Nitrogen trichloride

120.36600

120.37

233-045-1

VA681HRW8W

DTXSID4074938

Yellow, oily liquid; explodes|Yellowish oil or rhombic crystals|Yellow, thick, oily liquid

3.24000

1.74980

Yellow oily liquid

1.72 g/cm3

-40ºC (233 K)

70ºC at 760 mmHg

134-136°C

1.492

Insoluble in water|Insoluble in cold water; decomposes in hot water|Soluble in carbon disulfide, benzene, carbon tetrachloride|Soluble in trichloromethane|Soluble in phosphorus trichloride

131mmHg at 25°C

Pungent

Very unstable, volatile ... explodes above 60 °C. MP: less than or equal to -40 °C. BP: less than or equal to 71 °C|Evaporates rapidly in air ... Decomposes in light

II

5.1

UN 3099

R36/37/38; R34; R10

S26; S36; S45; S36/37

Xi; C

... Evaporates rapidly in air, very unstable.

SRP: Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in air, soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations. If it is possible or reasonable use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination.

Explosive decomposition is initiated by contact with: concentrated ammonia, arsenic, dinitrogen tetraoxide, hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen trisulfide, nitrogen oxide, organic matter, ozone, phosphine, phosphorus, potassium cyanide, potassium hydroxide solutions, selenium, hydrogen chloride, hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen bromide, hydrogen iodide.|Explodes when heated to 93 °C, subjected to a flash of direct sunlight or magnesium light, sealed in glass containers at 60 °C after 13 seconds, frozen in liquid air and thawed in vacuo, in contact with ozone, nitric oxide, grease, and several organic substances.|Five liters of sodium hypochlorite aqueous solution (12 mass%) was poured into 300 L of liquid waste containing ammonium ion of about 1.8 mol/L in a 500 L tank in a plant area; then, two minutes later the solution exploded with a flash on March 30th, 2005. The tank cover, the fluorescent lamp and the air duct were broken by the blast wave. Thus, we have conducted 40 runs of laboratory-scale explosion tests under various conditions (solution concentrations of (NH4)2SO4 and NaClO, temperatures, Pt catalysts, pH, etc.) to investigate the causes for such an explosion. When solutions of ammonium sulfate and sodium hypochlorite are mixed in the presence of platinum black, explosions result. This is ascribable to the formation of explosive nitrogen trichloride (NCl3). In the case where it is necessary to mix these 2 solutions (ammonium sulfate and sodium hypochlorite) in the presence of platinum black, the following conditions would reduce a probability of explosion; the initial concentration of NH4(+) should be less than 3 mol/L and the pH should be higher than 6. The hypochlorite solution (in 1/10 in volume) to be added at room temperature is recommended to be less than 0.6 mol/L.|Mixtures with chlorine + hydrogen are potentially explosive.|During preparation of nitrogen trichloride by bubbling chlorine into an aqueous solution of ammonium sulfate and 100 mL of the ether, 50 mL of the ether-NCl3 mixture over ammonium sulfate solution was stored in a refrigerator. Five minutes later, the mixture exploded violently.

Nitrogen trichloride explodes on contact with concentrated ammonia, arsenic, hydrogen sulfide, nitric oxide, organic matter, ozone, phosphine, phosphorus, potassium cyanide, potassium hydroxide, or selenium.|An explosive sensitive to impact, light, and ultrasound. The solid explodes on melting. The liquid explodes above 60 °C. Concentrated solutions are also explosive.|Nitrogen trichloride is an explosive substance. Even grease from fingers can cause explosion.

SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses by industrial workers is inconsistent. The benefits or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.

An irritant to the eyes, skin, mucous membranes...

Nitrogen chloride is formed as a disinfection by-product in recreational pool water(1).

IDENTIFICATION AND USE: Nitrogen chloride is a yellow, oily liquid, which explodes easily. It was used as a flour bleach (no longer permitted in US). It is a volatile chlorination by-product and a potent respiratory irritant present in swimming pools. HUMAN STUDIES: The most commonly reported symptoms consisted of cough, dyspnea, tearing eyes and blocked or runny nose. Airway hyperreactivity to histamine was also detected in exposed subjects. Cases of workers who developed occupational asthma following exposure to airborne nitrogen chloride in indoor chlorinated swimming pools are reported. Epidemiology studies show that lifeguards and trainers experience ocular and respiratory irritative symptoms from nitrogen chloride more frequently than employees not exposed. Cleaning and disinfecting workers in the food industry are at risk of developing eye, nasal, and throat irritation symptoms. Although nitrogen chloride exposure does not seem to carry a risk of developing permanent bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR), the possibility of transient BHR cannot be ruled out. Altered levels of innate immunity proteins in the upper airways of exposed individuals may pose as potential biomarkers. ANIMAL STUDIES: The expiratory bradypnea indicative of upper airway irritation in mice was evaluated during a 60-min oronasal exposure to increasing concentrations of nitrogen trichloride. The maximal response of nitrogen trichloride was reached in 10 min. In rats pulmonary edema appears to contribute significantly to mortality produced by inhalation of nitrogen chloride. The subchronic toxicity of 0.2-90 ppm nitrogen chloride in the drinking water of rats was investigated using biochemical, hematological, and histopathological parameters. Nitrogen chloride at level of >2 ppm induced adaptive histopathological changes in thyroids and kidneys of animals of both sexes.

