Ethylene Dibromide, CAS # 106-93-4
Standard Operating Procedure
Ethylene Dibromide (EDB) or 1,2-Dibromoethane
This is an SOP template and is not complete until: 1) lab specific information is entered into the box
below 2) lab specific protocol/procedure is added to the protocol/procedure section and
3) SOP has been signed and dated by the PI and relevant lab personnel.
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Laboratory Safety Manual and Chemical Hygiene Plan.
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Purpose
Ethylene Dibromide (EDB) or 1,2-Dibromoethane is a Cal-OSHA regulated carcinogen and
reproductive toxin. It used to be used as an additive in leaded gasoline. Now it is in organic synthesis
to brominate carbanions and to activate magnesium for certain Grignard reagents.
Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group
CAS#: 106-93-4
Class: Carcinogen, Reproductive toxin
Molecular Formula: C2H4Br2
Form (physical state): Liquid
ASU Department of Environmental Health & Safety
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Ethylene Dibromide, CAS # 106-93-4
Color: Colorless
Boiling point: (at 760 mm Hg), 131 degrees C (268 degrees F)
Potential Hazards/Toxicity
Potential health effects
Inhalation Toxic if inhaled. Material is extremely destructive to the tissue of the mucous membranes
and upper respiratory tract.
Ingestion Toxic if swallowed.
Skin Toxic if absorbed through skin. Causes skin burns.
Eyes Causes eye burns.
Signs and Symptoms of Exposure
Symptoms of exposure may include burning sensation, coughing, wheezing, laryngitis, shortness of
breath, headache, nausea, and vomiting.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Respiratory Protection
A ½ or full face respirator equipped with appropriate cartridges should be used any time there is the
potential for exposure to vapor and/or dust and a fume hood cannot be used.
Respirators should be used only under any of the following circumstances:
 As a last line of defense (i.e., after engineering and administrative controls have been
exhausted).
 When Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) has exceeded or when there is a possibility that PEL
will be exceeded.
 Regulations require the use of a respirator.
 An employer requires the use of a respirator.
 There is potential for harmful exposure due to an atmospheric contaminant (in the absence of
PEL)
 As PPE in the event of a chemical spill clean-up process
Lab personnel intending to use/wear a respirator mask must be trained and fit-tested by EH&S. This is
a regulatory requirement.
Hand Protection
Neoprene or Viton gloves are recommended.
NOTE: Consult with your preferred glove manufacturer to ensure that the gloves you plan on using are
compatible with Ethylene Dibromide (EDB).
ASU Department of Environmental Health & Safety
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Ethylene Dibromide, CAS # 106-93-4
Refer to glove selection chart from the links below:
http://www.ansellpro.com/download/Ansell_8thEditionChemicalResistanceGuide.pdf
OR
http://www.allsafetyproducts.biz/page/74172
OR
http://www.showabestglove.com/site/default.aspx
OR
http://www.mapaglove.com/
Eye Protection
Face shield and ANSI approved safety glasses.
Skin and Body Protection
Lab coats should be worn. These laboratory coats must be appropriately sized for the individual and be
buttoned to their full length. Laboratory coat sleeves must be of a sufficient length to prevent skin
exposure while wearing gloves. Personnel should also wear full length pants, or equivalent, and closetoed shoes. Full length pants and close-toed shoes must be worn at all times by all individuals that are
occupying the laboratory area. The area of skin between the shoe and ankle should not be exposed.
Hygiene Measures
Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing. Wash hands before breaks and immediately after handling
the product.
Engineering Controls
Ethylene dibromide must be handled under a chemical fume hood that has been inspected and certified
by EH&S within the last one year.
First Aid Procedures
If inhaled
If breathed in, move person into fresh air. If not breathing give artificial respiration Consult a
physician.
In case of skin contact
Wash off with soap and plenty of water. Take victim immediately to hospital. Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician. Continue rinsing
eyes during transport to hospital.
If swallowed
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Rinse mouth with water. Consult a physician.
Special Handling and Storage Requirements
ASU Department of Environmental Health & Safety
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Ethylene Dibromide, CAS # 106-93-4
Designated Areas
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Designated area(s) for use and storage of Ethylene Dibromide must be established.
All chemicals containing Ethylene Dibromide must be secondarily contained with proper
signage.
Signage is required for the container, designated work area and storage location. Sign wording
must state the following:
Ethylene Dibromide containers must be affixed with caution / warning labels that read “CANCER
HAZARD / CARCINOGEN”
Precautions for safe handling
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Avoid inhalation of vapor or mist.
