September 2005

NIOSH Publication Number 2005-149

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Epichlorohydrin 

Synonyms & Trade Names 1-Chloro-2,3-epoxypropane; 2-Chloropropylene oxide; gamma-Chloropropylene ox

CAS No. 106-89-8 RTECS No. TX4900000

(/nioshrtecs/TX4AC4A0.html) 

DOT ID & Guide 2023 131P (http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/saf

sur/3/erg-gmu/erg/guidepage.aspx?guide=131&poly=1) 

Formula C3H5OCl Conversion 1 ppm = 3.78 

mg/m

IDLH Ca [75 ppm] 

See: 106898 (/niosh/idlh/106898.html) 

Exposure Limits

NIOSH REL : Ca See Appendix A

(nengapdxa.html) 

OSHA PEL †: TWA 5 ppm (19 mg/m ) [skin] 

Measurement Methods

NIOSH 1010 (/niosh/docs/2003-154/pdfs/1010.pdf) 

OSHA 7

(http://www.osha.gov/dts/sltc/methods/organic/org001/org0

See: NMAM (/niosh/docs/2003-154/) or OSHA Methods

(http://www.osha.gov/dts/sltc/methods/index.html) 

Physical Description Colorless liquid with a slightly irritating, chloroform-like odor. 

MW: 92.5 BP: 242°

F

FRZ: -54°F Sol: 7% VP: 13 mmHg IP: 10.60 eV

Sp.Gr: 1.18 Fl.P: 93°

F

UEL: 21.0% LEL: 3.8%

Class IC Flammable Liquid: Fl.P. at or above 73°F and below 100°F.

Incompatibilities & Reactivities Strong oxidizers, strong acids, certain salts, caustics, zinc, aluminum, water [No

May polymerize in presence of strong acids and bases, particularly when hot.]

Exposure Routes inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact

3

3

CDC - NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards - Epichlorohydrin Page 1 of 2

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0254.html 7/29/2010
Page last reviewed: February 3, 2009

Page last updated: February 3, 2009

Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Education and Information Division

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1600 Clifton Rd. Atlanta, GA 

30333, USA 

800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) TTY: (888) 232-6348, 24 Hours/Every Day - 

cdcinfo@cdc.gov

Symptoms irritation eyes, skin with deep pain; nausea, vomiting; abdominal pain; resp distress, cough;

reproductive effects; [potential occupational carcinogen]

Target Organs Eyes, skin, respiratory system, kidneys, liver, reproductive system 

Cancer Site [in animals: nasal cancer]

Personal Protection/Sanitation (See protection 

codes (protect.html) ) 

Skin: Prevent skin contact 

Eyes: Prevent eye contact 

Wash skin: When contaminated 

Remove: When wet (flammable) 

Change: No recommendation 

Provide: Eyewash, Quick drench

First Aid (See procedures (firstaid.html) ) 

Eye: Irrigate immediately 

Skin: Soap wash immediately 

Breathing: Respiratory support 

Swallow: Medical attention immediately

Respirator Recommendations

NIOSH

At concentrations above the NIOSH REL, or where there is no REL, at any detectable 

concentration: 

(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a

demand or other positive-pressure mode 

(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure

other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathin

apparatus

Escape:

(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back

organic vapor and acid gas canister 

Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus 

Important additional information about respirator selection (pgintrod.html#mustread) 

See also: INTRODUCTION (/niosh/npg/pgintrod.html) See ICSC CARD: 0043 (/niosh/ipcsneng/neng0043.h

 See MEDICAL TESTS: 0093 (/niosh/docs/2005-110/nmed0093.html) 

CDC - NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards - Epichlorohydrin Page 2 of 2

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0254.html 7/29/2010