NFPA Label Key
ToxFAQs
CAS# 67-72-1
September 1997
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NFPA Label Key
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Highlights: Hexachloroethane is a colorless solid that gradually evaporates when it is exposed to air. It is used by the military for smoke-producing devices. Exposure to hexachloroethane can be irritating to the skin, nose, lungs, and eyes. It has caused cancer in animals exposed orally for their whole lifetime. Hexachloroethane has been found in at least 45 of the 1,416 National Priorities List sites identified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). |
What is hexachloroethane?
Hexachloroethane is a colorless solid that gradually evaporates when it is exposed to air. It is also called HCE, perchloroethane, and carbon hexachloride. Its vapors smell like camphor. In the United States, about half of the hexachloroethane is used by the military for smoke-producing devices. It is also used to remove air bubbles in melted aluminum. Hexachloroethane may be present as an ingredient in some fungicides, insecticides, lubricants, and plastics.
Hexachloroethane does not occur naturally in the environment. It is no longer made in the United States, but it is formed as a by-product in the production of some chemicals. Some hexachloroethane can be formed by incinerators when materials containing chlorinated hydrocarbons are burned. Hexachloroethane itself does not catch fire easily. Some hexachloroethane can also be formed when chlorine reacts with carbon compounds in drinking water.
What happens to hexachloroethane when it enters the environment?
How might I be exposed to hexachloroethane?
How can hexachloroethane affect my health?
Animal testing is sometimes necessary to find out how toxic substances might harm people or to treat those who have been exposed. Laws today protect the welfare of research animals and scientists must follow strict guidelines.
Mild skin irritation has been reported by workers at a munitions factory who were exposed to low levels of hexachloroethane. The workers were wearing protective clothing that greatly reduced exposure. No other information is available concerning health effects in people exposed to hexachloroethane.
Based on animal studies, hexachloroethane in air can irritate your nose and lungs and cause some buildup of mucus in your nose, much like an allergy. It can also irritate your eyes and make them tear.
If you breathe high levels of hexachloroethane vapor, your facial muscles may twitch or you may have difficulty moving. However, these effects have been seen in animals exposed to levels far greater than those found during its use or those expected in areas near a hazardous waste site.
Hexachloroethane is not a very toxic substance. If you are exposed to a large amount for a long time, your liver could be affected. There is also a slight chance that your kidneys could be damaged. Animal studies have not shown hexachloroethane to cause birth defects or to affect reproduction.
How likely is hexachloroethane to cause cancer?
Liver tumors developed in mice that were orally exposed to hexachloroethane for their whole lifetime. Hexachloroethane will not necessarily have the same effect on people. Male rats that were exposed to hexachloroethane for their lifetime developed kidney tumors. This type of tumor is not found in people, so it is unlikely that exposure to hexachloroethane would cause you to develop cancer of the kidney.The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has determined that hexachloroethane may reasonably be anticipated to be a carcinogen.
Is there a medical test to show whether I've been exposed to hexachloroethane?
Samples of your blood, urine, or feces can be tested to see if you were exposed to hexachloroethane. These tests aren't available at most doctors' offices, but can be done at special laboratories that have the right equipment. They are useful only if you were exposed 24–48 hours before you saw the doctor and cannot predict whether you will experience any health effects.
Has the federal government made recommendations to protect human health?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set a limit of 1 part hexachloroethane per million parts of workplace air (1 ppm) over an 8-hour workday, 40-hour workweek.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suggests that water consumed over a lifetime contain no more than 1 part hexachloroethane per billion parts water (1 ppb).
Glossary
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). 1996. Toxicological profile for hexachloroethane (update). Atlanta, GA.: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service.
Where can I get more information?
ATSDR can tell you where to find occupational and environmental health clinics. Their specialists can recognize, evaluate, and treat illnesses resulting from exposure to hazardous substances. You can also contact your community or state health or environmental quality department if you have any more questions or concerns.For more information, contact:
U.S. Department
of Health and Human Services
Public Health Service
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry