3-Chlorobiphenyl

This compound is not very flammable but any fire involving this compound may produce dangerous vapors. You should evacuate the area. All firefighters should wear full-body protective clothing and use self-contained breathing apparatuses. You should extinguish any fires involving this chemical with a dry chemical, carbon dioxide, foam, or halon extinguisher. (NTP, 1992)

EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

Use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or alcohol foam extinguishers. Vapors are heavier than air and will collect in low areas. Vapors in confined areas may explode when exposed to fire. Containers may explode in fire. Storage containers and parts of containers may rocket great distances, in many directions. If material or contaminated runoff enters waterways, notify downstream users of potentially contaminated waters. Notify local health and fire officials and pollution control agencies. From a secure, explosion-proof location, use water spray to cool exposed containers. If cooling streams are ineffective (venting sound increases in volume and pitch, tank discolors, or shows any signs of deforming), withdraw immediately to a secure position ... The only respirators recommended for fire fighting are self-contained breathing apparatuses that have full facepieces and are operated in a pressure-demand or other positive pressure mode. /Polychlorinated biphenyls/

If material on fire or involved in fire: Extinguish fire using agent suitable for type of surrounding fire. (Material itself does not burn or burns with difficulty.) Keep run-off water out of sewers and water sources. /Polychlorinated biphenyls/

Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area away from strong oxidizers (such as chlorine, bromine, and fluorine). A regulated marked area should be established where this chemical is handled, used, or stored ... /Polychlorinated biphenyls/

Drums, transformers, and other containers should be frequently inspected for leakage. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location. Detached storage must be used. /Polychlorinated biphenyls/

PCB material should be stored in closed containers, in ventilated areas ... PCB's should be handled in isolated areas of the plant, where efficient ventilation systems remove airborne PCB's. ... /Polychlorinated bipenyls/

Evacuate and restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill or leak until cleanup is complete. Remove all ignition sources. Ventilate area of spill or leak. Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, peat, carbon, or a similar material and deposit in sealed containers. Keep this chemical out of a confined space, such as a sewer, because of the possibility of an explosion, unless the sewer is designed to prevent the build-up of explosive concentrations. It may be necessary to contain and dispose of this chemical as a hazardous waste. If material or contaminated runoff enters waterways, notify downstream users of potentially contaminated waters. Contact your Department of Environmental Protection or your regional office of the federal EPA for specific recommendations ... Spills of one pound or more must be reported to the EPA. /Polychlorinated biphenyls/

Stop or control the leak, if this can be done without undue risk. Absorb in noncombustible material for proper disposal. /Polychlorinated biphenyls/

Environmental considerations: Land spill: Dig a pit, pond, lagoon, or holding area to contain liquid or solid material. /SRP: If time permits, pits, ponds, lagoons, soak holes, or holding areas should be sealed with an impermeable flexible membrane liner./ Dike surface flow using soil, sand bags, foamed polyurethane, or foamed concrete. Absorb bulk liquid with fly ash or cement powder, or commercial sorbents. /Polychlorinated biphenyls/

Environmental considerations: Water spill: Use natural barriers or oil spill control booms to limit spill travel. Remove trapped material with suction hoses. /Polychlorinated biphenyls/

Environmental considerations: air spill: Apply water spray or mist to knock down vapors. /Polychlorinated biphenyls/

SMALL SPILLS AND LEAKAGE: If you should spill this chemical, use absorbent paper to pick up all liquid spill material. Your contaminated clothing and absorbent paper should be sealed in a vapor-tight plastic bag for eventual disposal. Solvent wash all contaminated surfaces with acetone followed by washing with a strong soap and water solution. Do not reenter the contaminated area until the Safety Officer (or other responsible person) has verified that the area has been properly cleaned.

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

Incineration (3000 °F) with scrubbing to remove any chlorine-containing products. In addition, some chemical waste landfills have been approved for PCB disposal. More recently, treatment with metallic sodium has been advocated which yields a low molecular weight polyphenylene and sodium chloride.

