PRODUCT NAME: METHYLENE CHLORIDE
SAFETY DATA SHEET
1. PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION
INEOS Chlor Americas Inc
Address/Phone No.:
2036 Foulk Road, Suite 204
Wilmington
Delaware, 19810
Tel No (866) 296-0146
call CHEMTREC 1-800-424-9300
Emergency Phone No.:
For medical emergencies call 1-800-317-9643
Dichloromethane
Synonyms:
General purpose solvent.
Use of Substance / Preparation:
2. COMPOSITION/INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS
2.1 HAZARDOUS INGREDIENT(S)
Hazardous ingredient (s) CAS No. %(w/w) ACGIH TLV
Dichloromethane (Methylene Chloride) 000075-09-2 100 50 ppm BEI
3. HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION
3.1 Emergency Overview
Colourless, clear liquid with penetrating odour.
Harmful by inhalation. Continued or high exposures by inhalation will cause anaesthetic effects. This may result in a loss of
consciousness and could prove fatal.
Irritating to eyes and skin. Repeated exposure to high concentrations may produce adverse effects on the liver and kidney. Studies in
some animals have shown methylene chloride to be carcinogenic. These effects are species specific and are of no relevance to
human health. Methylene Chloride does not present a carcinogenic risk under any foreseeable conditions of handling and use.
Explosive mixtures of methylene chloride and air can be formed, but they are difficult to ignite and require high intensity sources of
heat such as welding arcs, sparks and flames or high temperatures and pressures.
3.2 Potential Health Effects
Moderate irritant.
Eye
Slight/mild irritant.
Skin
Can be absorbed through skin but not in sufficient amounts to cause adverse effects.
The swallowing of small splashes is unlikely to cause any adverse effects. Large
Ingestion
amounts may produce internal irritation, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea and can lead
to drowsiness and unconsciousness.
Harmful by inhalation. High concentrations of vapor may be irritant to the respiratory
Inhalation
tract. High atmospheric concentrations will lead to anaesthetic effects and adverse
effects on the central nervous system. Symptoms may include lightheadedness,
nausea, vomiting and headache. Exposure to concentrations of 1000ppm for 20
minutes causes lightheadedness. Very high concentrations may result in a loss of
consciousness. Very high exposures may cause an abnormal heart rhythm and prove
suddenly fatal.
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PRODUCT NAME: METHYLENE CHLORIDE
Repeated exposure to high concentrations may produce adverse effects on the liver
Chronic Effects
and kidney.
Chronic inhalation studies in mice have shown increases in lung and liver tumours,
when exposed to concentrations of methylene chloride well in excess of the
occupational exposure limit.
Extensive mechanistic research has shown that these carcinogenic effects are specific
to the mouse and are not relevant to human health.
This is due to well established differences in metabolic pathways between rodents and
man.
See Regulatory Information (Section 15).
Carcinogenicity / Regulatory Status
4. FIRST-AID MEASURES
Inhalation
Remove patient from exposure, keep warm and at rest. Administer oxygen if necessary. Apply artificial respiration if breathing has
ceased or shows signs of failing. In the event of cardiac arrest apply external cardiac massage.
Obtain immediate medical attention.
Skin Contact
Remove contaminated clothing. After contact with skin, wash immediately with plenty of water.
If symptoms (irritation or blistering) occur obtain medical attention.
Eye Contact
Ingestion
Do not induce vomiting. Provided the patient is conscious, wash out mouth with water and give 200-300 ml (half a pint) of water to
drink. Obtain immediate medical attention.
Note to Physicians
Symptomatic treatment and supportive therapy as indicated.
Adrenaline and similar sympathomimetic drugs should be avoided following exposure as cardiac arrhythmia may result with possible
subsequent cardiac arrest. Following ingestion adsorbents such as activated charcoal may be of value.
5. FIRE-FIGHTING MEASURES
Explosive mixtures of methylene chloride and air can be formed, but are difficult to ignite and require high intensity sources of heat,
such as welding arcs, sparks and flames or high temperatures and pressures; addition of small amounts of flammable substances to
methylene chloride (such as flammable liquids or gases) and / or an increase in the oxygen content of the local atmosphere, may
strongly enhance these effects.
Welding or cutting should not be carried out on any vessel likely to contain solvent because of the risk of explosion.
Thermal decomposition will evolve toxic and corrosive vapours of hydrogen chloride and phosgene.
Containers may burst if overheated due to thermal expansion of the contents.
Normal extinguishing media. Water spray should be used to cool containers.
Extinguishing Media
A self contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing must be worn in fire
Fire Fighting Protective Equipment
conditions.
6. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
Ensure suitable personal protection during removal of spillages. Do not empty into drains. Adsorb onto earth or sand and remove to
safe place. Transfer to a container for disposal or recovery.
Spillages or uncontrolled discharges into waterways must be alerted to the Environment Agency or other appropriate regulatory body.
