ICSC 0475 - ETHYLENE

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ETHYLENE	ICSC: 0475 (December 2022)
Ethene

CAS #: 74-85-1

UN #: 1962

EC Number: 200-815-3

	ACUTE HAZARDS	PREVENTION	FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE & EXPLOSION	Extremely flammable. Gas/air mixtures are explosive.	NO open flames, NO sparks and NO smoking. Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Prevent build-up of electrostatic charges (e.g., by grounding). Use non-sparking handtools. See Chemical Dangers	Shut off supply; if not possible and no risk to surroundings, let the fire burn itself out. In other cases extinguish with water spray. In case of fire: keep cylinder cool by spraying with water. Combat fire from a sheltered position.


	SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID
Inhalation	Drowsiness. Unconsciousness.	Use ventilation.	Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.
Skin
Eyes
Ingestion

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL	CLASSIFICATION & LABELLING
Evacuate danger area! Ventilation. Remove all ignition sources. Turn off gas at source if possible. Personal protection: chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus.	According to UN GHS Criteria DANGER Extremely flammable gas Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated May cause drowsiness or dizziness Transportation UN Classification UN Hazard Class: 2.1
STORAGE
Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants.
PACKAGING

ETHYLENE

ICSC: 0475

PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION
Physical State; Appearance COLOURLESS COMPRESSED GAS WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR. Physical dangers The gas is lighter than air. As a result of flow, agitation, etc., electrostatic charges can be generated. Chemical dangers The substance may polymerize to form aromatic compounds under the influence of temperatures above 600°C. Reacts with strong oxidants. This generates fire and explosion hazard.	Formula: C₂H₄ / CH₂=CH₂ Molecular mass: 28.0 Boiling point: -104°C Melting point: -169.2°C Solubility in water, mg/l at 25°C: 131 (very slightly soluble) Vapour pressure, kPa at 15°C: 8100 Relative vapour density (air = 1): 0.98 Flash point: Flammable gas Auto-ignition temperature: 440°C Explosive limits, vol% in air: 2.7-36.0 Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 1.13 Critical temperature: 9.2°C

PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION

Physical State; Appearance
COLOURLESS COMPRESSED GAS WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

Physical dangers
The gas is lighter than air. As a result of flow, agitation, etc., electrostatic charges can be generated.

Chemical dangers
The substance may polymerize to form aromatic compounds under the influence of temperatures above 600°C. Reacts with strong oxidants. This generates fire and explosion hazard.

Formula: C₂H₄ / CH₂=CH₂
Molecular mass: 28.0
Boiling point: -104°C
Melting point: -169.2°C
Solubility in water, mg/l at 25°C: 131 (very slightly soluble)
Vapour pressure, kPa at 15°C: 8100
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 0.98
Flash point: Flammable gas
Auto-ignition temperature: 440°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 2.7-36.0
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 1.13
Critical temperature: 9.2°C

EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS
Routes of exposure The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation. Effects of short-term exposure Exposure could cause lowering of consciousness.	Inhalation risk On loss of containment this substance can cause suffocation by lowering the oxygen content of the air in confined areas. Effects of long-term or repeated exposure

EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS

Routes of exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation.

Effects of short-term exposure
Exposure could cause lowering of consciousness.

Inhalation risk
On loss of containment this substance can cause suffocation by lowering the oxygen content of the air in confined areas.

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS
TLV: 200 ppm as TWA; A4 (not classifiable as a human carcinogen). MAK: carcinogen category: 3

ENVIRONMENT

NOTES
High concentrations in the air cause a deficiency of oxygen with the risk of unconsciousness or death. Check oxygen content before entering area.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

EC Classification

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