Experiments on the combustion of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) in 1 m-long tube furnace indicated that PCB containing approx 40% Cl is destroyed within 3-4 min at 900-1000 °C using 100% excess air. Temperatures greater than 1000 °C are required to destroy PCB containing approx 60% Cl & distillation residues arising from PCB manufacturing. Domestic waste incinerators operating at 800-900 °C are unlikely to prove suitable for incinerating waste containing trace amt of PCB. Pyrolysis experiments at 900 °C with nominal residence time of 3.5 sec gave 40-60% recovery of Cl as HCl from PCB. /Polychlorinated biphenyls/

Polychlorinated biphenyls (375 g) mixed in 1242 l of #2 fuel oil was disposed of in a cement kiln incinerator with a temperature range of 1400-1450 °C. The destruction efficiency was >99.9998%. /Polychlorinated biphenyls, from table/

For more Disposal Methods (Complete) data for Aroclor 1221 (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses in industry is conflicting. The benefit or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.

If material not on fire and not involved in fire: Keep material out of water sources and sewers. Build dikes to contain flow as necessary. Attempt to stop leak if without undue personnel hazard. /Polychlorinated biphenyls/

Personnel protection: Keep upwind. Avoid breathing vapors ... Do not handle broken packages unless wearing appropriate personal protective equipment. /Polychlorinated biphenyls/

/The worker in confined spaces/ should wear appropriate protective equipment and be connected by a lifeline harness to an outside worker. /Polychlorinated biphenyls/

For more Preventive Measures (Complete) data for Aroclor 1221 (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Intermediate Oral: 0.03 ug/kg/day (L134)

Intermediate Oral: 0.03 ug/kg/day (L134)

3.0 [mg/m3]

130 [mg/m3]

790 [mg/m3]

The 2,3,4,5-PCBs are preferentially enriched in human milk with at least 2 rings substituted (>Cl4). Thus the PCB congeners from Aroclor 1221 would not be major contributors(1).

EPA human monitoring program found PCB body pattern to be similar irrespective of source for non-occupationally exposed humans; PCB pattern resembled Aroclor 1260(1). The 2,3,4,5-PCBs are preferentially enriched in human milk with at least 2 rings substituted (>Cl4). Thus the PCB congeners from Aroclor 1016 would not be major contributors (only for Aroclor 1016, 1221)(1). /PCBs/

There are no specific treatments for PCB poisoning, since it is not usually recognized until after substantial chronic exposure. Only preventing further exposure and treating the observed symptoms can be done. Acute inhalation can be treated by administering oxygen. (L4)

There are no specific treatments for PCB poisoning, since it is not usually recognized until after substantial chronic exposure. Only preventing further exposure and treating the observed symptoms can be done. Acute inhalation can be treated by administering oxygen. (L4)

Pretreatment of male rats with Aroclor 1254 at a dose of 25 mg/kg i.p. for 6 days resulted in potentiation of the hepatotoxicity of inhaled carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) as evidenced by a decrease in liver glucose-6-phosphatase and elevations of serum glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), isocitrate dehydrogenase, and sorbitol dehydrogenase. Aroclor 1254 alone did not demonstrate hepatotoxicity. Aroclor 1254 administration resulted in large increases in cytochrome c reductase, cytochrome P-450 (448) and P-Nitroanisole demethylation. Subsequent exposure to CCl4 vapor resulted in over 70% decreases in the latter two parameters. The potentiation was dose-dependent with a dose of 5 mg/kg or higher being effective. Aroclor 1260 administration gave results similar to those of Aroclor 1254, but Aroclor 1221 enhanced CCl4 toxicity to a lesser extent.

