ETHYLENE FLUOROHYDRIN
CASRN: 371-62-0 For other data, click on the Table of Contents
Human Health Effects:
Human Toxicity Excerpts:
In a nonfatally poisoned infant only mild emesis and sinus tachycardia preceded
four brief episodes of seizure activity over a 12 hr period that began 20 hr
after ingestion; recovery was uneventful thereafter. /Fluoroacetate/ [Gosselin, R.E., R.P. Smith, H.C. Hodge. Clinical Toxicology
of Commercial Products. 5th ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 1984.,p. III-194]**PEER
REVIEWED**
An 18-month-old girl with repeated convulsions died in coma 96 hr after ingesting
an estimated 23 mg/kg fluoroacetamide. /Fluoroacetate/ [Gosselin, R.E., R.P. Smith, H.C. Hodge. Clinical Toxicology
of Commercial Products. 5th ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 1984.,p. III-194]**PEER
REVIEWED**
SYMPTOMATOLOGY: 1. Prompt epigastric distress and vomiting in one reported
case. 2. Apprehension, auditory hallucinations, nystagmus, tingling sensation
of nose, facial twitching, numbness of face. These and other central nervous
effects appear gradually after a latency of several hours. 3. Central nervous
excitation, progressing to epileptiform convulsions. 4.
Severe central nervous depression between and subsequent to the convulsive
episodes, but death is seldom due to respiratory failure in humans poisoned
with fluoroacetate. 5. Disturbances in the mechanism of the heart beat usually
appear only after the convulsive phase. 6. Pulse alternans, long sequences of
ectopic beats (often multifocal), and ventricular tachycardia may disintegrate
into ventricular fibrillation and death. /Fluoroacetate/ [Gosselin, R.E., R.P. Smith, H.C. Hodge.
Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products. 5th ed. Baltimore: Williams and
Wilkins, 1984.,p. III-195]**PEER REVIEWED**
Probable Routes of Human Exposure:
Occupational exposure to ethylene fluorohydrin may occur through inhalation
and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where ethylene fluorohydrin
is produced or used. (SRC) **PEER REVIEWED**
Emergency Medical Treatment:
Emergency Medical Treatment:
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The following Overview, *** ETHYLENE FLUOROHYDRIN ***, is relevant for
this HSDB record chemical.
Life Support:
o This overview assumes that basic life support measures
have been instituted.
Clinical Effects:
SUMMARY OF EXPOSURE
0.2.1.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
o Ethylene fluorohydrin is a liquid fluoro alcohol
compound which is miscible in water. Little specific
data were available specifically about the toxicity of
ethylene fluorohydrin; its toxicity is expected to be
similar to that of FLUOROACETATE, as it is oxidized to
fluoroacetate by tissue alcohol dehydrogenase.
1. Ethylene fluorohydrin may be absorbed following
ingestion, inhalation, or dermal contact. It is used
as a rodenticide, although it is not registered for
use as a pesticide in the US.
2. The following review discusses the toxicity and
treatment of poisoning with FLUOROACETATE.
o Clinical effects are usually seen within 1/2 hour of
exposure. Symptoms of nausea, vomiting, excessive
salivation, abdominal pain, numbness, a tingling
sensation, and apprehension are seen initially, and may
last for up to 6 hours. Muscular twitching, blurred
vision, and hypotension may develop.
1. Severe effects such as coma, convulsions, and cardiac
arrhythmias may be delayed in onset as long as 20
hours. One death due to subacute fluoroacetate
poisoning has been reported.
2. The cardiac effects noted include tachycardia,
ventricular fibrillation, and sudden onset of
asystole.
3. Death may occur from respiratory depression and
hypoxia during convulsions or cardiac arrest.
4. Neurologic sequelae and acute renal failure have been
described after acute poisoning.
