# NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
1,2-Dichloroethylene | CAS 540-59-0
ClCH=CHCl | RTECS KV9360000
Synonyms & Trade Names Acetylene dichloride, cis-Acetylene dichloride, trans-Acetylene dichloride, sym-Dichloroethylene | DOT ID & Guide 1150 132P
Exposure Limits | NIOSH REL: TWA 200 ppm (790 mg/m3)
OSHA PEL: TWA 200 ppm (790 mg/m3)
IDLH 1000 ppm | Conversion 1 ppm = 3.97 mg/m3
Physical Description Colorless liquid (usually a mixture of the cis & trans isomers) with a slightly acrid, chloroform-like odor.
MW: 97.0 | BP: 118-140°F | FRZ: -57 to -115°F | Sol: 0.4%
VP: 180-265 mmHg | IP: 9.65 eV |  | Sp.Gr(77°F): 1.27
Fl.P: 36-39°F | UEL: 12.8% | LEL: 5.6% |
Class IB Flammable Liquid: Fl.P. below 73°F and BP at or above 100°F.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities Strong oxidizers, strong alkalis, potassium hydroxide, copper [Note: Usually contains inhibitors to prevent polymerization.]
Measurement Methods NIOSH 1003; OSHA 7
Personal Protection & Sanitation Skin: Prevent skin contact Eyes: Prevent eye contact Wash skin: When contaminated Remove: When wet (flammable) Change: No recommendation | First Aid (See procedures) Eye: Irrigate immediately Skin: Soap wash promptly Breathing: Respiratory support Swallow: Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations NIOSH/OSHA Up to 2000 ppm: (APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode£/(APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s)£/(APF = 50) Any chemical cartridge respirator with a full facepiece and organic vapor cartridge(s)/(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister/(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece/(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions: (APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode/(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus Escape: (APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister/Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
Exposure Routes inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms Irritation eyes, respiratory system; central nervous system depression
Target Organs Eyes, respiratory system, central nervous system
See also: INTRODUCTION