The most common health effects of PCBs are skin conditions such as chloracne and rashes. Chronic PCB exposure has also been shown to cause liver, stomach and kidney, damage, jaundice, edema, anemia, changes in the immune system, behavioral alterations, and impaired reproduction. (L4)

The most common health effects of PCBs are skin conditions such as chloracne and rashes. Chronic PCB exposure has also been shown to cause liver, stomach and kidney, damage, jaundice, edema, anemia, changes in the immune system, behavioral alterations, and impaired reproduction. (L4)

LD50 Mustela vison (mink) oral 0.75-1.0 g/kg bw

LD50 Mustela vison (mink) ip 0.5-0.75 g/kg bw

LD50; Species: Colinus virginianus (Northern bobwhite quail, age 10 days); Concentration: >6000 ppm (no mortality to 4800 PPM, 30% at 6000 PPM) /Conditions of bioassay not specified/

LD50; Species: Coturnix coturnix japonica (Japanese quail, age 14 days); Concentration: >12000 ppm (no mortality to 12000 ppm) /Conditions of bioassay not specified/

For more Ecotoxicity Values (Complete) data for Aroclor 1221 (15 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Aroclor 1221 is a mixture of chlorinated biphenyls with the approximate distribution as follows: 12.7% biphenyl, 28.4% 2-chlorobiphenyl, 18.7% 4-chlorobiphenyl, 9.2% 2,2'-dichlorobiphenyl, 3.5% 2,4-dichlorobiphenyl, 13.6% 2,4'-dichlorobiphenyl, and 6.2% 4,4'-dichlorobiphenyl(1). Based on a classification scheme(2), an estimated Koc value of 8,400(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(3), indicates that Aroclor 1221 is expected to be immobile in soil(SRC). Volatilization of Aroclor 1221 from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given a Henry's Law constant of 2.28X10-4 atm-cu m/mole(4). However, adsorption to soil is expected to attenuate volatilization(SRC). Aroclor 1221 is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 6.7X10-3 mm Hg at 25 °C(5). Saglek and Resolution Island, Canada soil incubated for 8 weeks with psychrotolerant microorganisms at 7 °C resulted in 40 and 14% of Aroclor 1221 biodegradation(6). At 30 °C and 8 weeks of incubation, the degradation of Aroclor 1221 increased to 71 and 76%, respectively(6).

AQUATIC FATE: Aroclor 1221 is a mixture of chlorinated biphenyls with the approximate distribution as follows: 12.7% biphenyl, 28.4% 2-chlorobiphenyl, 18.7% 4-chlorobiphenyl, 9.2% 2,2'-dichlorobiphenyl, 3.5% 2,4-dichlorobiphenyl, 13.6% 2,4'-dichlorobiphenyl, and 6.2% 4,4'-dichlorobiphenyl(1). Based on a classification scheme(2), an estimated Koc value of 8,400(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(3), indicates that Aroclor 1221 is expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(4) based upon a Henry's Law constant of 2.28X10-4 atm-cu m/mole(5). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(4), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 9 hours and 7 days, respectively(SRC). However, volatilization from water surfaces is expected to be attenuated by adsorption to suspended solids and sediment in the water column. The estimated volatilization half-life from a model pond is 8.9 months if adsorption is considered(6). According to a classification scheme(7), log BCFs of 2.98-4.14(8), suggest the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is high to very high(SRC). Results of a biodegradation screening procedure utilizing BOD dilution water, settled domestic wastewater inoculum, 5 and 10 ppm Aroclor 1221 with 28 days of incubation found 100% biodegradation at both the 5 and 10 ppm concentrations, suggesting biodegradation may be important(9). Aroclor 1221 is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions(4).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: Aroclor 1221 is a mixture of chlorinated biphenyls with the approximate distribution as follows: 12.7% biphenyl, 28.4% 2-chlorobiphenyl, 18.7% 4-chlorobiphenyl, 9.2% 2,2'-dichlorobiphenyl, 3.5% 2,4-dichlorobiphenyl, 13.6% 2,4'-dichlorobiphenyl, and 6.2% 4,4'-dichlorobiphenyl(1). According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(2), Aroclor 1221, which has a vapor pressure of 6.7X10-3 mm Hg at 25 °C(3), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase Aroclor 1221 is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air of a representative component is estimated to be 4.6 days(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 3.5X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) that was derived using a structure estimation method(4). Although PCBs may be susceptible to photolysis, sufficient experimental data are not available to predict the relative importance of photolysis on an environmental basis(5).

