Medical Management Guidelines for Vinyl Chloride
(C2H3Cl)
CAS# 75-01-4
UN# 1086
PDF Versionpdf icon[250 KB]
Synonyms include chloroethene, chloroethylene, 1-chloroethylene, ethylene monochloride, monochloroethylene, monovinyl chloride, MVC, VC, VCM, and vinyl chloride monomer.
- Persons exposed only to vinyl chloride gas pose no risk of secondary contamination. Persons whose clothing or skin is contaminated with pressurized liquid vinyl chloride can secondarily contaminate rescuers by direct contact or through off-gassing of vapor.
- At all ambient temperatures, vinyl chloride is an extremely flammable and potentially explosive gas that is heavier than air. It has a mild, sweet odor, but odor is not an adequate warning of hazardous concentrations.
- Inhalation is the major route of vinyl chloride exposure; absorption is rapid and nearly complete. Gastrointestinal absorption is unlikely as vinyl chloride is a gas at room temperature. Dermal absorption is negligible.
General Information
Description
At room temperature, vinyl chloride is a colorless, highly flammable, potentially explosive gas. It has a faint sweet odor. The odor threshold for vinyl chloride is about 3,000 ppm in air, depending on the individual. When confined under high pressure in special containers, vinyl chloride exists in a liquefied state. It is shipped and handled this way. When burned or heated to a high enough temperature, vinyl chloride decomposes to hydrogen chloride, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and traces of phosgene. Vinyl chloride should be stored in a cool, dry, well ventilated location, separate from oxidizing materials and accelerants. Phenol is often added as a stabilizer.
Routes of Exposure
Inhalation
Inhalation is the primary route of exposure, and vinyl chloride is readily absorbed from the lungs. Its odor threshold is too high to provide an adequate warning of hazardous concentrations. The odor of vinyl chloride becomes detectable at around 3,000 ppm and the OSHA PEL is 1 ppm (8-hour TWA). Therefore, workers can be overexposed to vinyl chloride without being aware of its presence. A 5-minute exposure to airborne concentrations of 8,000 ppm can cause dizziness. As airborne levels increase to 20,000 ppm, effects can include drowsiness, loss of coordination, visual and auditory abnormalities, disorientation, nausea, headache, and burning or tingling of the extremities. Exposure to higher concentrations of vinyl chloride for longer durations can cause death, presumably due to central nervous system (CNS) and respiratory depression. The gas is heavier than air and can cause asphyxiation in poorly ventilated or enclosed spaces.
Children exposed to the same levels of
vinyl chloride as adults may receive a larger dose because they have greater lung surface area:body weight ratios and increased minute volumes:weight ratios. In addition, they may be exposed to higher levels than adults in the same location because of their short stature and the higher levels of vinyl chloride found nearer to the ground.
Skin/Eye Contact
Direct skin contact with escaping compressed gas or liquid vinyl chloride can cause frostbite injury, but systemic absorption is negligible. Direct ocular exposure to vinyl chloride vapor can cause localized burns or irritation of the conjunctiva and cornea.
Ingestion
Ingestion of vinyl chloride is unlikely because it is a gas at room temperature. Small amounts can dissolve in other liquids, but in such small concentrations that acute toxicity is unlikely.
Sources/Uses
Annual production levels of vinyl chloride continue to increase, with 14.98 billion pounds produced in the United States in 1995. Vinyl chloride is produced by chlorinating ethylene to produce 1,2-dichloroethane, which is then subjected to high pressures and temperatures. This causes pyrolysis (thermal cracking) of the 1,2-dichloroethane to produce the vinyl chloride monomer. Most vinyl chloride is polymerized to form polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a material used to manufacture automotive parts and accessories, furniture, packaging materials, pipes, wall coverings, and wire coatings. Vinyl chloride is also used as an intermediate in the production of other chlorinated compounds and as a component in mixed-monomer plastics. Historically, it was used as a solvent, propellant, and refrigerant, and it was once evaluated as a potential anesthetic.
