Chemical of the Week Part 2 - Vinyl Chloride

Hazard Profile

Chemical Name and Pseudonyms

Vinyl Chloride

chloroethylene; Ethene, Chloroethene; Vinyl chloride, monomer; Ethene

UN Number

1086

Chemical Formula

CH₂=CHCl

Primary Hazards

Flammable, oxygen displacing, polymerization

PPE Considerations

Based on the task being performed

Fire Fighting Considerations

Wate to cool container, extinguishing agent suitable for surrounding combustible materials

Decontamination

Soap and water or ventilation for garment and equipment

Detection and Monitoring

Electro-chemical sensor, colormetric, IP = 9.99 eV

Chemical and Physical Properties

Physical State

Colorless or liquid (<7^oF)

Vapor Pressure

9.3 ATM

Boiling Point

~-7^oF

Vapor Density

2.21

Specific Gravity

N/A

Miscibility

Soluble in water

Flash Point

N/A

LEL/UEL

~3.8-29.3%

Auto Ignition Temperature

472^oF

Flash Point

N/A

Routes of Exposure

Inhalation

IDLH

Ca

PEL/REL/STEL

5 ppm/15 min; 1 ppm/8 h

pH

N/A

Radioactive (Yes/No)

No

Medical

Toxicological Considerations

Carcinogen

Signs/Symptoms of Exposure

Oxygen displacement (CNS, unconsciousness)

Medical Treatment

Fresh air, supportive care

Other Information

Highly flammable, polymerization

Chemical Structure

     H                H

       \              /

        C   =    C

        /              \

    H                Cl