Key Points

Fire

• Non flammable
• Reacts vigorously with powdered aluminium or magnesium, metals such as sodium, potassium and calcium, strong bases and strong oxidants, causing fire and explosion hazard
• Decomposes slowly under light and moisture producing corrosive hydrogen bromide. Forms corrosives fumes, hydrogen bromide and bromine on contact with hot surfaces or flames
• In the event of a fire involving dibromoethane, use fine water spray and liquid tight chemical protective clothing with breathing apparatus

Health

• Highly toxic via inhalation, ingestion and dermal contact
• CHIP: Carcinogenic, toxic and irritant
• Inhalation may cause eye, mucous membrane and respiratory tract irritation. Severe exposure may cause pneumonitis and pulmonary oedema
• Ingestion may cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Ulceration of the mucosa of the mouth, throat, and stomach may occur.
• Inhalation, ingestion or dermal exposure can result in systemic toxicity. Symptoms include drowsiness, headache, agitation, delirium, tachypnoea, hypotension or hypertension. In severe cases respiratory failure, coma and shock may occur.
• Dermal contact may cause blistering, erythema and ulceration
• Ocular exposure may cause irritation and possibly corneal damage

Environment

• Dangerous for the environment
• Inform Environment Agency of substantial incidents

 

All sections are available to download in PDF format.

• Incident Management (PDF, 127 KB)
  Dibromoethane - Incident Management
  Added/updated: 24 May 2011