Standards and Guidelines
OSHA PEL (permissible exposure limit) = 1 ppm (averaged over an 8-hour workshift)
NIOSH IDLH (immediately dangerous to life or health) = not yet determined; vinyl chloride is treated as a human carcinogen.
Physical Properties
Description: colorless gas with a sweet odor at room temperature; colorless liquid when contained under pressure or cooled.
Warning properties: inadequate
(odor threshold of about 3,000 ppm; varies significantly among individuals)
Boiling point 7.9 Ā°F (-13.4 Ā°C)
Freezing Point: -244.8 Ā°F (-153.8 Ā°C)
Specific gravity: 0.9106 (liquid) at 68 Ā°F (20 Ā°C) (water = 1.00)
Vapor pressure: 2,530 mm Hg at 68 Ā°F (20 Ā°C)
Vapor density: 2.16 (air = 1.00)
Water solubility: (1,100 to 2,763 mg/L at 77 Ā°F [25 Ā°C])
Flammability: highly flammable
and explosive gas; flammability range is 3.6% to 33% (concentration
in air)
Flash point: -108.4 Ā°F (-78 Ā°C)
Incompatibilities
Vinyl chloride self-polymerizes explosively if peroxidation occurs (e.g., if heated, exposed to sunlight, or mixed with air and contaminants). Avoid contact with oxygen, strong oxidizing agents, aluminum, copper, iron, and steel.
Health Effects
- The primary target of vinyl chloride acute exposure is
the CNS. Signs and symptoms include dizziness, ataxia, inebriation,
fatigue, numbness and tingling of the extremities, visual
disturbances, coma, and death.
- Vinyl chloride can irritate the eyes, mucous membranes,
and respiratory tract. Escaping compressed gas or liquid
can cause frostbite or irritation of the skin and eyes.
- Chronic exposure can cause permanent liver injury and
liver cancer, neurologic or behavioral symptoms, and changes
to the skin and bones of the hand.
- Vinyl chloride's acute CNS effects are likely to be caused
by interaction of the parent compound with neural membranes.
Other effects appear to be caused by interaction of reactive
intermediates with macromolecules.
Acute Exposure
Vinyl chloride is thought to depress
the CNS via a solvent effect on lipids and protein components
of neural membranes that interrupts signal transmission. Reactive
metabolic intermediates may also cause specific target organ
toxicity by covalently bonding to tissue or initiating destructive
chain reactions such as lipid peroxidation. There may be a
latent period of hours to days between exposure and symptom
onset. Vinyl chloride is rapidly metabolized and the metabolites
are eliminated in the urine.
Children do not always respond to chemicals
in the same way that adults do. Different protocols for managing
their care may be needed.
CNS
The CNS is the primary target of vinyl
chloride acute toxicity. The symptoms reported most commonly
stem from the anesthetic properties of vinyl chloride; these
symptoms include dizziness, ataxia, fatigue, drowsiness, headache,
and loss of consciousness. With inhalation exposure, signs
and symptoms increase in severity over a range of 8,000 to
20,000 ppm in air. Exposure to higher concentrations for longer
durations can cause death, presumably due to CNS and respiratory
depression. Sublethal CNS effects resolve quickly when the
victim is removed from further exposure.
Respiratory
Vinyl chloride gas inhalation can cause
mild respiratory tract irritation, wheezing, and chemical
bronchitis. These effects are transient and resolve quickly
following removal from exposure. Death may result from respiratory
depression.
Exposure to certain chemicals can lead to Reactive Airway
Dysfunction Syndrome (RADS), a chemically- or irritant-induced
type of asthma.
Children may be more vulnerable because
of relatively increased minute ventilation per kg and failure
to evacuate an area promptly when exposed.
Hydrocarbon pneumonitis may be a problem
in children.
Cardiovascular
Vinyl chloride may lower the myocardial
threshold to the dysrhythmogenic effects of catecholamines;
it might predispose patients to ventricular ectopy and fibrillation.
In experimental animals, exposure to vinyl chloride has led
to ECG abnormalities, including ventricular ectopy, heart
block, and T-wave inversions.
Dermal
Exposure to escaping compressed gas or
liquid can cause frostbite injury with redness, blistering,
and scaling. Contact dermatitis has also been reported.
Ocular
Exposure to escaping compressed gas or
liquid can cause frostbite injury with corneal and conjunctival
irritation or burns. High concentrations of vapor can cause
eye irritation.
Gastrointestinal
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and epigastric pain have been reported with ingestion.
Potential Sequelae
Patients exposed to significant amounts
of vinyl chloride may not develop symptoms immediately and
should be monitored for CNS and respiratory depression and
liver and kidney damage for 24 to 48 hours.
Chronic Exposure
Prolonged absorption of vinyl chloride
can induce hepatotoxicity and hepatic cancers, including angiosarcoma.
Portal hypertension and cirrhosis can occur. Vinyl chloride
toxicity is thought to result from the binding of reactive
epoxide metabolites to hepatic DNA. Other effects of chronic
exposure include sensory-motor polyneuropathy; pyramidal,
extrapyramidal, and cerebellar abnormalities; neuropsychiatric
symptoms such as sleep disorders, loss of libido, headaches,
and irritability; EEG alterations; and immunopathologic phenomena
such as purpura and thrombocytopenia. Vinyl chloride disease
is a syndrome consisting of Raynaud's phenomenon, acroosteolysis
(dissolution of the bones of the terminal phalanges and sacroiliac
joints), and scleroderma-like skin changes.
Carcinogenicity
The U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services (DHHS) and the International Agency for Research
on Cancer (IARC) have classified vinyl chloride as a known
human carcinogen. Vinyl chloride has caused angiosarcoma of
the liver in heavily exposed
Reproductive and Developmental Effects
Vinyl chloride is included in Reproductive
and Developmental Toxicants, a 1991 report published by
the U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO) that lists 30 chemicals
of concern because of widely acknowledged reproductive and
developmental consequences. However, there is no conclusive
evidence of reproductive or developmental effects in humans.
A few case reports describe decreased libido or fertility
in men with chronic occupational exposure, and some animal
studies also support this finding. Some studies in experimental
animals have reported developmental toxicity associated with
high-dose exposures, but vinyl chloride is not considered
a developmental toxicant.
Special consideration regarding the
exposure of pregnant women is warranted, since vinyl chloride
has been shown to be a genotoxin; thus, medical counseling
is recommended for the acutely exposed pregnant women.
Prehospital Management
- Victims exposed only to vinyl chloride gas pose no risk
of secondary contamination to rescuers. Victims whose skin
or clothing is contaminated with liquid vinyl chloride can
contaminate rescuers by direct contact or through off-gassing
of vapor.
- The primary target of vinyl chloride acute exposure is
the CNS. Signs and symptoms include dizziness, ataxia, inebriation,
fatigue, numbness and tingling of the extremities, visual
disturbances, coma, and death.
- Vinyl chloride also can irritate the eyes, mucous membranes,
and respiratory tract. Escaping compressed gas or liquid
can cause frostbite or irritation of the skin and eyes.
- There is no antidote for vinyl chloride. Treatment consists
of support of respiratory and cardiovascular functions.
Hot Zone
Rescuers should be trained and appropriately
attired before entering the Hot Zone. If the proper equipment
is not available, or if the rescuers have not been trained
in its use, call for assistance from a local or regional hazardous
materials (HAZMAT) team or other properly equipped response
organization.
Rescuer Protection
Vinyl chloride gas is readily absorbed
by inhalation and can irritate the respiratory tract. Liquid
vinyl chloride on the skin or eyes can cause frostbite injury
and irritation. A negligible amount of vinyl chloride is absorbed
through the skin.
Respiratory Protection: Positive-pressure,
self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) is recommended in
response situations that involve exposure to any level of
vinyl chloride gas.
Skin Protection: Chemical-protective
clothing is recommended when contact with escaping compressed
gas or liquid is anticipated because skin irritation and frostbite
injury can occur.
ABC Reminders
Quickly access for a patent airway, ensure
adequate respiration and pulse. Provide supplemental oxygen
if cardiopulmonary compromise is suspected. If trauma is suspected,
manually maintain cervical immobilization and apply a cervical
collar and a backboard when feasible. Apply direct pressure
to stop any heavy bleeding.
