| hazards summary | A severe skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant. May cause pulmonary edema. Inhalation may cause CNS effects. May be fatal by inhalation, ingestion, and skin absorption. Corrosive to skin and eyes based on animal studies. A strong irritant that may cause burns to skin and eyes. Inhalation may cause liver and kidney injury. Causes burns. Inhalation may cause corrosive injuries to upper respiratory tract and lungs. Harmful by ingestion, inhalation, and skin absorption. See CHLOROPHENOLS.The major hazards encountered in the use and handling of 2-chlorophenol stem from its toxicologic properties. Toxic by all routes (ie, ingestion, inhalation, dermal contact), exposure to this colorless to yellow-brown liquid may occur from its use as an intermediate in the manufacture of dyes and higher chlorinated phenols, and as solvent or as a disinfectant. Effects from exposure include burns to the skin and eyes, weakness, headache, dizziness, damage to the lung, liver, and kidneys, and death from cardiac or pulmonary failure. Persons handling 2-chlorophenol should wear a self-contained breathing apparatus and chemical protective clothing specifically recommended by the shipper or producer. No skin surface should be exposed. However, if contact does occur, immediately flush affected skin or eyes with running water for at least 15 minutes, and remove and isolate contaminated clothing. While 2-chlorophenol requires moderate heating to ignite (flash point 64 °C, closed cup), it can burn, with the production of irritating and poisonous gases, and containers of the substance may explode in the heat of a fire. For small fires involving 2-chlorophenol, extinguish with dry chemical, CO2, Halon, water spray, or standard foam, and for large fires, use water spray, fog or standard fo~r. Runoff from fire control water may give off poisonous gases and should be controlled by diking, as necessary. 2-Chlorophenol should be stored away from oxidizing materials, and may be shipped via air, rail, road, or water in containers bearing the label, "Keep away from food." Small spills of 2-chlorophenol may be taken up with sand or other noncombustible absorbent and placed into containers for later disposal. Dike far ahead of large spills for later disposal. 2-Chlorophenol is a good candidate for rotary kiln or liquid injection forms of incineration. Prior to implementing land disposal of waste residue (including waste sludge), consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance. |