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Ethylene fluorohydrin. Profile from Hazardous Substances Data Base.


Ref. and for updates: http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?HSDB

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.

[Rumack BH: POISINDEX(R) Information System. Micromedex, Inc., Englewood, CO, 2001; CCIS Volume 110, edition exp November, 2001. Hall AH & Rumack BH (Eds):TOMES(R) Information System. Micromedex, Inc., Englewood, CO, 2001; CCIS Volume 110, edition exp November, 2001.] **PEER REVIEWED**

Antidote and Emergency Treatment:

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**


Chemical/Physical Properties:

Molecular Formula:

C2-H5-F-O
**PEER REVIEWED**


Molecular Weight:

64.06
[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**


Boiling Point:

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.