In this study an in vitro exposure test to investigate toxicological effects of the volatile disinfection by-product trichloramine and of real indoor pool air was established. For this purpose a set-up to generate a well-defined, clean gas stream of trichloramine was combined with biotests. Human alveolar epithelial lung cells of the cell line A-549 were exposed in a CULTEX() device with trichloramine concentrations between 0.1 and 40 mg/cu m for 1 hr. As toxicological endpoints the cell viability and the inflammatory response by the cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 were investigated. A decreasing cell viability could be observed with increasing trichloramine concentration. An increase of IL-8 release could be determined at trichloramine concentrations higher than 10 mg/cu m and an increase of IL-6 release at concentrations of 20 mg/cu m. Investigations of indoor swimming pool air showed similar inflammatory effects to the lung cells although the air concentrations of trichloramine of 0.17 and 0.19 mg/cu m were much lower compared with the laboratory experiments with trichloramine as the only contaminant. Therefore it is assumed that a mixture of trichloramine and other disinfection by-products in the air of indoor pool settings contribute to that effect.

LC50 Rats, inhalation 112 ppm/1 hr

Nitrogen chloride is degraded by UV irradiation with low and medium pressure mercury lamps; quantum yield slightly above 2 mol/einstien in purified and pool water(1).

/SRP:/ Immediate first aid: Ensure that adequate decontamination has been carried out. If patient is not breathing, start artificial respiration, preferably with a demand-valve resuscitator, bag-valve-mask device, or pocket mask, as trained. Perform CPR as necessary. Immediately flush contaminated eyes with gently flowing water. Do not induce vomiting. If vomiting occurs, lean patient forward or place on left side (head-down position, if possible) to maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration. Keep patient quiet and maintain normal body temperature. obtain medical attention. /Explosives/|/SRP:/ Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway (oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway, if needed). 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. Monitor for pulmonary edema and treat if necessary ... . Monitor for shock and treat if necessary ... . Anticipate seizures and treat if necessary ... . For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with 0.9% saline (NS) 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 ... . /Explosives/|/SRP:/ Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious, has severe pulmonary edema, or is in severe respiratory distress. Positive-pressure ventilation techniques with a bag valve mask device may be beneficial. Consider drug therapy for pulmonary edema ... . Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias as necessary ... . Start IV administration of D5W /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use 0.9% saline (NS) or lactated Ringer's (LR) if signs of hypovolemia are present. For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid cautiously. Watch for signs of fluid overload ... . Treat seizures with diazepam (Valium) or lorazepam (Ativan) ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Explosives/|/SRP:/ Immediate first aid: Ensure that adequate decontamination has been carried out. If patient is not breathing, start artificial respiration, preferably with a demand-valve resuscitator, bag-valve-mask device, or pocket mask, as trained. Perform CPR if necessary. Immediately flush contaminated eyes with gently flowing water. Do not induce vomiting. If vomiting occurs, lean patient forward or place on left side (head-down position, if possible) to maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration. Keep patient quiet and maintain normal body temperature. Obtain medical attention. /Chlorine and related compounds/|For more Antidote and Emergency Treatment (Complete) data for Nitrogen chloride (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

