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Chemical Sampling Information (CSI)
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General Description

Synonyms: Arochlor 1242; Aroclor 1242; Polychlorinated Biphenyl; PCB

OSHA IMIS Code Number: 0630

Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) Registry Number: 53469-21-9; 27323-18-8

NIOSH Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances (RTECS) Identification Number: TQ1356000; 64474

Department of Transportation Regulation Number (49 CFR 172.101) and Guide: UN2315 Class 9 ; 2315 171

NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards, Chlorodiphenyl (42% Cl): chemical description, physical properties, potentially hazardous incompatibilities, and more

Chemical Description and Physical Properties:
    colorless to dark brown liquid with a mild hydrocarbon odor
    molecular weight: 258
    boiling point: 617 to 691°F
    vapor pressure: 0.001 mm
    melting point: -2°F
Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizers

Exposure Limits

OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL):
General Industry: 1.0 mg/m3 (Skin)

Construction Industry: 1 mg/m3 TWA (Skin)
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Value (TLV): 1 mg/m3 TWA (Skin)

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Recommended Exposure Limit (REL): 0.001 mg/m3 TWA; Potential Carcinogen

Health Factors

Carcinogenic Classification:
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC): Group 2A, probably carcinogenic to humans (Polychlorinated Biphenyls)

National Toxicology Program (NTP): Suspect human carcinogen (Polychlorinated Biphenyl) [148 KB PDF, 4 pages]
Potential Symptoms: Irritated eyes; chloracne; liver damage; (carcinogenic)

Health Effects: Chloracne/Cumulative lung damage (HE3)

Affected Organs: Skin, eyes, liver

Date Last Revised: 01/14/2002

NIOSH/OSHA/DOE Health Guideline: Chlorodiphenyl (42% Chlorine)

Monitoring Methods used by OSHA

Laboratory Sampling/Analytical Method:
  • sampling media: OSHA Versatile Sampler (OVS-2) - 13 mm XAD-2 Tube (270/140 mg sections, 20/60) with Glass Fiber Filter enclosed
    maximum volume: 60 Liters
    maximum flow rate: 1.0 L/min
    current analytical method: Gas Chromatography; GC/ECD
    method reference: 2 (OSHA PV2089)
    method classification: Partially Validated
    note: Collect a sample of the bulk substance and send to the lab in a separate mailing container at the time the air samples are submitted. Indicate on the sample sheet that a bulk sample has been submitted.
Bulk Method: Limit the amount of bulk submitted to one gram or one mL for oil and 20 g for soil.

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Page last updated: 01/14/2002

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