ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
CARBON TETRACHLORIDE (CCl4)
SYNONYMS
Tetrachloromethane, perchloromethane, carbon chloride,
tetrachlorocarbon, methane tetrachloride, carbon tet, freon 10,
halon 104, benzinoform.
CHARACTERISTICS
Colourless liquid with an ethereal odour.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Carbon tetrachloride is incompatible with:
Metals such as sodium, magnesium, aluminium and potassium
explosive.
Ethylene explosive when under pressure in the presence of an
organic peroxide.
Burning wax explosion.
Aluminium powder explosive on impact.
Calcium hypochlorite explosive on heating.
Potassium and its alloys explosive.
Liquid oxygen violent explosion.
Finely divided barium violent explosion.
Lithium violent explosion.
Fluorine violent explosion.
Dimethyl formamide violent reaction in the presence of iron.
Heating produces toxic fumes of phosgene, hydrogen chloride,
chlorine and carbon.
This is not a complete list of incompatibilities.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
A proven animal carcinogen, a suspected human carcinogen and
mutagen. It is a highly toxic narcotic and central nervous
system depressant causing possible unconsciousness, coma and
death from respiratory failure. It causes permanent kidney and
liver damage. It can be absorbed via the skin as well as by
inhalation or ingestion. The consumption of alcoholic beverages
enhances the toxic effect. Persons with a history of liver,
kidney, central nervous system disease or alcoholism may be at
an increased risk from exposure. Acute exposure to the eyes
causes redness and pain with possible conjunctival damage. Skin
contact causes defatting of the epithelium with the risk of
infection and possible dermatitis. Headache and lightheadedness
may occur with long exposure. Absorption through the skin can
occur in doses large enough to cause narcosis. Inhalation causes
headache, dizziness, stupor, nausea and possible loss of
consciousness. Ingestion causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea,
headache, stupor, renal damage and possible loss of
consciousness. The estimated fatal dose in healthy adults is 5
to 10 ml but as little as 1 ml may prove fatal in adults with
previous medical problems.
HANDLING and GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Mutagen, not to be handled by staff who are pregnant.
Suspected carcinogen, handle with extreme care.
Use a fume hood.
Avoid skin and eye contact.
Avoid inhalation.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Heating produces toxic phosgene gas, chlorine and hydrogen
chloride.
Use a fume hood that will keep the level of exposure below the
recommended threshold limits, i.e. 2 ppm with a 1 hour ceiling
NIOSH, 10 ppm OSHA and TWA. Above 100 ppm a respiratory is
recommended. If exposure limits are expected to exceed 300 ppm a
selfcontained breathing apparatus is recommended. Wear
protective clothing. A long sleeved laboratory coat or gown,
rubber gloves, safety goggles and a face mask as a minimum
standard.
TREATMENTS
Skin immediately remove contaminated shoes and clothing. Wash
the affected area with large amounts of water until all evidence
of the chemical has been removed (approximately 15 minutes).
Seek immediate medical advice. Wash contaminated clothing before
reuse.
Eyes immediately wash the affected eye with large amounts of
water until all evidence of the chemical has been removed
(approximately 15 minutes). Seek immediate medical advice.
Inhalation remove from the area of exposure to fresh air. If
the patient has ceased breathing apply artificial respiration.
If the patient is unconscious also apply artificial respiration
until consciousness returns. Do not give enephrine or other
stimulants. Give oxygen if the skin is blue or there is
difficulty with breathing. Seek medical attention.
Ingestion Get medical attention immediately. If medical
attention is not immediately available and if the victim is
conscious, attempt to induce vomiting by touching a finger to
the back of the throat. Give oxygen if the skin is blue or if
there is any difficulty breathing.
STORAGE
Keep tightly sealed in a well ventilated, cool, dry atmosphere
away from heat or naked flames. Store away from incompatible
substances.
DISPOSAL
WEAR:
Rubber gloves, laboratory coat and self contained breathing
apparatus (or work in a fume hood).
SPILLS: Absorb on paper towels and allow to evaporate in the
fume hood. Burn the paper. Wash the spill site with a soap
solution.
PACKAGE LOTS: The toxic liquid compounds concerned here are
insoluble in water and cannot be burned. purify the contaminated
liquid by distillation and place the purified distillate back on
the shelf.
OR
Disposal of according to any local regulations.
ENVIRONMENT
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