Agent Name |
Ethane |
CAS Number |
74-84-0 |
Formula |
C2-H6 |
Major Category |
Toxic Gases & Vapors |
Synonyms |
Bimethyl; Dimethyl; Ethane; Ethyl hydride; Methylmethane; [ChemIDplus] UN1035; UN1961 |
Category |
Simple Asphyxiants |
Description |
Colorless, odorless gas; [Merck Index] |
Sources/Uses |
Used to produce chlorinated derivatives; Used as a refrigerant and fuel gas; (Bottled gas is about 5% ethane, 5% butane, and 90% propane.) [Merck Index] |
Comments |
The "Critical Effects" for aliphatic hydrocarbon gases are CNS depression and cardiac sensitization. "From a toxicologic standpoint, methane and ethane are practically inert; however, at very high concentrations, they act as a simple asphyxiant and can cause suffocation by displacement of oxygen from breathing atmosphere, below the critical level of 16% oxygen that is required to sustain life." [ACGIH] Simple asphyxiant; Causes narcosis at high concentrations; [Merck Index] Evaporating liquid can cause frostbite; [ICSC] |
Exposure Assessment |
Skin Designation (ACGIH) |
No |
TLV (ACGIH) |
1000 ppm |
Explanatory Notes |
For TLV, see Aliphatic hydrocarbon gases: Alkane (C1-C4); [ACGIH] Flash point = -211 deg F; |
Flammability (NFPA) |
4: burns readily |
Adverse Effects |
Neurotoxin |
CNS Solvent Syndrome |
Other Poison |
Simple Asphyxiant |
Links to Other NLM Databases |
Health Studies |
Human Health Effects from Hazardous Substances Data Bank: ETHANE
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