/EPIDEMIOLOGY STUDIES/ BACKGROUND: Several members of a swimming club complained of respiratory symptoms associated with attending a municipal indoor swimming pool. Trichloramine, a volatile chlorination by-product and a potent respiratory irritant, was the most probable culprit, but the exact cause for its presence in excessive concentrations remained elusive. METHODS: Twenty-two competitive swimmers and six coaches were evaluated during the outbreak and nine swimmers and four coaches were re-evaluated one year later. Symptoms were recorded by non-standardized history taking; pulmonary function testing included spirometry, measurement of fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) and histamine provocation. Concentrations of trichloramine in air were measured repeatedly by the method of Hery. RESULTS: The most commonly reported symptoms consisted of cough (n=16), dyspnea (n=13), tearing eyes (n=10) and blocked or runny nose (n=6). Mean FEV1% predicted was 109.1%. Mean FENO level was 19.7 ppb (higher than 25 ppb in 3 subjects). Airway hyperreactivity to histamine (PC20 = 8 mg/mL) was detected in 22/26 subjects. Measured trichloramine concentrations in air exceeded the maximal concentration (WHO) of 0.5 mg/cu m four times between May and October 2011 and four times between January and March 2012. Polyamine compounds, present in glue used for repairing pipework, were identified as a probable external source of nitrogen resulting in increasing trichloramine concentrations. After the removal of the presumed cause of the excessive trichloramine concentrations, most subjects improved clinically, but several subjects remained symptomatic and had bronchial hyperreactivity. DISCUSSION: A high prevalence of airway hyperreactivity, accompanied by symptoms of upper and lower airways, was detected in swimmers who had been repeatedly exposed to high trichloramine concentrations. A glue containing polyamines, used to repair a pipework, was suspected to be the source of this excessive production of trichloramine.|/EPIDEMIOLOGY STUDIES/ Ten indoor swimming pools in Taipei, Taiwan were included in the study to assess the exposure of people to airborne trichloramine (NCl3) and also to discover the factors that might affect the associated concentrations. An active air sampling method was performed to determine the levels of NCl3, while questionnaires were administered to swimming pool workers, including lifeguards, swimming instructors, and management employees. The results show that the concentrations of trichloramine ranged from 0.017 to 0.15 mg/cu m, which were generally lower than what have been reported from other studies. Symptoms of sore throat and phlegm were more frequent among lifeguards and swimming instructors (exposure group) than management employees (reference group) (odds ratios were 11.28 and 4.22 for sore throat and phlegm, respectively). It seems that the current exposure limit for airborne NCl3, which was recommended by WHO, was not lower enough to protect the health of pool attendants. Regulated level of free available chlorine in Taipei (i.e., 0.3-0.7 ppm) is lower than what is required in other countries (e.g., 1-3 ppm in the UK). This might be the main reason why the concentrations of NCl3 reported elsewhere were higher than what were found in this research. Further international comparisons will help to elucidate if low free chlorine concentration should be adopted as an operating standard. For the indoor swimming pools in Taipei, the air quality is suggested to be improved, since even with the low concentrations of NCl3, higher respiratory ailments among pool workers were observed.|/EPIDEMIOLOGY STUDIES/ OBJECTIVES: To describe associations among swimming, respiratory health, allergen sensitization and Clara cell protein 16 (CC16) levels in Dutch schoolchildren. Trichloramine levels in swimming pool air were determined to assess potential exposure levels. METHODS: Respiratory health and pool attendance information was collected from 2359 children, aged 6-13 years. Serum from 419 children was tested for allergen sensitization and CC16 levels. Trichloramine levels were assessed in nine swimming facilities. RESULTS: Trichloramine levels ranged from 0.03 to 0.78 mg/cu m (average 0.21 mg/cu m). Reported swimming pool attendance and trichloramine exposure were both not associated with asthma, wheezing, rhinitis or CC16 levels. Birch and house dust mite sensitization were associated with recent indoor swimming (OR>1.86), but not after considering recent swimming frequency multiplied by trichloramine levels. Sensitization to house dust mites was associated with frequent baby swimming (ORs=1.75; 95% CI 1.09 to 2.79). Furthermore, sensitization was associated with lower serum CC16 levels. CC16 levels were associated with average trichloramine concentrations in pools; however, not after considering swimming frequency multiplied by trichloramine levels. CONCLUSIONS: Measured trichloramine levels were comparable with other studies but lower than in an earlier Dutch study. Swimming pool attendance was not associated with respiratory symptoms. The association between sensitization and swimming during the first 2 years of life suggests that early-life exposures might be important, although this needs further study. The interpretation of transient and chronic changes of CC16 and other inflammatory markers in relation to the pool environment and health impacts warrants further investigation. Detailed comparisons with other studies are limited as few studies have measured trichloramine levels.|/EPIDEMIOLOGY STUDIES/ The hypothesis that attendance at indoor chlorinated swimming pool is a risk factor for irritative ocular and respiratory symptoms and bronchial asthma is well known in literature, although epidemiological evidence is still inconclusive. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between airborne trichloramine (NCl(3)) levels and irritative symptoms in swimming pool employees in order to obtain detailed data regarding dose-response relationships and to identify the airborne NCl(3) exposure level, if any, without health effects. A total of 20 indoor swimming pools in the Emilia Romagna region of Italy were included in the study. Information about the health status of 128 employees was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Exposure to airborne NCl(3) was evaluated in indoor swimming pools by a modified DPD/KI method. The results of the study evidenced a mean value of airborne NCl(3) of 0.65 +/- 0.20 mg/cu m (ranging from 0.20 to 1.02 mg/cu m). Both ocular and upper respiratory symptoms, in particular red eyes, runny nose, voice loss and cold symptoms, were declared more frequently by lifeguards and trainers when compared with employees working in other areas of the facility (office, cafe, and so on). Pool attendants exposed to airborne NCl(3) levels of >0.5 mg/cu m experienced higher risks for runny nose (OR: 2.91; 95% CI: 1.22-6.93) red eyes (OR: 3.16; 95% CI: 1.46-6.82), voice loss (OR: 3.56; 95% CI: 1.60-7.95) and itchy eyes (OR: 2.23; 95% CI: 1.04-4.78) than other employees. Moreover, red eyes, itchy eyes, runny nose and voice loss are related to airborne NCl(3) levels, with strong dose-response relationships. In conclusion, this study shows that lifeguards and trainers experience ocular and respiratory irritative symptoms more frequently than employees not exposed. Irritative symptoms become significant starting from airborne NCl(3) levels of >0.5 mg/cu m ... .|For more Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for Nitrogen chloride (16 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

