Air pollution

Vinyl chloride

Properties of vinyl chloride is described below

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS COMPRESSED LIQUEFIED GAS , WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
The gas is heavier than air, and may travel along the ground; distant ignition possible. Vinyl chloride monomer vapours are uninhibited and may form polymers in vents or flame arresters of storage tanks, resulting in blockage of vents.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance can under specific circumstances form peroxides, initiating explosive polymerization. The substance will polymerize readily due to heating and under the influence of air, light, and on contact with a catalyst, strong oxidizing agents and metals such as copper and aluminium, with fire or explosion hazard. The substance decomposes on burning producing toxic and corrosive fumes ( hydrogen chloride , phosgene ). Attacks iron and steel in the presence of moisture.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: 1 ppm; A1 (ACGIH 1999).
OSHA PEL: 1910.1017 TWA 1 ppm C 5 ppm 15-minute
NIOSH REL: CA
NIOSH IDLH: Potential occupational carcinogen No data

ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation.

INHALATION RISK:
A harmful concentration of this gas in the air will be reached very quickly on loss of containment.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance irritates the eyes. The liquid may cause frostbite. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system . Exposure could cause lowering of consciousness. Medical observation is indicated.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
The substance may have effects on the liver, spleen, blood and peripheral blood vessels, and tissue and bones of the fingers. This substance is carcinogenic to humans.

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For more information see website:
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ipcsneng/neng0082.html