Oral (L4) ; inhalation (L4) ; dermal (L4)

Oral (L4) ; inhalation (L4) ; dermal (L4)

The mechanism of action varies with the specific PCB. Dioxin-like PCBs bind to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, which disrupts cell function by altering the transcription of genes, mainly be inducing the expression of hepatic Phase I and Phase II enzymes, especially of the cytochrome P450 family. Most of the toxic effects of PCBs are believed to be results of Ah receptor binding. Other PBCs are believed to interfere with calcium channels and/or change brain dopamine levels. PCBs can also cause endocrine disurption by altering the production of thyroid hormones and binding to estrogen receptors, which can stimulate the growth of certain cancer cells and produce other estrogenic effects, such as reproductive dysfunction. They will bioaccumulate by binding to receptor proteins such as uteroglobin. (A3, A4, A30, A66)

The mechanism of action varies with the specific PCB. Dioxin-like PCBs bind to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, which disrupts cell function by altering the transcription of genes, mainly be inducing the expression of hepatic Phase I and Phase II enzymes, especially of the cytochrome P450 family. Most of the toxic effects of PCBs are believed to be results of Ah receptor binding. Other PBCs are believed to interfere with calcium channels and/or change brain dopamine levels. PCBs can also cause endocrine disurption by altering the production of thyroid hormones and binding to estrogen receptors, which can stimulate the growth of certain cancer cells and produce other estrogenic effects, such as reproductive dysfunction. They will bioaccumulate by binding to receptor proteins such as uteroglobin. (A3, A4, A30, A66)

/BIRDS and MAMMALS/ ...In a long-term, low-level feeding study, 4 different Aroclors (1016, 1221, 1242, and 1254) were included in the diet of mink at a rate of 2 mg/kg. Groups of 8 female and 2 male animals were given this, or a control, diet for 11 months, from August to June ... Body weight, hemoglobin levels, and hematocrit were monitored at monthly intervals during the study, and no significant effects of PCBs were noted. Only one of the test diets (containing Aroclor 1254) adversely affected reproduction, with only 1 live birth in the study period. This single kit was considerably lighter at birth than the controls and failed to survive 4 weeks after birth. The reproductive effects of either Lake Michigan coho salmon or Aroclor 1254 were reversible when animals were transferred to a control diet. Eleven females fed salmon as 30% of the diet for a year and then given control food for a further year produced young with an average litter size of 3.5 kits per mated female, in the second year of the study. No young had been produced in the first year of the study, during dosing. Similarly, 3 females given a year of control food following a year on a diet containing 5 mg Aroclor 1254/kg, produced an average of 4.3 young per mated female in the second year of observation. In a later study, ... 2 different Aroclors /were fed/ at various dose levels to mink and ferrets. Aroclor 1242 was fed to mink at doses ranging from 5 to 40 mg/kg diet; Aroclor 1016 was given at only 20 mg/kg diet ... There was a clear reproductive effect of Aroclor 1242 at a dose of 5 mg/kg diet, but no significant mortality. Aroclor 1242 caused 66% mortality at 10 mg/kg diet and 100% mortality at 20 mg/kg diet. Aroclor 1016, at 20 mg/kg diet, caused some deaths of adults and reduced birth weight and survival of kits, but the reproductive effects were considerably less severe than those caused by Aroclor 1242 at 5 mg/kg diet ... It is clear that reproductive effects are less marked at lower levels of chlorination of Aroclors.