Normal measures for preventive fire protection.
Conditions for safe storage
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Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Containers which are opened
must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Light sensitive. May darken on storage
Store in secondary containment. Label the chemical bottle, secondary container, and the outside
of the storage area with the hazard.
Reactivity
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Conditions contributing to instability: Heat and/or light cause ethylene dibromide to
decompose slowly to produce hydrogen bromide, and moisture causes it to hydrolyze slowly.
Incompatibilities: Ethylene dibromide reacts with chemically active metals such as sodium,
potassium, calcium, powdered aluminum, zinc, and magnesium, with liquid ammonia, and with
strong oxidizers.
Hazardous decomposition products: Toxic gases and vapors (such as hydrogen bromide, bromine, and
carbon monoxide) may be released in a fire involving ethylene dibromide.
Chemical Spill
Spill – Assess the extent of danger. Help contaminated or injured persons. Evacuate the spill area.
Avoid breathing vapors. If possible, confine the spill to a small area using a spill kit or absorbent
material. Keep others from entering contaminated area (e.g., use caution tape, barriers, etc.).
Small (<1 L) – If you have training, you may assist in the clean-up effort. Use appropriate personal
protective equipment and clean-up material for chemical spilled. Double bag spill waste in clear plastic
bags, label and take to the next chemical waste pick-up.
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Ethylene Dibromide, CAS # 106-93-4
Large (>1 L) – Contact EH&S for assistance at (480) 965-1823 for non-emergencies. For emergency
situations Dial 911.
Chemical Spill on Body or Clothes – Remove clothing and rinse body thoroughly in emergency
shower for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention. Notify supervisor and EH&S immediately.
Chemical Splash Into Eyes – Immediately rinse eyeball and inner surface of eyelid with water from
the emergency eyewash station for 15 minutes by forcibly holding the eye open. Seek medical
attention. Notify supervisor and EH&S immediately.
Medical Emergency Dial 911
Life Threatening emergency, After Hours, Weekends and Holidays – Dial 911 or go to the nearest
emergency room.) Note: All Serious injuries must be reported to EH&S within 8 hours.
Non-Life Threatening Emergency – Go to the Occupational Health Facility (OHF). After hours go to
the nearest emergency room. Note: All serious injuries must be reported to EH&S within 8 hours.
Needle stick/puncture exposure (as applicable to chemical handling procedure) – Wash the affected
area with antiseptic soap and warm water for 15 minutes. For mucous membrane exposure, flush the
affected area for 15 minutes using an eyewash station. Page the needle stick nurse \ and then enter your
extension. After hours go to the nearest emergency room. Note: All needle stick/puncture exposures
must be reported to EH&S within 8 hours.
Decontamination/Waste Disposal Procedure
Wearing proper PPE, decontaminate equipment and bench tops using soap and water. Dispose of the
used diethyl ether and disposables contaminated with diethyl ether as hazardous waste.
Ethylene Dibromide waste containers must be affixed with caution / warning labels that read
“CANCER HAZARD / CARCINOGEN”
General hazardous waste disposal guidelines:
Label waste
 Attach a completed ASU Hazardous Waste tag to all waste containers as soon as the first drop
of waste is added to the container.
Store waste
 Store hazardous waste in closed containers, in secondary containment and in a designated
storage location.
 Double-bag dry waste using sealable transparent bags.
 Waste must be under the control of the person generating and disposing of it.
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Ethylene Dibromide, CAS # 106-93-4
Dispose of waste
 Dispose of regularly generated chemical waste within 90 days.
 Use EHS Assistant online hazardous waste pick-up request system.
 Contact ASU EH&S at (480) 965-1823 with questions.
Protocol / Procedure
Laboratory-specific procedures
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IMPORTANT NOTE: Any deviation from this SOP requires advance PI approval.
Documentation of Training
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Prior to conducting any work with this material, Principal Investigator or designee must
provide to his/her laboratory personnel specific to the hazards involved in working with this
substance, work area decontamination, and emergency procedures.
The Principal Investigator must provide his/her laboratory personnel with a copy of this SOP
and a copy of the MSDS provided by the manufacturer.
The Principal Investigator must ensure that his/her laboratory personnel have attended
appropriate/required laboratory safety training or refresher training within the last one year.
I have read and understand the content of this SOP.
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