Agent Name |
Ethyleneimine |
Alternative Name |
Ethylenimine |
CAS Number |
151-56-4 |
Formula |
C2-H5-N |
Major Category |
Toxic Gases & Vapors |
Synonyms |
1H-Azirine, dihydro-; Aethylenimin [German]; Azacyclopropane; Aziran; Aziridin [German]; Aziridine; Dihydro-1H-azirine; Dihydroazirene; Dihydroazirine; Dimethyleneimine; Ethyleenimine [Dutch]; Ethyleneimine; Etilenimina [Italian]; TL 337; [ChemIDplus] UN1185 |
Category |
Other Toxic Gases & Vapors |
Description |
Colorless liquid with an ammonia-like odor; Note: Usually contains inhibitors to prevent polymerization; [NIOSH] |
Sources/Uses |
Used to produce polyethyleneimine and other organic chemicals; [ACGIH] Used in the paper, textile, petroleum, lacquer, cosmetic, and photography industries; [ILO Encyclo. Vol 4:104.1-104.416] |
Comments |
Liquid causes first degree burns on short exposure and second degree burns on long exposure; [CHRIS] Skin sensitization, mucous membrane irritation, liver and kidney injury, and toxic pneumonitis have been seen after occupational exposure; [ACGIH] A lachrymator; [HSDB] Aziridine can cause occupational contact urticaria. [Kanerva 2004, p. 104] |
Restricted |
Regulated as a carcinogen--See 29CFR1910.1003 (Code of Federal Regulations pertaining to the manufacturing, processing, repackaging, releasing, handling, and storing of this chemical); |
Exposure Assessment |
Skin Designation (ACGIH) |
Yes |
TIH |
Yes |
TLV (ACGIH) |
0.5 ppm |
IDLH (NIOSH) |
100 ppm |
Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs |
Other animal data: It has been reported that rats and guinea pigs survived 2�hour exposures to 50 ppm [Carpenter et al. 1949]. . . .Human data: Exposure to concentrations greater than 100 ppm has caused respiratory tract irritation and inflammation, but symptoms may be delayed several hours [Gosselin et al. 1976]. Also, it has been presumed that severe exposures might result in an overwhelming pulmonary edema since ethyleneimine is a powerful lacrimator and emetic [Gosselin et al. 1976]. |
Vapor Pressure |
213 mm Hg |
Odor Threshold Low |
2 ppm |
Lethal Concentration |
LC50 (rats) = 100 mg/m3/2H |
Explanatory Notes |
See 2008 Notice of Intended Changes; [ACGIH] Odor threshold from CHEMINFO; The Guide from the Emergency Response Guidebook is for "ethylenimine, inhibited." Flash point = -11 deg C; |
Half Life |
No reports found; [TDR, p. 688] |
Reference Link |
International Chemical Safety Cards (WHO/IPCS/ILO) |
Flammability (NFPA) |
3: may ignite at ambient temperature |
Adverse Effects |
Toxic Pneumonitis |
Yes |
Dermatotoxin |
Skin Burns |
Skin Sensitizer |
Yes |
Lacrimator |
Yes |
Hepatotoxin |
Hepatotoxin, Secondary |
Nephrotoxin |
Yes |
IARC Carcinogen |
Possible Carcinogen |
Links to Other NLM Databases |
Health Studies |
Human Health Effects from Hazardous Substances Data Bank: ETHYLENEIMINE
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