/AQUATIC SPECIES/ The effects of various Aroclors on the respiration and photosynthesis of the green alga Chlorella vulgaris were examined ... Aroclor 1221, at a final concentration in the medium at 10-4 M (= 192 mg/L based on an average relative molecular mass for the Aroclor at 192), produced a rate of oxygen production in the light of 43% of control levels and a rate of oxygen uptake in the dark of 59% of control levels. The Aroclors were dissolved using dimethylformamide (DMF) as a solubilizing agent; while this had some effects on the parameters measured, they were very little compared with the effects of the Aroclors (94% of control levels). A dose-response curve of the effect of Aroclor 1221 on the respiratory uptake of oxygen in the dark, in the presence of glucose, showed that there was already a marked effect at a concentration of 10-7 M and that a maximum (at 50% inhibition) was reached at a concentration of 10-6 M (= 1.92 mg/L). A further series of studies was performed to investigate the individual processes of oxygen exchange in the alga. Respiration in the dark was investigated in the absence of added glucose, to monitor "endogenous" respiration, which was found to be stimulated by Aroclor 1221 at concentrations of 10-4 M or more. Net oxygen production in the light (photosynthetic oxygen production minus respiratory oxygen usage) was reduced at a concentration of 10-4 M. At this concentration of Aroclor 1221, there was approximately 50% stimulation of endogenous respiration and approximately 50% inhibition of net oxygen production. Calculated photosynthetic rate was unaffected by the Aroclor. Increasing light intensity reduced the effect of Aroclor 1221 on net oxygen production; intensities of 8.2 x 10+4 ergs/sq cm virtually eliminated the effect. Other measures directly or indirectly associated with photosynthesis (fluorescence, oxygen evolution in flashing light, the Emerson enhancement phenomenon) were not affected by the Aroclor. /It was/ suggested that the photosynthetic apparatus of Chlorella was unaffected by Aroclor 1221, the major, and probably the only, effect of the PCBs being a stimulation of endogenous respiration rate.

Chronic PCB exposure results in symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, depression, nervousness, dermal and ocular lesions, fatigue, irregular menstrual cycles and a lowered immune response. (A3)

Chronic PCB exposure results in symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, depression, nervousness, dermal and ocular lesions, fatigue, irregular menstrual cycles and a lowered immune response. (A3)

Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or greater than its reportable quantity of 1 lb or 0.454 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is (800) 424-8802. The rule for determining when notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV.D.3.b).

Formerly used in gas-transmission turbine hydraulics, rubber plasticizers, adhesives, and electrical capacitors.

Used in heat transfer, hydraulic fluids, lubricants, and insecticides.

Although the production and sale was discontinued in late 1977, it is still present in many of the ... capacitors now in use.

Summary of former end uses for various Aroclors:

PCBs were used as coolants and lubricants in transformers, capacitors, and other electrical devices (such as fluorescent lights and refrigerators) produced before 1977. PCBs may contaminate the air and water near hazardouc waste sites. In addition, PCBs bioaccumulate in the environment and may be found in fish, meat, and dairy products. (L4)

PCBs were used as coolants and lubricants in transformers, capacitors, and other electrical devices (such as fluorescent lights and refridgerators) produced before 1977. PCBs may contaminate the air and water near hazardous waste sites. In addition, PCBs bioaccumulate in the environment and may be found in fish, meat, and dairy products. (L4)

PCBs /were/ ... prepared industrially by the chlorination of biphenyl with anhydrous chlorine in the presence of a catalyst such as iron filings or ferric chloride. The products are complex mixtures of chlorobiphenyls, whose degree of chlorination depends principally on the time of contact (12-36 hr) of the biphenyl with anhydrous chlorine. The crude product is blown with air, and a small amount of lime is added to remove hydrogen chloride and ferric chloride. The resulting chlorinated mixtures are batch-distilled to remove color and traces of hydrogen chloride and ferric chloride. /Polychlorinated biphenyls/

Total USA sales of PCBs in 1970 amounted to ... 670 thousand kg Aroclor 1221. ...

The Aroclors are characterized by four digit numbers. The first two digits indicate that the mixture contains biphenyls (12), triphenyls (54) or both (25, 44); the last two digits give the weight percent of chlorine in the mixture (e.g., Aroclor 1242 contains biphenyls with approximately 42% chlorine). /Polychlorinated biphenyls/

Aroclor 1221 is a mixture of chlorinated biphenyls with the approximate distribution as follows: <1.0% mono-, 21.2% di-, 51.5% tri-, 27.3% tetra-, <0.6% pentachlorobiphenyl