Air pollution

Tetrachloormethane

Properties of tetrachloormethane described below

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS LIQUID , WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
The vapour is heavier than air.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
On contact with hot surfaces or flames this substance decomposes forming toxic and corrosive fumes ( hydrogen chloride ICSC0163, chlorine fumes ICSC0126, phosgene ICSC0007). Reacts with some metals such as aluminium, magnesium, zinc causing fire and explosion hazard.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV (as (STEL) ): 10 ppm; (ACGIH 1999).
TLV (as TWA): 5 ppm; A2 (skin) (ACGIH 1999).
MAK: 10 ppm; 64 mg/m³; skin (1999).
MAK: class 3 (1999).
OSHA PEL: TWA 10 ppm C 25 ppm 200 ppm (5-minute maximum peak in any 4 hours)
NIOSH REL: Ca ST 2 ppm (12.6 mg/m³) 60-minute
NIOSH IDLH: Potential occupational carcinogen 200 ppm

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

INHALATION RISK:
A harmful contamination of the air can be reached very quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance irritates the eyes. The substance may cause effects on the liver , kidneys and central nervous system , resulting in unconsciousness. Medical observation is indicated.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis. This substance is possibly carcinogenic to humans.

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For more information see website:
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ipcsneng/neng0024.html