Victim Removal
If victims can walk, lead them out of
the Hot Zone to the Decontamination Zone. Victims who are
unable to walk should be removed on backboards or gurneys.
If these are not available, carefully carry or drag victims
to safety.
Consider appropriate management of chemically
contaminated children, such as measures to reduce separation
anxiety if a child is separated from a parent or other adult.
Decontamination Zone
Victims exposed only to vinyl chloride
gas who have no eye irritation do not need decontamination.
They may be transferred immediately to the Support Zone. All
others require decontamination as described below.
Rescuer Protection
If exposure levels are determined to
be safe, decontamination may be conducted by personnel wearing
a lower level of protection than that required in the Hot
Zone (see Rescuer Protection under Hot Zone, above).
ABC Reminders
Quickly access for a patent airway, ensure
adequate respiration and pulse. Provide supplemental oxygen
if cardiopulmonary compromise is suspected. If trauma is suspected,
manually maintain cervical immobilization and apply a cervical
collar and a backboard when feasible. Administer supplemental
oxygen as required. Assist ventilation with a bag-valve-mask
device if necessary. Apply direct pressure to stop any heavy
bleeding.
Basic Decontamination
Basic Decontamination Victims who are able may assist with
their own decontamination. Remove and double bag contaminated
clothing and all personal belongings.
Handle frostbitten skin and eyes with
caution. Gently wash exposed skin and hair very thoroughly
with mild soap and water (preferably under a shower). Rinse
thoroughly with water. Use caution to avoid hypothermia when
decontaminating children or the elderly. Use blankets or warmers
when appropriate.
Do not irrigate frostbitten eyes. Irrigate
exposed or irritated eyes with plain water or saline for at
least 15 minutes. Remove contact lenses if easily removable
without additional trauma to the eye. If pain or injury is
evident, continue irrigation while transferring the victim
to the Support Zone.
Consider appropriate management of chemically
contaminated children at the exposure site. Also, provide
reassurance to the child during decontamination, especially
if separation from a parent occurs. If possible, seek assistance
from a child separation expert.
Transfer to Support Zone
As soon as basic decontamination is complete,
move the victim to the Support Zone.
Support Zone
Be certain that victims have been decontaminated
properly (see Decontamination Zone above). Victims
who have undergone decontamination or have been exposed only
to vinyl chloride gas pose no serious risk of secondary contamination
to rescuers. In such cases, Support Zone personnel require
no specialized protective gear.
ABC Reminders
Quickly access for a patent airway. If
trauma is suspected, maintain cervical immobilization manually
and apply a cervical collar and a backboard when feasible.
Ensure adequate respiration and pulse. Administer supplemental
oxygen as required and establish intravenous access if necessary.
Place on a cardiac monitor.
Additional Decontamination
Continue irrigating exposed skin and
eyes, as appropriate.
Advanced Treatment
In cases of respiratory compromise secure
airway and respiration via endotracheal intubation. If not
possible, perform cricothyroidotomy if equipped and trained
to do so.
Treat patients who have bronchospasm
with aerosolized bronchodilators. Use these and all catecholamines
at the lowest efficacious dose because of the possible enhanced
risk of cardiac dysrhythmias. Also consider the health of
the myocardium before choosing which type of bronchodilator
should be administered.
Consider racemic epinephrine aerosol
for children who develop stridor. Dose 0.25-0.75 mL of 2.25%
racemic epinephrine solution in 2.5 cc water, repeat every
20 minutes as needed, cautioning for myocardial variability.
Patients who are comatose, hypotensive,
or having seizures or cardiac arrhythmia should be treated
according to advanced life support (ALS) protocols, keeping
in mind the precaution about administration of catecholamines.
If frostbite is present, treat by rewarming in a warm water
bath at a temperature of 102-108 Ā°F (40-42 Ā°C) for
20 to 30 minutes and continue until a flush has returned to
the affected area.
Transport to Medical Facility
Only decontaminated patients or patients
not requiring decontamination should be transported to a medical
facility. "Body bags" are not recommended.