5. Metabolic acidosis, hyperglycemia, hyperuricemia,
elevated levels of hepatic transaminases, and elevated
serum creatinine may occur in fluoroacetate poisoning.
o At least one case of severe poisoning with numbness and
tingling of the face, excessive salivation, blurred
vision, peripheral paresthesias, convulsions, and coma
has occurred from inhalation and dermal contact with
fluoroacetate. In general, fluoroacetate is absorbed
following ingestion and inhalation, but not through
intact skin.
o Fluoroacetate mimics acetic acid and reacts with
coenzyme A and oxaloacetic acid, forming fluorocitric
acid which enters and blocks the Kreb's cycle, allowing
accumulation of citric acid.
o Ethylene fluorohydrin releases toxic and irritating
fluoride fumes when heated to decomposition.
VITAL SIGNS
0.2.3.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
o Respiratory depression, hypothermia, tachycardia, and
hypotension may occur.
HEENT
0.2.4.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
o Blurred vision, facial paresthesias, and
hypersalivation may be noted.
CARDIOVASCULAR
0.2.5.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
o Tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and sudden onset
of asystole may occur.
RESPIRATORY
0.2.6.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
o Respiratory depression and cyanosis may develop. Death
may be due to hypoxia and respiratory depression during
seizures.
NEUROLOGIC
0.2.7.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
o Apprehension, diaphoresis, disorientation, agitation,
paresthesias, muscle twitching, hyperactive behavior,
tingling, coma, and convulsions may develop. Status
epilepticus has been described.
o Neurologic sequelae have been noted following acute
poisoning, such as hypertonicity with arm and leg
spasms, severe mental deficits, and moderate residual
paresis. Severe cerebellar dysfunction, ataxia, and
depression were described in a 15-year-old patient who
survived acute fluoroacetate poisoning.
GASTROINTESTINAL
0.2.8.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
o Nausea, vomiting, hypersalivation, abdominal or
epigastric pain, and diarrhea may be seen.
HEPATIC
0.2.9.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
o Elevations of hepatic transaminases may be noted.
GENITOURINARY
0.2.10.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
o Acute renal failure may be a sequela of acute
poisoning. Elevated levels of serum creatinine and
uric acid may be noted.
ACID-BASE
0.2.11.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
o Metabolic acidosis may be seen.
FLUID-ELECTROLYTE
0.2.12.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
o Hypocalcemia may occur.
MUSCULOSKELETAL
0.2.15.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
o Muscle twitching may be an early effect.
METABOLISM
0.2.17.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
o Fluoroacetate mimics acetic acid and reacts with
coenzyme A and oxaloacetic acid, forming fluorocitric
acid which enters and blocks the Kreb's cycle, allowing
accumulation of citric acid.
o Elevated blood glucose levels may be seen in
fluoroacetate poisoning.
REPRODUCTIVE HAZARDS
o An increase in sternebral ossification defects,
hydronephrosis, runting (pup weight less than 2.7 g),
variant rib ossifications, extra vertebral ossification
centers, cardiac septal defects, and intrauterine growth
retardation were noted in rats.
o No information about possible male reproductive effects
was found in available references at the time of this
review.
CARCINOGENICITY
0.2.21.2 HUMAN OVERVIEW
o At the time of this review, no data were available to
assess the carcinogenic potential of this agent.
GENOTOXICITY
o Ethylene fluorohydrin had no activity in the Salmonella
mutagenicity test.
Laboratory:
o Fluoroacetate levels are not clinically useful.
o Monitor serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium
concentrations.
o This agent may cause hepatotoxicity. Monitor liver
function tests for patients with significant exposure.
o This agent may cause nephrotoxicity. Monitor renal
function tests and urinalysis for patients with
significant exposure.
o BLOOD GASES
1. Monitor arterial blood gases for patients with
significant exposure.
o Monitor EKG and vital signs frequently.
o If respiratory tract irritation is present, monitor chest
x-ray.
Treatment Overview:
ORAL EXPOSURE
o Do NOT induce emesis.
o GASTRIC LAVAGE: Consider after ingestion of a
potentially life-threatening amount of poison if it can
be performed soon after ingestion (generally within 1
hour). Protect airway by placement in Trendelenburg and
left lateral decubitus position or by endotracheal
intubation. Control any seizures first.
1. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Loss of airway protective reflexes
or decreased level of consciousness in unintubated
patients; following ingestion of corrosives;
hydrocarbons (high aspiration potential); patients at
risk of hemorrhage or gastrointestinal perforation; and
trivial or non-toxic ingestion.
o ACTIVATED CHARCOAL: Administer charcoal as slurry (240
mL water/30 g charcoal). Usual dose: 25 to 100 g in
adults/adolescents, 25 to 50 g in children (1 to 12
years), and 1 g/kg in infants less than 1 year old.
o THERE IS NO KNOWN EFFECTIVE ANTIDOTE - for fluoroacetate
intoxication. Symptomatic and supportive care should be
provided.
1. Based on animal experiments, intravenous glyceryl
monoacetate (monoacetin) and ethanol administration
have been advocated to prevent or reverse the toxic
effects of fluoroacetate. However, it does not appear
that these treatments are effective in humans.
o SEIZURES: Administer a benzodiazepine IV; DIAZEPAM
(ADULT: 5 to 10 mg, repeat every 10 to 15 min as
needed. CHILD: 0.2 to 0.5 mg/kg, repeat every 5 min
as needed) or LORAZEPAM (ADULT: 4 to 8 mg; CHILD: 0.05
to 0.1 mg/kg).
1. Consider phenobarbital if seizures recur after diazepam
30 mg (adults) or 10 mg (children > 5 years).
2. Monitor for hypotension, dysrhythmias, respiratory
depression, and need for endotracheal intubation.
Evaluate for hypoglycemia, electrolyte disturbances,
hypoxia.
o REFRACTORY SEIZURES: Consider continuous infusion of
midazolam, propofol, and/or pentobarbital.
Hyperthermia, lactic acidosis and muscle destruction may
necessitate use of neuromuscular blocking agents with
continuous EEG monitoring.
o MONITOR EKG AND VITAL SIGNS - frequently.
o CALCIUM SALTS - Calcium gluconate or calcium chloride
should be administered parenterally in patients with
documented hypocalcemia.
o HYPOTENSION -
1. HYPOTENSION: Infuse 10 to 20 mL/kg isotonic fluid,
place in Trendelenburg position. If hypotension
persists, administer dopamine (5 to 20 mcg/kg/min) or
norepinephrine (0.1 to 0.2 mcg/kg/min), titrate to
desired response.
o MONITORING PARAMETERS -
1. Monitor EKG and VITAL SIGNS frequently; ventricular
arrhythmias may occur suddenly. Monitor serum
electrolytes, including calcium, magnesium, and
potassium. Monitor blood sugar, liver and renal
function tests, and urinalysis.
o PATIENT DISPOSITION -
1. As DELAYED ONSET of SERIOUS or LIFE-THREATENING
TOXICITY - may occur, all patients with possible
significant exposure should be observed for up to 20
hours in a controlled setting.
o See treatment of oral exposure in the main body of this
document for complete information.
INHALATION EXPOSURE
o INHALATION: Move patient to fresh air. Monitor for
respiratory distress. If cough or difficulty breathing
develops, evaluate for respiratory tract irritation,
bronchitis, or pneumonitis. Administer oxygen and
assist ventilation as required. Treat bronchospasm with
beta2 agonist and corticosteroid aerosols.
o SYSTEMIC ABSORPTION -
1. Systemic poisoning has occurred following inhalation
exposure to fluoroacetate (Ellenhorn & Barceloux,
1988).
o THERE IS NO KNOWN EFFECTIVE ANTIDOTE - for fluoroacetate
intoxication. Symptomatic and supportive care should be
provided.
