ETHYLENE (ICSC)

ETHYLENE	ICSC: 0475

Date of peer-review: March 1996

Ethene
(cylinder)

CAS #

74-85-1

C₂H₄/CH₂=CH₂

RTECS #

KU5340000

Molecular mass: 28.0

UN #

1962

EC #

601-010-00-3

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

EXPOSURE
Inhalation	Drowsiness. Unconsciousness.	Ventilation.	Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration if indicated. Refer for medical attention.
Skin
Eyes
Ingestion

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Evacuate danger area! Ventilation. Eliminate ignition sources and turn off gas at source if possible (extra personal protection: chemical suit with self-contained breathing apparatus).

EU Classification
Symbol: F+
R: 12
S: (2-)9-16-33
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 2.1

EMERGENCY RESPONSE

STORAGE

Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-136 NFPA Code: H1; F4; R2;

Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants.

IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS, CEC 2001

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

ETHYLENE

ICSC: 0475

IMPORTANT DATA

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 causing fire and explosion hazard.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: ppm; mg/m^3 (a simple ashyxiant) (ACGIH 1995-1996).

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

INHALATION RISK:
On loss of containment this gas can cause suffocation by lowering the oxygen content of the air in confined areas.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
Exposure may result in lowering of consciousness.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Boiling point: -104°C
Melting point: -169.2°C
Solubility in water: none
Vapour pressure, kPa at 15°C: 8100
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 0.98

Flash point: flammable gas
Auto-ignition temperature: 490°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 2.7-36.0

ENVIRONMENTAL DATA

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

LEGAL NOTICE

Neither the CEC nor the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information

    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations
       Ethylene (SIDS, Volume 5, Part 2)
       Ethylene (IARC Summary & Evaluation, Volume 60, 1994)