Report to the base station and the receiving
medical facility the condition of the patient, treatment given,
and estimated time of arrival at the medical facility.
If the patient has ingested vinyl chloride
(extremely unlikely), prepare the ambulance in case the patient
vomits toxic material or has diarrhea. Have ready several
towels and open plastic bags to quickly clean up and isolate
vomitus.
Multi-Casualty Triage
Consult with the base station physician
or the regional poison control center for advice regarding
triage of multiple victims.
Patients who have persistent symptoms
after being removed from the source of exposure should be
transported to a medical facility for evaluation.
Patients who are asymptomatic or had
mild or transient symptoms (e.g., dizziness, headache) that
rapidly resolved may be discharged from the scene after their
names, addresses, and telephone numbers are recorded. These
patients should be advised to rest and to seek medical care
promptly if symptoms develop or recur (see the Patient Information
Sheet below).
Emergency Department Management
- Patients exposed only to vinyl chloride gas pose no risk
of secondary contamination to rescuers. Patients whose skin
or clothing is contaminated with liquid vinyl chloride can
contaminate rescuers by direct contact or through off-gassing
of vapor.
- The primary target of vinyl chloride acute exposure is
the CNS. Signs and symptoms include dizziness, ataxia, inebriation,
fatigue, numbness and tingling of the extremities, visual
disturbances, coma, and death.
- Vinyl chloride also can irritate the eyes, mucous membranes,
and respiratory tract. Escaping compressed gas or liquid
can cause frostbite or irritation of the skin and eyes.
- There is no antidote for vinyl chloride. Treatment consists
of support of respiratory and cardiovascular functions.
Decontamination Area
Previously decontaminated patients and
those exposed only to vinyl chloride gas who have no eye irritation
may be transferred immediately to the Critical Care Area.
Others require decontamination as described below.
Be aware that use of protective equipment
by the provider may cause fear in children, resulting in decreased
compliance with further management efforts.
Because of their relatively larger surface
area:body weight ratio, children are more vulnerable to toxicants
absorbed through the skin.
ABC Reminders
Evaluate and support the airways, breathing,
and circulation. Provide supplemental oxygen if cardiopulmonary
compromise is suspected. In cases of respiratory compromise
secure airway and respiration via endotracheal intubation.
If not possible, surgically create an airway.
Treat patients who have bronchospasm
with aerosolized bronchodilators. Use these and all catecholamines
at the lowest efficacious dose because vinyl chloride might
increase the risk of arrhythmia by lowering the myocardial
threshold to the effects of epinephrine. Also consider the
health of the myocardium before choosing which type of bronchodilator
should be administered.
Consider racemic epinephrine aerosol
for children who develop stridor. Dose 0.25-0.75 mL of 2.25%
racemic epinephrine solution in 2.5 cc water, repeat every
20 minutes as needed, cautioning for myocardial variability.
Patients who are comatose, hypotensive,
or seizing or have cardiac arrhythmia should be treated in
the conventional manner, observing the precautions about catecholamines
described above. Arrhythmias might respond to beta-adrenergic
blockers (e.g., propranolol, esmolol) if lidocaine is ineffective.
Basic Decontamination
Patients who are able may assist with
their own decontamination. Remove and double-bag contaminated
clothing and all personal belongings.
Handle frostbitten skin and eyes with
caution. Gently wash exposed skin and hair very thoroughly
with mild soap and water (preferably under a shower). Rinse
thoroughly with water. Use caution to avoid hypothermia when
decontaminating children or the elderly. Use blankets or warmers
when appropriate.
Flush exposed or irritated eyes with
plain water or saline for at least 15 minutes. Remove contact
lenses if easily removable without additional trauma to the
eye. If pain or injury is evident, continue irrigation while
transferring the victim to the Critical Care Area.
Critical Care Area
Be certain that appropriate decontamination
has been carried out (see Decontamination Area, above).
ABC Reminders
Evaluate and support the airways, breathing,
and circulation as in ABC Reminders above. Establish intravenous
access in seriously ill patients. Continuously monitor cardiac
rhythm.