1. Based on animal experiments, intravenous glyceryl
monoacetate (monoacetin) and ethanol administration
have been advocated to prevent or reverse the toxic
effects of fluoroacetate. However, it does not appear
that these treatments are effective in humans.
o SEIZURES: Administer a benzodiazepine IV; DIAZEPAM
(ADULT: 5 to 10 mg, repeat every 10 to 15 min as
needed. CHILD: 0.2 to 0.5 mg/kg, repeat every 5 min
as needed) or LORAZEPAM (ADULT: 4 to 8 mg; CHILD: 0.05
to 0.1 mg/kg).
1. Consider phenobarbital if seizures recur after diazepam
30 mg (adults) or 10 mg (children > 5 years).
2. Monitor for hypotension, dysrhythmias, respiratory
depression, and need for endotracheal intubation.
Evaluate for hypoglycemia, electrolyte disturbances,
hypoxia.
o REFRACTORY SEIZURES: Consider continuous infusion of
midazolam, propofol, and/or pentobarbital.
Hyperthermia, lactic acidosis and muscle destruction may
necessitate use of neuromuscular blocking agents with
continuous EEG monitoring.
o MONITOR EKG AND VITAL SIGNS - frequently.
o CALCIUM SALTS - Calcium gluconate or calcium chloride
should be administered parenterally in patients with
documented hypocalcemia.
o HYPOTENSION -
1. HYPOTENSION: Infuse 10 to 20 mL/kg isotonic fluid,
place in Trendelenburg position. If hypotension
persists, administer dopamine (5 to 20 mcg/kg/min) or
norepinephrine (0.1 to 0.2 mcg/kg/min), titrate to
desired response.
o MONITORING PARAMETERS -
1. Monitor EKG and VITAL SIGNS frequently; ventricular
arrhythmias may occur suddenly. Monitor serum
electrolytes, including calcium, magnesium, and
potassium. Monitor blood sugar, liver and renal
function tests, and urinalysis.
o PATIENT DISPOSITION -
1. As DELAYED ONSET of SERIOUS or LIFE-THREATENING
TOXICITY may occur, all patients with possible
significant exposure should be observed for up to 20
hours in a controlled setting.
o See treatment of inhalation exposure in the main body of
this document for complete information.
EYE EXPOSURE
o DECONTAMINATION: Irrigate exposed eyes with copious
amounts of tepid water for at least 15 minutes. If
irritation, pain, swelling, lacrimation, or photophobia
persist, the patient should be seen in a health care
facility.
o SYSTEMIC TOXICITY -
1. There is no evidence that fluoroacetate can be absorbed
in toxic quantities following ocular exposure. Should
systemic symptoms develop following exposure by this
route -
2. Treatment should include recommendations listed in the
INHALATION EXPOSURE section when appropriate.
DERMAL EXPOSURE
o DECONTAMINATION: Remove contaminated clothing and
jewelry. Wash the skin, including hair and nails,
vigorously; do repeated soap washings. Discard
contaminated clothing.
o SYSTEMIC ABSORPTION -
1. There is little evidence that fluoroacetate can be
absorbed systemically in toxic amounts through intact
skin (Ellenhorn & Barceloux, 1988). Should systemic
symptoms develop following dermal contact with this
material -
2. Treatment should include recommendations listed in the
INHALATION EXPOSURE section when appropriate.
Range of Toxicity:
o A milligram of pure fluoroacetate is probably enough to
cause severe toxicity, and less may be toxic.
Extrapolation of experimental animal toxicity data to
humans indicates that a dose of 2 to 10 mg/kg may be
fatal.
Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway. Suction if necessary. Watch for
signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if necessary. Administer
oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Anticipate seizures and treat
if necessary ... . For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water.
