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NIOSH

ETHYLENE

ICSC: 0475

Ethene
C2H4 / CH2=CH2
Molecular mass: 28.0
(cylinder)
ICSC # 0475 		CAS # 74-85-1
RTECS # KU5340000
UN # 1962
EC # 601-010-00-3
March 25, 1996 Validated

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE

ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS

PREVENTION

FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING

FIRE Extremely flammable.
NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking.
Shut off supply; if not possible and no risk to surroundings, let the fire burn itself out; in other cases extinguish with water spray.
EXPLOSION Gas/air mixtures are explosive.
Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Prevent build-up of electrostatic charges (e.g., by grounding). Use non-sparking handtools.
In case of fire: keep cylinder cool by spraying with water. Combat fire from a sheltered position.
EXPOSURE


•INHALATION Drowsiness. Unconsciousness.
Ventilation.
Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.
•SKIN


•EYES


•INGESTION


SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Evacuate danger area! Ventilation. Remove all ignition sources and turn off gas at source if possible. Personal protection: chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus.
Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants.

F+ symbol
R: 12-67
S: 2-9-16-33-46
UN Hazard Class: 2.1
ICSC: 0475 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

ETHYLENE

ICSC: 0475

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PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS COMPRESSED GAS , WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
The gas is lighter than air. As a result of flow, agitation, etc., electrostatic charges can be generated.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance may polymerize to form aromatic compounds under the influence of temperatures above 600°C. Reacts with strong oxidants causing fire and explosion hazard.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: 200 ppm as TWA; A4 (not classifiable as a human carcinogen); (ACGIH 2005).
MAK:
Carcinogen category: 3B;
(DFG 2005).


ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation.

INHALATION RISK:
On loss of containment this gas can cause suffocation by lowering the oxygen content of the air in confined areas.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
Exposure could cause lowering of consciousness.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point: -104°C
Melting point: -169.2°C
Solubility in water:
none
Vapour pressure, kPa at 15°C: 8100
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 0.98
Flash point: Flammable Gas
Auto-ignition temperature: 490°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 2.7-36.0

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA


N O T E S

High concentrations in the air cause a deficiency of oxygen with the risk of unconsciousness or death. Check oxygen content before entering area. Card has been partly updated in October 2004 and 2005. See sections Occupational Exposure Limits, EU classification, Emergency Response.
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-20S1962

NFPA Code: H1; F4; R2;

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION



ICSC: 0475 ETHYLENE
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.
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