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HEXACHLOROCYCLOHEXANE (MIXED ISOMERS)

ICSC: 0487

1,2,3,4,5,6-Hexachlorocyclohexane (mixed isomers)
BHC/HCH (mixture of isomers)
1,2,3,4,5,6-Benzenehexachloride (mixed isomers)
C6H6Cl6 / ClCH(CHCl)4CHCl
Molecular mass: 290.8
ICSC # 0487 		CAS # 608-73-1
RTECS # GV3150000
UN # 2761
EC # 602-042-00-0
November 23, 1998 Validated

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE

ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS

PREVENTION

FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING

FIRE Not combustible. Liquid formulations containing organic solvents may be flammable. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.

In case of fire in the surroundings: all extinguishing agents allowed.
EXPLOSION


EXPOSURE
PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST! AVOID ALL CONTACT! AVOID EXPOSURE OF ADOLESCENTS AND CHILDREN!
IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
•INHALATION Confusion. Dizziness. Headache. Vomiting. Weakness.
Local exhaust or breathing protection.
Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.
•SKIN MAY BE ABSORBED! Redness.
Protective gloves. Protective clothing.
Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap. Refer for medical attention.
•EYES Redness.
Face shield, or eye protection in combination with breathing protection if powder.
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
•INGESTION Convulsions. Diarrhoea. Dizziness. Drowsiness. Laboured breathing. Vomiting. Tremors. Muscles spasms. Depression.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.
Rinse mouth. Induce vomiting (ONLY IN CONSCIOUS PERSONS!). Rest. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Do NOT wash away into sewer. Sweep spilled substance into containers; if appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder, then remove to safe place. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. (Extra personal protection: P3 filter respirator for toxic particles).
Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing. Separated from strong bases, food and feedstuffs. Well closed.
Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
Note: C
T symbol
N symbol
R: 21-25-40-50/53
S: 1/2-22-36/37-45-60-61
UN Hazard Class: 6.1
UN Packing Group: III
ICSC: 0487 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.

HEXACHLOROCYCLOHEXANE (MIXED ISOMERS)

ICSC: 0487

I

M

P

O

R

T

A

N

T


D

A

T

A

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
WHITE TO BROWNISH FLAKES OR POWDER , WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:


CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance decomposes on heating producing highly toxic fumes including phosgene (ICSC 0007), chlorine (ICSC 0126) and hydrogen chloride (ICSC 0163), and on contact with alkalis.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: as gamma-isomer 0.5 mg/m3
(as TWA);
(skin); A3 (confirmed animal carcinogen with unknown relevance to humans); (ACGIH 2006).
MAK: 0.5 mg/m3 (Inhalable fraction); skin absorption (H);
Peak limitation category: II(8);
(DFG 2006).


ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol, through the skin and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly by dispersion.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance may cause effects on the the central nervous system. The effects may be delayed. See Notes.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis. The substance may have effects on the the central nervous system, bone marrow, liver, sex hormones and genital system. This substance is possibly carcinogenic to humans. Animal tests show that this substance possibly causes toxic effects upon human reproduction.

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point: see Notes
Melting point: see Notes
Density: 1.9 g/cm3
Solubility in water: none
Vapour pressure, Pa at 20°C: 4.2
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 1.85
Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA

The substance is very toxic to aquatic organisms. In the food chain important to humans, bioaccumulation takes place, specifically in aquatic organisms. It is strongly advised not to let the chemical enter into the environment because it persists in the environment. The substance may cause long-term effects in the aquatic environment.

N O T E S

Boiling point, melting point and vapour pressure are depending on isomeric composition. Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is indicated. The symptoms of convulsions do not become manifest until 0.5 to several hours. Carrier solvents used in commercial formulations may change physical and toxicological properties. Do NOT take working clothes home. Benzex, FBHC, Kotol, Submar, Hilbeech, Hexafor, Hexablanc, Hexamul, Hexapoudre, Gyben, Trives T, Agrocide, Ambrocide, Benesan, Benexane, Borer-Tox, Gamosan are trade names. Also consult ICSC # 0053, 0795, 0796.
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-61G43c
Card has been partially updated in July 2007: see Occupational Exposure Limits.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION



ICSC: 0487 HEXACHLOROCYCLOHEXANE (MIXED ISOMERS)
(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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