Irrigate each eye continuously with normal saline during transport ... . Do
not use emetics. For ingestion, rinse mouth and administer 5 ml/kg up to 200
ml of water for dilution if the patient can swallow, has a strong gag reflex,
and does not drool. Administer activated charcoal ... . /Monofluoroacetate and
related compounds/ [Bronstein, A.C., P.L. Currance; Emergency Care for Hazardous
Materials Exposure. 2nd ed. St. Louis, MO. Mosby Lifeline. 1994. 307]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway
control in the patient who is unconscious or in respiratory arrest. Monitor
cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias if necessary ... . Start an IV with D5W
/SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use lactated Ringer's if signs of
hypovolemia are present. Treat seizures with diazepam (Valium) ... . Use proparacaine
hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Monofluoroacetate and related
compounds/ [Bronstein, A.C., P.L. Currance; Emergency Care for Hazardous
Materials Exposure. 2nd ed. St. Louis, MO. Mosby Lifeline. 1994. 307]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Animal Toxicity Studies:
Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts:
... Pregnant Long-Evans rats were given ethylene fluorohydrin (0.06, 0.36,
and 0.6 mg/kg ig) ... from day 6 to day 15 of gestation. ... An increase in
sternebral ossification defects were present in all experimental groups. Hydronephrosis
was evident in the two highest doses. The high dose group had significant incidences
of runting (pup weight less than 2.7 g) and variant rib ossifications. Cardiac
septal defects appeared in the hearts of pups of the 0.35 mg.kg group. Pups
of dams given 0.6 mg/kg revealed the presence of extra vertebral ossification
centers. In the high dose group alone, intrauterine growth retardation was evident
based on decreased pup weight .... There were no significant changes in either
dam or gestational weight gain observed. Overall, the percentage of implantations
resulting in malformed or dead pups in response to oral administration ... increases
significantly in a dose-related manner with increasing alcohol concentrations.
[Mankes RF et al. Teratology: 45(5) 463 (1992)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Metabolism/Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption, Distribution & Excretion:
Absorbed promptly from the alimentary tract ... absorption does not occur
through intact skin. /Fluoroacetate/ [Gosselin, R.E., R.P. Smith, H.C. Hodge. Clinical Toxicology
of Commercial Products. 5th ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 1984.,p. III-194]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Mechanism of Action:
The fluoroacetate ion is not poisonous itself but is converted to fluorocitric
acid, which blocks the tricarboxylic acid cycle, an essential mechanism of energy
production in mammalian cells ... This manifests itself principally in disturbed
activities of the central nervous system
and of the heart. /Fluoroacetate/ [Gosselin, R.E., R.P. Smith, H.C. Hodge. Clinical Toxicology
of Commercial Products. 5th ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 1984.,p. III-194]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Pharmacology:
Environmental Fate & Exposure:
Environmental Fate/Exposure Summary:
Ethylene fluorohydrin's production and use in areas other than the US as a
rodenticide, insecticide, and acaricide will result in its direct release to
the environment. It is not registered for use as a pesticide in the United States.
If released to air, a vapor pressure of 21.25 mm Hg at 25 deg C indicates ethylene
fluorohydrin will exist solely in the vapor phase in the ambient atmosphere.
Vapor-phase ethylene fluorohydrin will be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction
with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals; the half-life for this reaction
in air is estimated to be 7 days. If released to soil, ethylene fluorohydrin
is expected to have very high mobility based upon an estimated Koc of 1.3. Volatilization
from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process based upon
an estimated Henry's Law constant of 7.1X10-6 atm-cu m/mole. Ethylene fluorohydrin
may volatilize from dry soil surfaces based upon its vapor pressure. If released
into water, ethylene fluorohydrin is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids
and sediment in water based upon the estimated Koc. Volatilization from water
surfaces is expected to be an important fate process based upon this compound's
estimated Henry's Law constant. Estimated volatilization half-lives for a model
river and model lake are 3 days and 33 days, respectively. An estimated BCF
of 3.2 suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low.
Hydrolysis is not expected to occur due to the lack of hydrolyzable functional
groups. Occupational exposure to ethylene fluorohydrin may occur through inhalation
and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where ethylene fluorohydrin
is produced or used. (SRC) **PEER REVIEWED**
Probable Routes of Human Exposure:
Occupational exposure to ethylene fluorohydrin may occur through inhalation
and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where ethylene fluorohydrin
is produced or used. (SRC) **PEER REVIEWED**
Artificial Pollution Sources:
Ethylene fluorohydrin's production and use in non-US areas as a rodenticide,
insecticide, and acaricide will result in its direct release to the environment(SRC).
