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Chemical Name: Hexachloroethane
Common Names: Perchloroethane
Chemical Formula: C2Cl6
Physical State: White crystalline solid
Odor: Faint, resembling camphor
Uses: Mainly shows up in military smoke munitions, metal applications, and research labs
Routes of Entry: Inhalation, skin contact, ingestion
Key Hazards: Toxic if inhaled or swallowed; may irritate eyes, skin, and respiratory tract; possible liver and kidney effects from chronic exposure
OSHA Status: Considered hazardous—exposure above limits can harm health
Carcinogenicity: Listed by some agencies as a possible carcinogen, based on animal studies
Main Ingredient: Hexachloroethane, approximately 99% pure
Impurities: Small traces of related chloroethanes may be present depending on source
Inhalation: Remove to fresh air; if breathing becomes difficult, supply oxygen and get medical help
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes gently yet thoroughly for at least 15 minutes; see a doctor if irritation lingers
Ingestion: Seek immediate medical attention; do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical staff
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, carbon dioxide, foam
Hazards from Combustion: Releases toxic fumes of hydrogen chloride, phosgene, and possibly chlorine gas
Protection: Firefighters need self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Special Precautions: Approach spills and fires from upwind; avoid breathing smoke from decomposing chemical
Spill Cleanup: Wear proper protective clothing including goggles and gloves; pick up crystals using inert material, ventilate area; keep away from drains
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spillage from reaching waterways
Decontamination: Wash down area with copious water after physical removal of solid material
Handling: Avoid inhaling dust or fumes; keep container closed when not in use; use with local exhaust
Storage: Store in dry, cool, well-ventilated places away from heat, metals, and combustibles; keep containers tightly sealed
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust and general ventilation ensure airborne concentrations remain low
Personal Protection: Wear chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and protective clothing; NIOSH-approved respirators during handling of large amounts
Exposure Limits: OSHA, ACGIH, and other agencies suggest threshold limits, often under 1 ppm for workplaces
Appearance: White, crystalline solid
Odor Threshold: Detectable at low concentrations
Melting Point: 185-190°C
Boiling Point: 183-187°C
Solubility: Almost insoluble in water; dissolves in alcohol, ether, and benzene
Density: About 2.1 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Low at room temperature
Partition Coefficient: Log Kow values show potential for bioaccumulation
Chemical Stability: Stable at ordinary room temperatures; decomposes with heat
Conditions to Avoid: High temperatures, open flames, strong bases
Incompatibilities: Metals like potassium and sodium, strong bases, finely divided metals
Hazardous Decomposition: Heating releases toxic gases including phosgene and hydrogen chloride
Acute Effects: Can cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and headaches if inhaled or swallowed
Chronic Effects: Repeated exposure can injure liver, kidneys, and nervous system; risk of tumors in long-term animal studies
Sensitization: Some people may develop skin or respiratory reactions with ongoing exposure
Reproductive Risk: Data suggests careful assessment for expectant mothers, as with most organochlorine chemicals
Aquatic Impact: Toxic to aquatic organisms, especially fish and invertebrates
Persistence: Breaks down slowly in the environment; can travel far in air or water
Bioaccumulation: High potential to build up in animal tissues
Mobility: Can migrate through soils to contaminate water sources
Waste Treatment: Collect unused or spilled product for hazardous waste disposal through licensed facilities
Incineration: Only in specialized units capable of capturing toxic gases
Regulations: Never discharge into drains or the environment
Shipping Classification: Regulated as a dangerous good for land, sea, and air transport
Hazard Class: Generally listed under toxic or environmentally hazardous substances
Packaging Requirements: Sealed, clearly labeled containers to prevent breakage and exposure
Handling in Transit: Protect from heat, sunlight, and rough handling
OSHA: Treated as hazardous under workplace chemical safety regulations
EPA: Recognized as a hazardous waste and toxic pollutant
International Listings: Included on several international hazardous chemical inventories
Right to Know: Subject to public disclosure laws in many jurisdictions