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PRODUCT NAME: METHYLENE CHLORIDE
7. HANDLING AND STORAGE
7.1 Handling
Do not breathe vapor. Use only in well ventilated areas.
Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
Do not mix with nitric acid because detonable mixtures may be formed. Avoid contact with naked flames and hot surfaces as toxic and
corrosive decomposition products (hydrogen chloride ) can be formed. The vapour is heavier than air and may reach dangerously high
concentrations in pits, tanks, and other confined spaces. In such cases provide adequate ventilation or wear suitable respiratory
protective equipment with positive air supply.
When using do not smoke.
7.2 Storage
Keep in a cool, well ventilated place. Keep away from direct sunlight. Keep only in the original container. Keep away from nitric acid.
All bulk storage vessels should be made of steel and require a suitable vent or pressure relief valve and secondary containment to
prevent uncontrolled losses from accidental release. Do not use aluminium or its alloys in the construction of storage vessels,
pipework and ancillary equipment, including internal components e.g. pump impellers.
Due to the risk of explosion DO NOT weld, cut or burn drums or other vessels which contain or have contained methylene chloride.
8. EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION
Wear suitable protective clothing and gloves. Gloves should be changed when permeation is likely.
PVC has a breakthrough time of approximately 5 minutes.
PVA gives longer protection, but is weakened by alcohols and water and will provide less effective protection as a result.
Wear eye/face protection. Wear suitable respiratory protective equipment if exposure to levels above the occupational exposure limit
is likely. Positive air supplied RPE is recommended.
Exposure Guidelines
Exposure Guidelines OSHA OSHA ACGIH ACGIH Company Company
product(s) TWA ppm STEL ppm TWA ppm STEL ppm LTEL ppm STEL ppm
Dichloromethane (Methylene 25 125 50 - - -
Chloride)
9. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
These properties are the most relevant and no other properties are available.
volatile liquid
Form
clear
Color
Sharp penetrating
Odor
approx 200ppm
Odor Threshold (ppm)
40
Boiling Point (Deg C)
-97
Melting Point (Deg C)
355 at 20 Deg C , 529 at 30 Deg C
Vapour Pressure (mm Hg)
slightly soluble
Solubility (Water)
1.3% at 25 Deg C
Miscible with most organic solvents.
Solubility (Other)
1.32 (Water = 1 at 4 Deg C)
Specific Gravity
2.93
Vapour Density (Air= 1)
Flash point (BS EN 22719:1994) : None
Additional properties
Small Scale Test for Combustibility (BS 3900) :
Non-combustible.
Explosive limits (Company test method) :
at 25 Deg C LEL 18.8% v/v, UEL 19.5% v/v
at 50 Deg C LEL 17.5% v/v, UEL 20.1% v/v
at 100 Deg C LEL 16.1% v/v, UEL 21.5% v/v
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PRODUCT NAME: METHYLENE CHLORIDE
10. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY
Contact with red hot surfaces, sparks or naked flames may generate toxic fumes of
Hazardous Reactions
phosgene and hydrogen chloride. Forms a detonable mixture with nitric acid.
Incompatible materials: May react with certain amines, ie. polyurethane catalysts.
Prolonged contact with aluminium or light alloys may cause a reaction resulting in the
generation of hydrogen chloride gas and heat.
hydrogen chloride , Phosgene.
Decomposition Product(s)
11. TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Inhalation
Harmful by inhalation. High concentrations of vapor may be irritant to the respiratory tract. High atmospheric concentrations will lead to
anaesthetic effects and adverse effects on the central nervous system. Symptoms may include lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting and
headache. Exposure to concentrations of 1000ppm for 20 minutes causes lightheadedness. Very high concentrations may result in a
loss of consciousness. Very high exposures may cause an abnormal heart rhythm and prove suddenly fatal.
Methylene chloride is converted to carbon monoxide in the body, which reduces the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood. This is
reflected by a raised carboxyhaemoglobin concentration in the blood.
Skin Contact
Slight/mild irritant. Will remove the natural greases resulting in dryness, cracking and dermatitis. Repeated and/or prolonged skin
contact may cause reddening, burning and blisters.
Can be absorbed through skin but not in sufficient amounts to cause adverse effects.
Eye Contact
Moderate irritant. Liquid splashes may result in transient eye damage.
Ingestion
The swallowing of small splashes is unlikely to cause any adverse effects. Large amounts may produce internal irritation, nausea,
vomiting and diarrhoea and can lead to drowsiness and unconsciousness.
Long Term Exposure
Repeated exposure to high concentrations may produce adverse effects on the liver and kidney.
Chronic inhalation studies in mice have shown increases in lung and liver tumours, when exposed to concentrations of methylene
chloride well in excess of the occupational exposure limit.
Extensive mechanistic research has shown that these carcinogenic effects are specific to the mouse and are not relevant to human
health.