It is not registered for use as a pesticide in the United States(2). [(1) USEPA; EPA Chemical Profile. Chemical Emergency Preparedness
and Prevention Office. Available from http://www.epa.gov/swercepp/ehs/profile/371620p.txt
as of Aug., 1999 (2) USEPA; Emergency First Aid Treatment Guide for ETHYLENE
FLUOROHYDRIN. Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Prevention Office. Available
from http://www.epa.gov/swercepp/ehs/firstaid/371620.txt as of Aug., 1999]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Environmental Fate:
TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value
of 1(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that
ethylene fluorohydrin is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization
of ethylene fluorohydrin from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important
fate process(SRC) based on the estimated Henry's Law constant of 7.1X10-6 atm-cu
m/mole(SRC) using a fragment constant estimation method(3). The potential for
volatilization of ethylene fluorohydrin from dry soil surfaces may exist(SRC)
based upon a vapor pressure of 21.25 mm Hg(4). [(1) Swann RL et al; Res Rev 85: 23 (1983) (2) Meylan WM et al;
Environ Sci Technol 26: 1560-67 (1992) (3) Meylan WM, Howard PH; Environ Toxicol
Chem 10: 1283-93 (1991) (4) Lide DR, ed; CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics.
75th ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press Inc. p. 6-80 1994-1995 (1995)]**PEER REVIEWED**
AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value
of 1(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that
ethylene fluorohydrin is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment
in water(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(3) based upon
an estimated Henry's Law constant of 1.4X10-6 atm-cu m/mole(SRC) using a fragment
constant estimation method(4). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation
method(3), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are calculated
to be 3 days and 33 days, respectively(SRC). According to a classification scheme(5),
an estimated BCF of 3.2(SRC),from its log Kow of -0.67(6) and a regression-derived
equation(7), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms
is low. [(1) Swann RL et al; Res Rev 85: 23 (1983) (2) Meylan WM et al;
Environ Sci Technol 26: 1560-67 (1992) (3) Lyman WJ et al; Handbook of Chemical
Property Estimation Methods. Washington, DC: Amer Chem Soc pp. 4-9, 5-4, 5-10,
15-1 to 15-29 (1990) (4) Meylan WM, Howard PH; Environ Toxicol Chem 10: 1283-93
(1991) (5) Franke C et al; Chemosphere 29: 1501-14 (1994) (6) Hansch C et al;
Exploring QSAR. Hydrophobic, Electronic, and Steric Constants. ACS Prof Ref
Book. Heller SR, consult. ed., Washington,DC: Amer Chem Soc p. 4 (1995) (7)
Meylan WM et al; Environ Toxicol Chem 18: 664-72 (1999)]**PEER REVIEWED**
ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile
organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), ethylene fluorohydrin, which has a vapor
pressure of 21.25 mm Hg at 25 deg C(2) is expected to exist solely as a vapor
in the ambient atmosphere(SRC). Vapor-phase ethylene fluorohydrin is degraded
in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC);
the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 7 days(SRC), calculated
from its rate constant of 2.2X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 deg C(3). [(1) Bidleman TF; Environ Sci Technol 22: 361-367 (1988) (2)
Lide DR, ed; CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 75th ed. Boca Raton, FL:
CRC Press Inc. p. 6-80 1994-1995 (1995) (3) Meylan WM, Howard PH; Chemosphere
26: 2293-99 (1993)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Environmental Abiotic Degradation:
The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of ethylene fluorohydrin with
photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals has been estimated as 2.2X10-12 cu
cm/molecule-sec at 25 deg C(SRC), calculated using a structure estimation method(1).
