Kohlenstofftetrabromid

Excerpt from ERG Guide 151 [Substances - Toxic (Non-Combustible)]:

In case of fire in the surroundings, use appropriate extinguishing media.

Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.

Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention .

First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.

Rinse mouth. Refer for medical attention .

· CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.

· Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing.

Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Carbon tetrabromide:

General First Aid:

(General first aid procedures)

SRP: At the time of review, criteria for land treatment or burial (sanitary landfill) disposal practices are subject to significant revision. Prior to implementing land disposal of waste residue (including waste sludge), consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal practices.

Personal protection: particulate filter respirator adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Sweep spilled substance into covered containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.

Respirators may be used when engineering and work practice controls are not technically feasible, when such controls are in the process of being installed, or when they fail and need to be supplemented. Respirators may also be used for operations which require entry into tanks or closed vessels, and in emergency situations. ... Non-impervious clothing which becomes contaminated with bromoform should be removed promptly and not reworn until the bromoform is removed from the clothing. /Bromoform/

The worker should wash daily at the end of each work shift.

Workers whose clothing may have become contaminated should change into uncontaminated clothing before leaving the work premises.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 151 [Substances - Toxic (Non-Combustible)]:

Immediate precautionary measure

EYES: irrigate opened eyes for several minutes under running water. INGESTION: do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth with water (never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person). Seek immediate medical advice. SKIN: should be treated immediately by rinsing the affected parts in cold running water for at least 15 minutes, followed by thorough washing with soap and water. If necessary, the person should shower and change contaminated clothing and shoes, and then must seek medical attention. INHALATION: supply fresh air. If required provide artificial respiration.

Bromine vapour causes irritation and direct damage to the mucous membranes. Elemental bromine also burns the skin. The bromide ion is a central nervous system depressant and chronic exposure produces neuronal effects. This is called bromism and can result in central reactions reaching from somnolence to coma, cachexia, exicosis, loss of reflexes or pathologic reflexes, clonic seizures, tremor, ataxia, loss of neural sensitivity, paresis, papillar edema of the eyes, abnormal speech, cerebral edema, delirium, aggressiveness, and psychoses. (L625, L626, L627)

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 49(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that tetrabromomethane is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of tetrabromomethane from moist soil surfaces may be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 4.9X10-4 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), from its vapor pressure, 0.72 mm Hg(3) and water solubility, 240 mg/l(4). Tetrabromomethane is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 0.72 mm Hg(4). Based upon the highly halogenated structure of tetrabromomethane, biodegradation is expected to be slow(5).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 49(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that tetrabromomethane is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment in water(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces may occur based on an estimated Henry's Law constant of 4.9X10-4 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), from its vapor pressure, 0.72 mm Hg(4) and water solubility, 240 mg/l(5). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 4.0 hrs and 8.2 days, respectively(SRC). According to a classification scheme(6), an estimated BCF of 86(SRC), from its log Kow value of 3.42(7) and a regression-derived equation(8), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is moderate. Based upon the highly halogenated structure of tetrabromomethane, biodegradation is expected to be slow(9).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), tetrabromomethane, which has a vapor pressure of 0.72 mm Hg at 30 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of tetrabromomethane with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals could not be estimated but is expected to be very slow since there are no abstractable hydrogens(3).

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation and by ingestion.

inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact

Oral (L626) ; inhalation (L626) ; dermal (L626)

Bromine is a powerful oxidizing agent and is able to release oxygen free radicals from the water in mucous membranes. These free radicals are also potent oxidizers and produce tissue damage. In additon, the formation of hydrobromic and bromic acids will result in secondary irritation. The bromide ion is also known to affect the central nervous system, causing bromism. This is believed to be a result of bromide ions substituting for chloride ions in the in actions of neurotransmitters and transport systems, thus affecting numerous synaptic processes. (L626, L627, A543)

Cough. Drowsiness. Lethargy. Laboured breathing. Shortness of breath. Sore throat.

Redness. Pain.

Redness. Pain. Blurred vision. Severe deep burns.

Abdominal pain. Diarrhoea. Dullness. Sore throat. See Inhalation.

irritation eyes, skin, respiratory system; lacrimation (discharge of tears); lung, liver, kidney injury; In Animals: corneal damage

Bromine vapour causes irritation and direct damage to the mucous membranes. Symptoms include lacrimation, rhinorrhoea, eye irritation with mucous secretions from the oropharyngeal and upper airways, coughing, dyspnoea, choking, wheezing, epistaxis, and headache. The bromide ion is a central nervous system depressant producing ataxia, slurred speech, tremor, nausea, vomiting, lethargy, dizziness, visual disturbances, unsteadiness, headaches, impaired memory and concentration, disorientation and hallucinations. This is called bromism. (L626, L627)

Using a structure estimation method based on molecular connectivity indices(1), the Koc for tetrabromomethane can be estimated to be about 49(SRC). According to a classification scheme(2), this estimated Koc value suggests that tetrabromomethane is expected to have very high mobility in soil.

Carbon tetrabromide (CAS # 558-13-4) was evaluated for acute oral toxicity in 5 groups of fasted Sprague-Dawley rats (3 male, 2 female rats/group) administered single doses (unspecified) anticipated to produce partial mortality (based on initial range-finding study) in at least 2 groups. Mortality occurred from 24 to 96 hours post-dosing and, according to a method of Berkson, an oral LD50 for carbontetrabromide 60TC (20% in corn oil) was 4,471 mg/kg (fiducial limits: 2,875-6,953 mg/kg). Symptoms included diarrhea, chromodacryorrhea, and lethargy. No further information regarding methods or results was provided.

Carbon tetrabromide (CAS # 558-13-4) was evaluated for acute dermal toxicity in 6 rabbits (strain unspecified) administered single occluded applications of 2 g/kg (volume unspecified) upon clipped, intact skin for 24 hours. All rabbits (6/6) died within 2 to 48 hours and signs of toxicity included expression of pain and inability to stand. No further information regarding methods or results was provided.

ACUTE EXPOSURES TO HIGH CONCN CAUSE UPPER RESP IRRITATION & INJURY TO LUNGS, LIVER & KIDNEYS. CHRONIC EXPOSURE EFFECTS @ VERY LOW LEVELS WILL BE ALMOST ENTIRELY LIMITED TO LIVER INJURY. THE MATERIAL IS A POTENT LACHRIMATOR EVEN @ LOW EXPOSURE CONCENTRATIONS.

CNS DEPRESSANT IN HIGH CONCN.

This action promulgates standards of performance for equipment leaks of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry (SOCMI). The intended effect of these standards is to require all newly constructed, modified, and reconstructed SOCMI process units to use the best demonstrated system of continuous emission reduction for equipment leaks of VOC, considering costs, non air quality health and environmental impact and energy requirements. Carbon tetrabromide is produced, as an intermediate or a final product, by process units covered under this subpart.