Patients who are comatose, hypotensive,
or who have seizures or cardiac arrhythmia, should be treated
in the conventional manner, observing the precautions about
catecholamines described below.
Inhalation Exposure
Administer supplemental oxygen by mask
to patients who have respiratory complaints or CNS symptoms.
Treat patients who have bronchospasm with aerosolized bronchodilators.
Use these and all catecholamines at the lowest efficacious
doses because vinyl chloride might increase the risk of cardiac
arrhythmia by lowering the myocardial threshold to the effects
of epinephrine. Also consider the health of the myocardium
before choosing which type of bronchodilator should be administered.
Consider racemic epinephrine aerosol for children who develop
stridor. Dose 0.25-0.75 mL of 2.25% racemic epinephrine solution
in 2.5 cc water, repeat every 20 minutes as needed, cautioning
for myocardial variability.
Skin Exposure
Escaping compressed gas or liquid vinyl
chloride exposure can cause frostbite injury. If frostbite
is present, treat by rewarming in a water bath at a temperature
of 102-108 Ā°F (40-42 Ā°C) for 20 to 30 minutes and
continue until a flush has returned to the affected area.
If chemical burns from other toxicants are present, treat
as thermal burns.
Because of their relatively larger surface
area:body weight ratio, children are more vulnerable to toxicants
absorbed through the skin.
Eye Exposure
Ensure that adequate eye irrigation has
been completed. Test visual acuity. Examine the eyes for conjunctival
or corneal damage and treat appropriately. Consult with an
ophthalmologist for patients who have suspected severe corneal
injuries.
Antidotes and Other Treatments
There is no antidote for vinyl chloride.
Treatment is supportive.
Laboratory Tests
Routine laboratory studies for all exposed
patients include CBC, glucose, and electrolyte determinations;
liver and kidney function tests are also recommended. Chest
radiography and pulse oximetry (or ABG measurements) are recommended
in cases of severe inhalation exposure.
Vinyl chloride is rapidly eliminated
from the body in the breath and its major metabolite, thiodiglycolic
acid, is excreted in the urine. Breath levels of vinyl chloride
and urine levels of thiodiglycolic acid are not clinically
helpful in acute exposure. Urine levels of thiodiglycolic
acid peak about 20 hours after exposure.
Disposition and Follow-up
Consider hospitalizing patients who have
persistent or progressive symptoms.
Delayed Effects
Hepatic injury can develop a few days
after exposure, depending on the magnitude of the exposure.
Patients with significant CNS depression or severe exposure
should be observed for 24 hours.
Patient Release
Patients who have not experienced significant
alterations in mental status or respiratory difficulty may
be discharged. Patients who initially had mild symptoms, but
who become asymptomatic during a 6- to 8-hour observation
period, may be discharged. These patients should be advised
to rest and to seek medical care promptly if symptoms develop
or recur (see the Vinyl Chloride-Patient Information Sheet
below). Patients who had significant CNS symptoms initially
should be observed overnight even if their CNS symptoms appear
to resolve.
Follow-up
Obtain the name of the patient's primary
care physician so that the hospital can send a copy of the
ED visit to the patient's doctor.
Follow-up laboratory evaluation of hepatic
function should be arranged for severely exposed patients.
Neurologic examination for post-hypoxic injury is recommended
in cases of severe cardiorespiratory compromise. Patients
who have skin or corneal lesions should be reexamined within
24 hours.
Reporting
If a work-related incident has occurred,
you might be legally required to file a report; contact your
state or local health department for more information.
Other persons might still be at risk
at the place where this incident occurred. If the incident
occurred in the workplace, discussing it with company personnel
might prevent future incidents. If a public health risk exists,
notify your state or local health department or other responsible
public agency. When appropriate, inform patients that they
may request an evaluation of their workplace from the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or the National Institute
of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). See Appendices
III and IV for a list of agencies that may be of assistance.
Patient Information Sheet
This handout provides information and
follow-up instructions for persons who have been exposed to
vinyl chloride.
Print this handout only.pdf icon[32.4 KB]
What is vinyl chloride?
