Chemical of the Week Part 2 - Chlorine

Hazard Profile

Chemical Name and Pseudonyms

Chlorine, Dichlorine, Bertholite

UN Number

1017

Chemical Formula

Cl₂

Hazards

Corrosive, Toxic, Oxidizer, Compressed gas

PPE Considerations

Vapor protective ensemble or multi-threat ensemble with SCBA

Fire Fighting Considerations

Use an extinguishing agent suitable for the surrounding fire, keep containers cool if exposed to heat

Decontamination

Ventilation, soap and water

Detection and Monitoring

Colormetric, electrochemical sensor, PID IP = 11.46 ev

Chemical and Physical Properties

Physical State

Green-yellow gas with pungent odor

Vapor Pressure

~6.8ATM

Boiling Point

~29^oF

Vapor Density

~2.47

Specific Gravity

-

Miscibility

Highly soluble in water

Flash Point

-

LEL/UEL

-

Autoignition Temp

-

pH

Acidic

Toxicity

IDLH

~10 ppm

PEL/REL/STEL

1 ppm/.5 ppm/1 ppm

LD50

293 ppm

LC50

-

Radioactive (Yes/No)

No

Medical

Toxicological Considerations

Caustic by contact and inhalation 

Signs/Symptoms of Exposure

Respiratory symptoms, skin burns, eye damage

Medical Treatment

Fresh air and treat symptomatically, flush areas of contact with water

Other Information

Reacts explosively or forms explosive compounds with many materials including acetylene, ether, turpentine, fuel oil, ammonia, and finely divided metals

Chemical Structure