
steps: presentations, and industrial hygiene and medical
investigations and evaluations.
 Evacuate personnel and secure and control entrance to the
area.
 Eliminate all ignition sources.
For more information, please contact:
 Absorb liquids in dry sand, earth, or a similar material and
place into sealed containers for disposal.
 Ventilate area of spill or leak. New Jersey Department of Health & Senior Services
 Keep Epichlorohydrin out of confined spaces, such as Right to Know Program
sewers, because of the possibility of an explosion. PO Box 368
 DO NOT wash into sewer. Trenton, NJ 08625-0368
 It may be necessary to contain and dispose of
Phone: 609-984-2202
Epichlorohydrin as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your
state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) or your Fax: 609-984-7407
regional office of the federal Environmental Protection E-mail: [email protected]
Agency (EPA) for specific recommendations. Web address:
http://www.state.nj.us/health/workplacehealthandsafety/
right-to-know/
Handling and Storage
Prior to working with Epichlorohydrin you should be trained The Right to Know Hazardous Substance Fact Sheets
on its proper handling and storage. are not intended to be copied and sold
for commercial purposes.
 Epichlorohydrin can react with HEAT; STRONG ACIDS
(such as HYDROCHLORIC, SULFURIC and NITRIC); and
STRONG BASES (such as SODIUM HYDROXIDE and
POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE) to cause violent and
uncontrollable polymerization.
 Epichlorohydrin may react violently or explosively with
OXIDIZING AGENTS (such as PERCHLORATES,
PEROXIDES, PERMANGANATES, CHLORATES,
NITRATES, CHLORINE, BROMINE and FLUORINE);
ALCOHOLS; AMINES (especially ANILINE and ETHYLENE
DIAMINE); ALUMINUM; ZINC; METAL SALTS (such as
IRON and ALUMINUM CHLORIDE); PHENOLS;
POTASSIUM TERT-BUTOXIDE; and WATER.
 Epichlorohydrin will react with TRICHLOROETHYLENE to
form explosive Dichloroacetylene.
 Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated
area away from MOISTURE and HEAT.
 Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are
prohibited where Epichlorohydrin is used, handled, or
stored.
 Metal containers involving the transfer of Epichlorohydrin
should be grounded and bonded.
 Use explosion-proof electrical equipment and fittings
wherever Epichlorohydrin is used, handled, manufactured,
or stored.
 Use only non-sparking tools and equipment, especially when
opening and closing containers of Epichlorohydrin.
EPICHLOROHYDRIN 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.
mg/m3 means milligrams of a chemical in a cubic meter of air.
Acute Exposure Guideline Levels (AEGLs) are established
It is a measure of concentration (weight/volume).
by the EPA. They describe the risk to humans resulting from
once-in-a lifetime, or rare, exposure to airborne chemicals.
A mutagen is a substance that causes mutations. A mutation
is a change in the genetic material in a body cell. Mutations
Boiling point is the temperature at which a substance can
can lead to birth defects, miscarriages, or cancer.
change its physical state from a liquid to a gas.
NFPA is the National Fire Protection Association. It classifies
A carcinogen is a substance that causes cancer.
substances according to their fire and explosion hazard.
The CAS number is unique, identifying number, assigned by
NIOSH is the National Institute for Occupational Safety and
the Chemical Abstracts Service, to a specific chemical.
Health. It tests equipment, evaluates and approves
respirators, conducts studies of workplace hazards, and
CFR is the Code of Federal Regulations, which are the
proposes standards to OSHA.
regulations of the United States government.
NTP is the National Toxicology Program which tests chemicals
A combustible substance is a solid, liquid or gas that will burn.
and reviews evidence for cancer.
A corrosive substance is a gas, liquid or solid that causes
OSHA is the federal Occupational Safety and Health
destruction of human skin or severe corrosion of containers.
Administration, which adopts and enforces health and safety
standards.
The critical temperature is the temperature above which a
gas cannot be liquefied, regardless of the pressure applied.
PEOSHA is the New Jersey Public Employees Occupational
Safety and Health Act, which adopts and enforces health and
DEP is the New Jersey Department of Environmental
safety standards in public workplaces.
Protection.
Permeated is the movement of chemicals through protective
DOT is the Department of Transportation, the federal agency
materials.
that regulates the transportation of chemicals.
ppm means parts of a substance per million parts of air. It is a
EPA is the Environmental Protection Agency, the federal
measure of concentration by volume in air.
agency responsible for regulating environmental hazards.
Protective Action Criteria (PAC) are values established by
ERG is the Emergency Response Guidebook. It is a guide for
the Department of Energy and are based on AEGLs and
emergency responders for transportation emergencies
ERPGs. They are used for emergency planning of chemical
involving hazardous substances.
release events.
Emergency Response Planning Guideline (ERPG) values
A reactive substance is a solid, liquid or gas that releases
provide estimates of concentration ranges where one
energy under certain conditions.
reasonably might anticipate observing adverse effects.
STEL is a Short Term Exposure Limit which is usually a 15-
A fetus is an unborn human or animal.
minute exposure that should not be exceeded at any time
during a work day.
A flammable substance is a solid, liquid, vapor or gas that will
ignite easily and burn rapidly.
A teratogen is a substance that causes birth defects by
damaging the fetus.
The flash point is the temperature at which a liquid or solid
gives off vapor that can form a flammable mixture with air.
UEL or Upper Explosive Limit is the highest concentration in
air above which there is too much fuel (gas or vapor) to begin a
IARC is the International Agency for Research on Cancer, a
reaction or explosion.
scientific group.
Vapor Density is the ratio of the weight of a given volume of
Ionization Potential is the amount of energy needed to
one gas to the weight of another (usually Air), at the same
remove an electron from an atom or molecule. It is measured
temperature and pressure.
in electron volts.
The vapor pressure is a force exerted by the vapor in
IRIS is the Integrated Risk Information System database on
equilibrium with the solid or liquid phase of the same
human health effects that may result from exposure to various
substance. The higher the vapor pressure the higher
chemicals, maintained by federal EPA.
concentration of the substance in air.
 Right to Know Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet

Common Name: EPICHLOROHYDRIN

Synonyms: Chloromethyl Oxirane; 3-Chloropropylene Oxide; 1-Chloro-2,3-Epoxypropane
CAS No: 106-89-8
Molecular Formula: C3H5ClO
RTK Substance No: 0828
Description: Clear, colorless liquid with an irritating odor

HAZARD DATA
Hazard Rating Firefighting Reactivity
Epichlorohydrin is a FLAMMABLE and REACTIVE Epichlorohydrin can react with HEAT; STRONG ACIDS (such
4 - Health LIQUID that can polymerize violently when exposed to as HYDROCHLORIC, SULFURIC and NITRIC) and STRONG
3 - Fire HEAT. BASES (such as SODIUM HYDROXIDE and POTASSIUM
Use dry chemical, CO2, water spray or alcohol-resistant HYDROXIDE) to cause violent and uncontrollable
2 - Reactivity foam as extinguishing agents. polymerization.
POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, Epichlorohydrin may react violently or explosively with
DOT#: UN 2023 OXIDIZING AGENTS (such as PERCHLORATES, PEROXIDES,
including Hydrogen Chloride and Phosgene.
ERG Guide #: 131P PERMANGANATES, CHLORATES, NITRATES, CHLORINE,
CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE.
BROMINE and FLUORINE); ALCOHOLS; AMINES (especially
Hazard Class: 6.1 Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers cool. ANILINE and ETHYLENE DIAMINE); ALUMINUM; ZINC;
(Poison) Vapor is heavier than air and may travel a distance to METAL SALTS (such as IRON and ALUMINUM CHLORIDE);
cause a fire or explosion far from the source or flash PHENOLS; POTASSIUM TERT-BUTOXIDE; and WATER.
back. Epichlorohydrin will react with TRICHLOROETHYLENE to form
Epichlorohydrin may form an ignitable vapor/air mixture explosive Dichloroacetylene.
in closed tanks or containers.

SPILL/LEAKS PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Isolation Distance: Odor Threshold: 0.08 to 12 ppm
Flash Point: 88oF (31oC)
Spill: 50 meters (150 feet) LEL: 3.8%
Fire: 800 meters (1/2 mile) UEL: 21%
Absorb liquids in dry sand, earth, or a similar material and Auto Ignition Temp: 772oF (411oC)
place into sealed containers for disposal. Vapor Density: 3.29 (air = 1)
Use only non-sparking tools and equipment. Vapor Pressure: 13 mm Hg at 68oF (20oC)
Metal containers involving the transfer of Epichlorohydrin Specific Gravity: 1.17 (water = 1)
should be grounded and bonded. Water Solubility: Slightly soluble
Keep Epichlorohydrin out of confined spaces, such as Boiling Point: 242oF (117oC)
sewers, because of the possibility of an explosion.
Freezing Point: -54oF (-47.8oC)
Epichlorohydrin is harmful to aquatic life.
Ionization Potential: 10.6 eV
Molecular Weight: 92.53

EXPOSURE LIMITS PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

OSHA: 5 ppm, 8-hr TWA Gloves: Butyl, Viton and Barrier® (>8-hr breakthrough)
NIOSH: Lowest feasible concentration
Coveralls: Tychem® BR, CSM and TK; Trellchem® HPS and VPS (>8-hr
ACGIH: 0.5 ppm, 8-hr TWA
breakthrough)
IDLH: 75 ppm
The Protective Action Criteria values are: Respirator: >0.5 ppm - SCBA
PAC-1 = 1.7 ppm PAC-2 = 24 ppm PAC-3 = 72 ppm

HEALTH EFFECTS FIRST AID AND DECONTAMINATION

Eyes: Irritation and burns Remove the person from exposure.
Skin: Irritation and burns (skin absorbable) Flush eyes with large amounts of water for at least 30 minutes. Remove
contact lenses if worn. Seek medical attention.
Inhalation: Nose, throat and lung irritation with coughing,
Quickly remove contaminated clothing and wash contaminated skin with
and severe shortness of breath (pulmonary
edema) large amounts of water.
Begin artificial respiration if breathing has stopped and CPR if necessary.
Chronic: Cancer (nasal cavity and skin) in animals
Transfer promptly to a medical facility.
Medical observation is recommended as symptoms may be delayed.
July 2016