Chlorinated aliphatic compounds toxicity

Unsaturated aliphatic compounds and heterocyclic compounds may also be metabolized via epoxide intermediates as shown in Figure 4.6 and chapter 5, Figure 14. Note that when the epoxide ring opens, the chlorine atom shifts to the adjacent carbon atom (Fig. 4.6). In the case of the furan ipomeanol and vinyl chloride, the epoxide intermediate is thought to be responsible for the toxicity (see below and chap. 7). Other examples of unsaturated aliphatic compounds, which may be toxic and are metabolized via epoxides, are diethylstilboestrol, allylisopropyl acetamide, which destroys cytochrome P-450, sedormid, and secobarbital. 

Systemic Effects. The use of 1,1-dichloroethane as an anesthetic was discontinued when it was discovered that this compound induced cardiac arrhythmias in humans at anesthetic doses (approximately 105,000 mg/m, or 26,000 ppm). The mechanism of action for the induction of cardiac arrhythmias by 1,1-dichloroethane is not known. However, when the cardiac muscle is markedly depressed, it is more susceptible to the effects of catecholamines. Secretion of catecholamines is increased in this situation by compensatory and other mechanisms, resulting in excessive spontaneous contractions of the heart. This is an effect common to exposure to other chlorinated aliphatics at high concentrations (Reinhardt et al. 1971). Cardiovascular toxicity has not been reported in animals following exposure to 1,1-dichloroethane. 

Chlorinated Hydrocarbons Other Chlorinated Compounds. The substitution of chlorine atom for hydrogen in a compd greatly increases the anesthetic action of the derivative. In addn, the chlorine deriv is less specific than the parent hydrocarbon in its action, and may affect other tissues along with those of the central nervous system of this body. The chlorine deriv is generally quite toxic and may cause liver, heart Sc kidney damage. As a rule, unsaturated chlorine derivs are highly narcotic but less toxic than saturated derivs. Sax(Ref 4) has discussed in detail the toxicities Sc hazards of a number of chlorinated compds, including Chlorinated Diphenyls Chlorinated Hydrocarbons, Aromatic Aliphatic Chlorinated Naphthalenes Chlorinated Phenols Chlorinated Triphenyls others. 

Very dangerous fire hazard when exposed to heat, flame, or oxidizers. Moderately explosive when exposed to heat or flame. Can react vigorously with oxidizing materials. To fight fire, use alcohol foam, CO2, dry chemical. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of Cl". See also CHLORINATED HYDROCARBONS, ALIPHATIC and ALLYL COMPOUNDS. 

Strong explosive when shocked or exposed to heat or air. Can react vigorously with oxidizing materials. When heated to decomposition or on contact with acid or acid fumes it emits highly toxic fumes of Cl . See also ACETYLENE COMPOUNDS and CHLORINATED HYDROCARBONS, ALIPHATIC. 

DFG MAK Confirmed Animal Carcinogen, Suspected Human Carcinogen SAFETY PROFILE Confirmed carcinogen. Poison by ingestion. Moderately toxic by inhalation and skin contact. Experimental reproductive effects. A skin and severe eye irritant. Mutation data reported. Moderately flammable by heat, flames (sparks), or powerful oxidizers. See also v LLYL COMPOUNDS and CHLORINATED HYDROCARBONS, ALIPHATIC. When heated to decomposition it yields highly toxic Cr. To fight fire, use water (as a blanket), spray, mist, dry chemical. 

More than 800 chemicals have been identified as being toxic to the skin. These include aliphatic, aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons, alcohols, esters, ethers, glycols, aldehydes, ketones, inorganic oxidizers, heavy metals, acids, alkalis, pesticides, plasticizers, polynuclear aromatic compounds, POPs, and surfactants J1-3 A partial list of these is contained in Table 27.1. A more complete list is available on the Scorecard web site.I3 ... 

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