This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 7 days at an atmospheric
concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(1). Ethylene fluorohydrin
is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of
hydrolyzable functional groups(2) nor to directly photolyze due to the lack
of absorption in the environmental UV spectrum. [(1) Meylan WM, Howard PH; Chemosphere 26: 2293-99 (1993) (2)
Lyman WJ et al; Handbook of Chemical Property Estimation Methods. Washington
DC: Amer Chem Soc pp. 7-4, 7-5 (1990)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Environmental Bioconcentration:
An estimated BCF of 3 was calculated for ethylene fluorohydrin using a measured
log Kow of -0.67(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification
scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms
is low. [(1) Hansch C et al; Exploring QSAR. Hydrophobic, Electronic,
and Steric Constants. ACS Prof Ref Book. Heller SR, consult. ed., Washington,DC:
Amer Chem Soc p. 4 (1995) (2) Meylan WM et al; Environ Toxicol Chem 18: 664-72
(1999) (3) Franke C et al; Chemosphere 29: 1501-14 (1994)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Soil Adsorption/Mobility:
Using a structure estimation method based on molecular connectivity indices(1),
the Koc for ethylene fluorohydrin can be estimated to be about 1(SRC). According
to a classification scheme(2), this estimated Koc value suggests that ethylene
fluorohydrin is expected to have very high mobility in soil. [(1) Meylan WM et al; Environ Sci Technol 26: 1560-67 (1992)
(2) Swann RL et al; Res Rev 85: 23 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Volatilization from Water/Soil:
The Henry's Law constant for ethylene fluorohydrin is estimated as 7.1X10-6
atm-cu m/mole(SRC) using a fragment constant estimation method(1). The value
for the Henry's Law constant indicates that ethylene fluorohydrin is expected
to volatilize from water surfaces(2). Based on the Henry's Law constant, the
volatilization half-life from a model river (1 m deep, flowing 1 m/sec, wind
velocity of 3 m/sec)(2) is estimated as 3 days(SRC). The volatilization half-life
from a model lake (1 m deep, flowing 0.05 m/sec, wind velocity of 0.5 m/sec)(2)
is estimated as 33 days(SRC). Ethylene fluorohydrin's estimated Henry's Law
constant indicates that volatilization from moist soil surfaces may occur(SRC).
The potential for volatilization of ethylene fluorohydrin from dry soil surfaces
may exist(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 21.25 mm Hg(3). [(1) Meylan WM, Howard PH; Environ Toxicol Chem 10: 1283-93 (1991)
(2) Lyman WJ et al; Handbook of Chemical Property Estimation Methods. Washington
DC: Amer Chem Soc pp. 15-1 to 15-29 (1990) (3) Lide DR, ed; CRC Handbook of
Chemistry and Physics. 75th ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press Inc. p. 6-80 1994-1995
(1995)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Environmental Standards & Regulations:
CERCLA Reportable Quantities:
Releases of CERCLA hazardous substances are subject to the release reporting
requirement of CERCLA section 103, codified at 40 CFR part 302, in addition
to the requirements of 40 CFR part 355. Ethylene fluorohydrin is an extremely
hazardous substance (EHS) subject to reporting requirements when stored in amounts
in excess of its threshold planning quantity (TPQ) of 10 lbs. [40 CFR 355 (7/1/99)]**PEER REVIEWED**
103.5 deg C [Lide, D.R. (ed.). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 79th
ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press Inc., 1998-1999.,p. 3-159]**PEER REVIEWED**
Melting Point:
-26.4 deg C [Lide, D.R. (ed.). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 79th
ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press Inc., 1998-1999.,p. 3-159]**PEER REVIEWED**
Density/Specific Gravity:
1.1040 g/cu cm @ 20 deg C [Lide, D.R. (ed.). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 79th
ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press Inc., 1998-1999.,p. 3-159]**PEER REVIEWED**
Octanol/Water Partition Coefficient:
log Kow= -0.67 [Hansch, C., Leo, A., D. Hoekman. Exploring QSAR - Hydrophobic,
Electronic, and Steric Constants. Washington, DC: American Chemical Society.,
1995. 4]**PEER REVIEWED**
Solubilities:
Miscible in ethanol, ethyl ether; very soluble in acetone [Lide, D.R. (ed.). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 79th
ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press Inc., 1998-1999.,p. 3-159]**PEER REVIEWED**
In water, miscible @ 20 deg C [Yalkowsky SH, Dannenfelser RM; The AQUASOL dATAbASE of Aqueous
Solubility. Fifth ed, Tucson,AZ: Univ AZ, College of Pharmacy (1992)]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Spectral Properties:
IR: 270 (Sadtler Research Laboratories Prism Collection) [Weast, R.C. and M.J. Astle. CRC Handbook of Data on Organic
Compounds. Volumes I and II. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press Inc. 1985.,p. V1 610]**PEER
REVIEWED**
NMR: 8243 (Sadtler Research Laboratories Spectral Collection) [Weast, R.C. and M.J. Astle. CRC Handbook of Data on Organic
Compounds. Volumes I and II. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press Inc. 1985.,p. V1 610]**PEER
REVIEWED**
MASS: 46 (Atlas of Mass Spectral Data, John Wiley & Sons, New York) [Weast, R.C. and M.J. Astle. CRC Handbook of Data on Organic
Compounds. Volumes I and II. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press Inc. 1985.,p. V1 610]**PEER
REVIEWED**
MASS: 11 (National Bureau of Standards EPA-NIH Mass Spectra Data Base, NSRDS-NBS-63)
[Weast, R.C. and M.J. Astle. CRC Handbook of Data on Organic
Compounds. Volumes I and II. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press Inc. 1985.,p. V1 624]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Vapor Pressure:
Vapor pressure: 21.25 mm Hg @ 25 deg C [Lide, D.R. (ed.). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 75th
ed. Boca Raton, Fl: CRC Press Inc., 1994-1995.,p. 6-80]**PEER REVIEWED**
Chemical Safety & Handling:
Disposal Methods:
SRP: At the time of review, criteria for land treatment or burial (sanitary
landfill) disposal practices are subject to significant revision. Prior to implementing
land disposal of waste residue (including waste sludge), consult with environmental
regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal practices. **PEER REVIEWED**
Occupational Exposure Standards:
Manufacturing/Use Information:
Major Uses:
Rodenticide, insecticide, and acaricide /non US/ [USEPA; EPA Chemical Profile. Chemical Emergency Preparedness
and Prevention Office. Available from http://www.epa.gov/swercepp/ehs/profile/371620p.txt
as of Aug., 1999]**PEER REVIEWED**
General Manufacturing Information:
It is not registered for use as a pesticide in the United States. [USEPA; Emergency First Aid Treatment Guide for ETHYLENE FLUOROHYDRIN.
Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Prevention Office. Available from http://www.epa.gov/swercepp/ehs/firstaid/371620.txt
as of Aug., 1999]**PEER REVIEWED**
Laboratory Methods:
Special References:
Special Reports:
USEPA; Chemical Profile: Ethylene fluorohydrin (1985)
Synonyms and Identifiers:
Synonyms:
Ethanol, 2-fluoro- **PEER REVIEWED**
2-fluoroethanol **PEER REVIEWED**
Administrative Information:
Hazardous Substances Databank Number: 6389
Last Revision Date: 20010809
Last Review Date: Reviewed by SRP on 1/29/2000
Update History:
Complete Update on 08/09/2001, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 06/08/2000, 25 fields added/edited/deleted.
Field Update on 02/02/2000, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Field Update on 09/21/1999, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Field Update on 08/26/1999, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 03/29/1999, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 10/30/1998, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 09/11/1998, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 06/03/1998, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 11/01/1997, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 05/09/1997, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 10/20/1996, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 07/11/1996, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 05/14/1996, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 02/01/1996, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 08/21/1995, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 08/31/1990, 11 fields added/edited/deleted.