nitrogen chloride

Method: Standard Methods 4500-Cl G; Procedure: DPD /N,N-diethyl-p-phenylenediamine/ colorimetric method; Analyte: nitrogen trichloride; Matrix: water; Detection Limit: 10 ug/L.|The quality of the environmental air from indoor swimming pools has been associated with various health risks. Particular attention has focused on the effects of chronic lung exposure to chlorine and its by-products, especially in young children. We developed a simple, non-toxic approach to detect and monitor nitrogen trichloride air levels in the indoor swimming pool environment. The proposed Impinger Method (IM) was used to measure the environmental levels of nitrogen trichloride (NCl3) in 17 indoor swimming pools located in Northern Italy. This new analytical protocol is based on a colorimetric reaction commonly employed to detect the total and free chlorine levels in water. Specifically, IM allows the entrapment of NCl3 into a water solution containing diethyl-p-phenylenediamine (DPD 1) and Potassium Iodide (DPD 3). NCl3 from the air environment reacts with DPD 3 releasing iodine, which reacts with DPD 1 and produces a coloration proportional to the amount of NCl3 from the sampled indoor swimming pool air. Our sampling of the monitored swimming pool environments evidenced a mean NCl3 level (637+/-220 ug/cu m) higher than the recommended WHO value (500 ug/cu m). The IM was validated in terms of linearity (R 2=0.996), limit of detection (3.6 ug/cu m) and repeatability (CV=1.7%), demonstrating easy-to-use characteristics, good efficiency and low cost.|Trichloramine is a hazardous disinfection by-product, which is present in chlorinated swimming pools. Although it is primarily taken up by inhalation, the concentration in pool water is important to monitor pool water quality and to assess trichloramine mitigation strategies. To date, scarce data is available on trichloramine concentration in pool water due to the lack of a suitable and easily applicable analytical method. This study presents a novel low cost, colorimetric method which is easy to operate and suitable for on-site measurements of trichloramine concentrations =0.05 uM (=0.01 mg/L as Cl2). The analytical method (termed "extraction-based ABTS method") consists of, (i) trichloramine stripping from pool water samples, (ii) passing it through a solid phase filter, composed of silica gel impregnated with sulfamic acid to eliminate interferences and (iii) trichloramine reaction with the indicator 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) to produce the coloured ABTS(dot-) radical, which is measured at lamda = 405 nm to determine the trichloramine concentration in the pool water sample. A comparison of the extraction-based ABTS method with membrane introduction mass spectrometry (MIMS) for 28 pool samples revealed a good correlation of the two methods. The trichloramine concentration in pool samples is correlated to HOCl, which is the most important factor for its formation. Other parameters such as combined chlorine and pH play a minor role while no correlation between trichloramine and the urea or the TOC concentration was observed. On-site measurements with MIMS in a wading pool over 6 days with a time resolution of 1 hr confirmed that trichloramine concentrations strongly responded to changes in free chlorine concentrations. A diurnal measurement of trichloramine with a time resolution of 20 min revealed that trichloramine concentrations reacted quickly and sensitively to the bather load and that urea is probably not the main precursor for its formation.