Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

HEXACHLOROETHANE

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

A solvent in organic synthesis, retarding agent in fermentation, camphor substitute in
nitrocellulose explosives, pyrotechnics, and smoke devices. Polymerisation catalyst.
Lubricating oil additive. Component of fluxes. In veterinary medicine as antihelmintic
treatment of Liver Fluke (Fasciola) but is inactive against intestinal worms, i.e.
tapeworms.

SYNONYMS

C2-Cl6, HCE, "1, 1, 1, 2, 2, 2-hexachloroethane", "1, 1, 1, 2, 2, 2-hexachloroethane",
hexachloroethylene, perchloroethane, "carbon hexachloride", "ethane hexachloride",
hexachlorethane, "ethylene hexachloride", "Avolthane Distokal Distopan Distopin Egitol
Falkitol", "Fasciolin Mottenhexe Phenohep"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

None

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Harmful to aquatic organisms.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Although ingestion is not thought to produce harmful effects, the material may still be damaging to the health of the individual following ingestion, especially where pre-  existing organ (e.g. liver, kidney) damage is evident. Present definitions of harmful or toxic substances are generally based on doses producing mortality (death) rather than those producing morbidity (disease, ill-health). Gastrointestinal tract discomfort may produce nausea and vomiting. In an occupational setting however, ingestion of insignificant quantities is not thought to be cause for concern.  Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial environments.  

EYE

  Although the material is not thought to be an irritant, direct contact with the eye may produce transient discomfort characterized by tearing or conjunctival redness (as with windburn).  The vapor is discomforting.  

SKIN

  Skin contact with the material may damage the health of the individual; systemic effects may result following absorption.  The material is not thought to be a skin irritant (as classified using animal models). Temporary discomfort, however, may result from prolonged dermal exposures. Good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable gloves be used in an occupational setting.  and it is absorbed by skin.  Toxic effects may result from skin absorption.  Absorption by skin may readily exceed vapor inhalation exposure. Symptoms for skin absorption are the same as for inhalation.  Bare unprotected skin should not be exposed to this material.  

INHALED

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or irritation of the respiratory tract (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable control measures be used in an occupational setting.  Inhalation hazard is increased at higher temperatures.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Principal routes of exposure are usually by skin contact.  with the material, eye contact and inhalation of vapor from heated material.  As with any chemical product, contact with unprotected bare skin; inhalation of vapor, mist or dust in work place atmosphere; or ingestion in any form, should be avoided by observing good occupational work practice.  Absorption of material may cause liver changes and may cause central  nervous system disturbances. Dogs exposed at 260 ppm HCE, 6 hours/day,  5 days/week for 6 weeks developed tremours, ataxia, hypersalivation,  severe head bobbing and facial muscular fasciculation. Histopathological  examination of rats exposed to HCE at 48 or 260 ppm showed an increased  incidence of upper and lower respiratory lesions.  Male rats gavaged with HCE showed clear evidence of carcinogenic activity  as renal neoplasms in the kidneys. Female rats showed no such evidence.