This is due to well established differences in metabolic pathways between rodents and man.
Several major studies on humans occupationally exposed to methylene chloride have shown no demonstrable link with cancer.
12. ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Environmental Fate and Distribution
High tonnage material produced in wholly contained systems.
High tonnage material used in open systems.
Liquid with high volatility. The product is sparingly soluble in water. The product partitions into the atmosphere.
The product has low potential for bioaccumulation.
Persistence and Degradation
This product does not persist in the atmosphere. It is naturally degraded to hydrogen chloride and carbon dioxide.
Atmospheric lifetime is approximately 6 months.
The product is slowly biodegradable in water.
The product is slowly biodegradable in soil.
Biodegradability : half-life (bacteria) approximately 18 months. Biodegradability : psuedomonas strain - 0.8g/l/hr.
Ecotoxicity
May cause harm to aquatic organisms.
Effect on Effluent Treatment
The product is substantially removed in biological treatment processes. There is no evidence of inhibition to the aerobic treatment
process at a concentration (mg/l) of 200.
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PRODUCT NAME: METHYLENE CHLORIDE
13. DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS
Disposal should be in accordance with local, state or national legislation. Transfer solvent residues to a labelled, sealed container for
disposal or recovery. Waste disposal must be by an accredited contractor. Large volumes may be suitable for redistillation by solvent
recovery contractors. Solvent residues must not be allowed to enter drains, sewers or watercourses or to contaminate the ground.
Due to the risk of explosion DO NOT weld, cut or burn drums or other vessels which contain or have contained methylene chloride.
14. TRANSPORT INFORMATION
AIR
ICAO/IATA
6.1
: primary
III
Packing group Air
SEA
IMDG
6.1
: primary
III
U.N. Packing group Sea
DICHLOROMETHANE
Proper Shipping Name
ROAD/RAIL
6.1
ADR/RID Class
1593
ADR Sin
TDG / DOT
6.1
Hazards Class
UN 1593
Identification No
III
Packing Group
1000 lbs / 454 kg
Hazardous Substances (RQ)
KEEP AWAY FROM FOOD, 1593, Class 6
Placard
15. REGULATORY INFORMATION
US FEDERAL REGULATIONS
This product is classified as a "Hazardous Chemical" by definition of Hazard
OSHA Classifcation
Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) Occupational exposures to methylene
chloride are specifically regulated under 29 CFR 1910.1052
Methylene chloride is listed by NTP as 'reasonably anticipated to be a human
Carcinogen Status
carcinogen' and by IARC as a Group 2B carcinogen.
Yes
TSCA Inventory Status
This material is listed in Table 302.4 of 40 CFR Part 302 as a hazardous substance
CERCLA
with a reportable quantity of 100 lbs. Releases to air, land or water which exceed the
RQ must be reported to the National Response Centre, 800-424-8802.
Sections 313 and 40 CFR 372: This product is subject to reporting requirements.
SARA
Sections 311/312 (40 CFR 370.2): An immediate health hazard; A delayed health
hazard.
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65: Methylene chloride is listed as a chemical known to
the State of California to cause cancer.
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PRODUCT NAME: METHYLENE CHLORIDE
This product has been classified in accordance with the hazard criteria of the CPR
Canadian Regulations
(Controlled Products Regulations) and this MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet)
contains all the information required by the CPR.
The substances in this product are on the Canadian Domestic Substances List (CEPA
DSL).
Controlled Products Regulations (WHMIS) Classification:
Class D1B: Toxic material causing immediate and serious toxic effects.
Class D2A: Very toxic material causing other toxic effects.
EINECS : 200-838-9
EU
United States, Australia, Canada, China, EU, Japan, Korea, Philippines
Inventory Status
16. OTHER INFORMATION
Explosive limit data from Company measurements using 5 litre ASTM flask with 6 Amp hot wire or fusing wire ignition source.
Health 2, Flammability 1, Reactivity 0
NFPA ratings
Information in this publication is believed to be accurate and is given in good faith, but it is for the Customer to satisfy itself of the
suitability for its own particular purpose. Accordingly, Ineos Chlor Limited gives no warranty as to the fitness of the Product for any
particular purpose and any implied warranty or condition (statutory or otherwise) is excluded except to the extent that such exclusion is
prevented by law. Freedom under Patent, Copyright and Designs cannot be assumed.
GLOSSARY
ACGIH - American Conference of Govermental Industrial Hygienists
CAS - Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number
CFR - Code of Federal Regulations
COM - The company aims to control exposure in its workplace to this limit
DOT - Department of Transportation
EINECS - European Inventory of Existing Commercial Chemical Substances
OSHA - Occupational Safety & Health Administration
SARA - Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of the U.S. EPA
TDG - Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act/Regulations
TLV - Threshold Limit Value
TSCA - Toxic Substances Control Act
TWA - Time-Weighted Average
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