Vinyl chloride is a colorless gas at
room temperature that has a mild, sweet odor. It is handled
and shipped as a liquid under high pressure in a special container.
It is used to produce polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a plastic
material used to make many products, including automotive
parts, furniture, and building materials.
What immediate health effects can result from vinyl chloride exposure?
Inhaling vinyl chloride causes sleepiness
and dizziness, and can cause loss of consciousness. If pressurized
liquid vinyl chloride escapes from its container and comes
in contact with the skin or eyes, it can cause frostbite or
irritation.
Can vinyl chloride poisoning be treated?
There is no antidote for vinyl chloride,
but its effects can be treated and most exposed persons recover
completely. Persons who have inhaled large amounts of vinyl
chloride might need to be hospitalized.
Are any future health effects likely to occur?
A single small exposure from which a
person recovers quickly is unlikely to cause delayed or long-term
effects. Exposure to vinyl chloride over many years can affect
the liver, nervous system, and skin. Long-term exposure can
cause a rare form of liver cancer.
What tests can be done if a person has been exposed to vinyl chloride?
Specific tests for the presence of vinyl
chloride in the breath or breakdown products in the urine
are available, but they must be performed shortly after exposure
and are not generally helpful. If a severe exposure has occurred,
blood and other tests might show whether the liver or other
organs have been damaged. Testing is not needed in every case.
Where can more information about vinyl chloride be found?
If the exposure happened at work, you
might be required to contact your employer and the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Employees may request
a Health Hazard Evaluation from the national Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
You can get more information about vinyl
chloride from your regional poison control center; your state,
county, or local health department; the Agency for Toxic Substances
and Disease Registry (ATSDR); your doctor; or a clinic in
your area that specializes in occupational and environmental
health. Ask the person who gave you this form for help locating
these telephone numbers.
Follow-up Instructions
Keep this page and take it with you to
your next appointment. Follow only the instructions
checked below.
Print instructions only.pdf icon[32.4 KB]
[ ] Call your doctor or the Emergency
Department if you develop any unusual signs or symptoms within
the next 24 hours, especially:
- dizziness, disorientation, drowsiness, or headaches
- difficulty breathing
- burning of skin or eyes
- nausea or loss of appetite
[ ] No follow-up appointment is necessary
unless you develop any of the symptoms listed above.
[ ] Call for an appointment with Dr.____
in the practice of ________.
When you call for your appointment, please
say that you were treated in the Emergency Department at _________
Hospital by________and were advised to be seen again in ____days.
[ ] Return to the Emergency Department/Clinic
on ____ (date) at _____ AM/PM for a follow-up examination.
[ ] Do not perform vigorous physical
activities for 1 to 2 days.
[ ] You may resume everyday activities
including driving and operating machinery.
[ ] Do not return to work for _____days.
[ ] You may return to work on a limited
basis. See instructions below.
[ ] Avoid exposure to cigarette smoke
for 72 hours; smoke may worsen the condition of your lungs.
[ ] Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages
for at least 24 hours; alcohol may worsen injury to your stomach
or have other effects.
[ ] Avoid taking the following medications:
________________
[ ] You may continue taking the following
medication(s) that your doctor(s) prescribed for you: _______________________________
[ ] Other instructions:
____________________________________
_____________________________________________________
- Provide the Emergency Department with the name and the
number of your primary care physician so that the ED can
send him or her a record of your emergency department visit.
- You or your physician can get more information on the
chemical by contacting: ____________ or _____________, or by
checking out the following Internet Web sites:
___________;__________.
Signature of patient _______________ Date ____________
Signature of physician _____________ Date ____________
Where can I get more information?
If you have questions or concerns, please contact your community or state health or environmental quality department or:
For more information, contact:
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Division of Toxicology and Human Health Sciences
4770 Buford Highway
Chamblee, GA 30341-3717
Phone: 1-800-CDC-INFO 888-232-6348 (TTY)
Email: Contact CDC-INFO
ATSDR can also tell you the location of occupational and environmental health clinics. These clinics specialize in recognizing, evaluating, and treating illnesses resulting from exposure to hazardous substances.