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Common Name: 4-Chlorobiphenyl
Chemical Formula: C12H9Cl
Other Names: PCB No. 3, 1-Chloro-4-phenylbenzene
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid or solid
Distinctive Odor: Nearly odorless, not always detectable at low concentrations
CAS Number: 2051-62-9
Uses: Used in dielectric fluids, old electrical equipment, research labs, and as a chemical intermediate in synthesis
Hazard Class: Classified as a probable human carcinogen
Hazards: Toxic, persistent in the environment, bioaccumulative
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, ingestion
Health Effects: Long-term exposure linked to liver damage, skin lesions, acneiform eruptions, and possible interference with endocrine system
Symptoms: Irritation of skin and eyes, nausea, headache, dizziness
Flammability: Slightly combustible but can produce toxic fumes on burning
Substance: Pure compound, no mixture
Main Component: 4-Chlorobiphenyl, concentration typically at or near 100% for laboratory supplies
Impurities: Possible trace levels of related chlorobiphenyls in technical samples
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash affected area thoroughly with soap and water, medical attention if irritation develops
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, monitor breathing, seek medical help if symptoms persist
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, rinse mouth if person is conscious, seek immediate medical attention
Suitable Extinguishers: Use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, foam, or water spray
Specific Hazards: Burning releases hazardous fumes like hydrogen chloride, dioxins, and chlorinated benzenes
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Special Precautions: Avoid run-off from fire control entering waterways or sewers
Personal Precaution: Avoid direct contact, ventilate area, use protective equipment
Cleanup: Absorb spillage using inert material like dry sand or earth, collect in containers for proper disposal
Environmental Precaution: Prevent further leakage, do not allow to enter soil, ditches, water sources
Decontamination: Thoroughly wash contaminated surfaces and equipment
Waste Management: Place residues in sealed containers, handle as hazardous waste
Handling: Handle in well-ventilated area, avoid breathing vapors, minimize generation of dust or aerosols
Storage: Store in tightly closed containers, keep away from direct sunlight, sources of ignition, and incompatible substances such as strong oxidizers
Protect from: Physical damage, moisture, high temperatures
Labeling: Ensure containers are clearly labeled with hazard warnings
Exposure Limits: OSHA and ACGIH suggest strict limits due to toxicity, typically under 1 mg/m3 for PCBs in occupational settings
Engineering Controls: Use fume hoods or local exhaust ventilation to reduce airborne levels
Personal Protective Equipment: Wear chemical-resistant gloves, splash-proof goggles, lab coat, and face shield if splash risk exists
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling, never eat or drink in chemical work areas
Boiling Point: About 278-280°C
Melting Point: 25-31°C, may be solid or liquid at room temperature
Solubility: Very low in water, good in organic solvents like ether and benzene
Vapor Pressure: Low
Density: Approximately 1.17 g/cm3
Color: Clear to light yellow
Odor Threshold: Not easily perceptible due to low volatility
Stability: Chemically stable under normal storage conditions
Avoid: Strong oxidizing agents, extreme heat
Decomposition Products: On burning or decomposition, forms toxic substances such as chlorine, hydrochloric acid, and chlorinated dioxins
Reactivity: Generally unreactive, but risks increase with exposure to strong chemicals or open flames
Acute Toxicity: Low acute toxicity in single exposures, but all PCBs can enter the body rapidly by inhalation, skin absorption, or ingestion
Chronic Exposure: Linked to liver and skin injuries, immune system impairment, and increased cancer risk
Bioaccumulation: Tends to build up in fatty tissues, leads to long-term health effects from repeated exposure
Symptoms: Dry, irritated skin, rashes, swelling of eyelids, headaches, nausea
Persistence: Highly persistent, resists breakdown in soil and water
Bioaccumulation: Enters food chains, accumulates in fish, birds, and humans
Ecological Effects: Toxic to aquatic organisms, impairs reproduction, causes deformities in fish, birds
Mobility: Moves slowly in the environment but can spread widely due to long life and accumulation in the ecosystem
Disposal: Treat as hazardous chemical waste, use licensed treatment and disposal facilities
Containment: Keep material and contaminated packaging out of drains and sewers
Destruction: Incinerate at high temperature in controlled facilities to avoid release of dioxins
Recycling: Not recommended given the toxic persistence
Shipping Class: Regulated as hazardous material under international and national laws
UN Number: Listed under polychlorinated biphenyls
Packaging: Must use approved, leakproof containers with clear hazard labeling
Transport Precautions: Follow strict documentation and route planning to prevent accidental release
Restrictions: Production and new use banned or eliminated in most countries under the Stockholm Convention
Occupational Safety: Strict exposure limits, medical surveillance for workplaces with PCB residues
Environmental Law: Cleanup and remediation required for contaminated sites, listed as hazardous waste in RCRA (US), and subject to reporting and monitoring requirements
Consumer Protection: No use permitted in consumer products, labeling, and safe disposal guidelines widely enforced
