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NIOSH

DICHLOROMETHANE

ICSC: 0058

Methylene chloride
DCM
CH2Cl2
Molecular mass: 84.9
ICSC # 0058 		CAS # 75-09-2
RTECS # PA8050000
UN # 1593
EC # 602-004-00-3
December 04, 2000 Validated

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE

ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS

PREVENTION

FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING

FIRE Combustible under specific conditions. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.

In case of fire in the surroundings: use appropriate extinguishing media.
EXPLOSION Risk of fire and explosion (see Chemical Dangers).
Prevent build-up of electrostatic charges (e.g., by grounding).
In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.
EXPOSURE
PREVENT GENERATION OF MISTS! STRICT HYGIENE!

•INHALATION Dizziness. Drowsiness. Headache. Nausea. Weakness. Unconsciousness. Death.
Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.
Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.
•SKIN Dry skin. Redness. Burning sensation.
Protective gloves. Protective clothing.
Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap.
•EYES Redness. Pain. Severe deep burns.
Safety goggles , face shield or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
•INGESTION Abdominal pain. (Further see Inhalation).
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.
Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Give plenty of water to drink. Rest.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and vapours. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Ventilation. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent and remove to safe place.
Separated from metals ( see Chemical Dangers ), food and feedstuffs . Cool. Ventilation along the floor.
Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
Xn symbol
R: 40
S: (2-)23-24/25-36/37
UN Hazard Class: 6.1
UN Packing Group: III
ICSC: 0058 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

DICHLOROMETHANE

ICSC: 0058

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PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS LIQUID , WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
The vapour is heavier than air. As a result of flow, agitation, etc., electrostatic charges can be generated.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
On contact with hot surfaces or flames this substance decomposes forming toxic and corrosive fumes. Reacts violently with metals such as aluminium powder and magnesium powder, strong bases and strong oxidants causing fire and explosion hazard. Attacks some forms of plastic rubber and coatings.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: 50 ppm as TWA; A3 (confirmed animal carcinogen with unknown relevance to humans); BEI issued; (ACGIH 2004).
MAK:
Carcinogen category: 3A;
(DFG 2004).
OSHA PEL: 1910.1052 TWA 25 ppm ST 125 ppm
NIOSH REL: Ca See Appendix A
NIOSH IDLH: Ca 2300 ppm See: 75092


ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
A harmful contamination of the air can be reached very quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance is irritating to the eyes , the skin and the respiratory tract . Exposure could cause lowering of consciousness. Exposure could cause the formation of methaemoglobin.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis. The substance may have effects on the central nervous system and liver . This substance is possibly carcinogenic to humans.

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point: 40°C
Melting point: -95.1°C
Relative density (water = 1): 1.3
Solubility in water, g/100 ml at 20°C: 1.3
Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 47.4
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 2.9
Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.9
Auto-ignition temperature: 556°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 12-25
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 1.25

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA

This substance may be hazardous in the environment; special attention should be given to ground water contamination.

N O T E S

Addition of small amounts of a flammable substance or an increase in the oxygen content of the air strongly enhances combustibility. Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is suggested. The odour warning when the exposure limit value is exceeded is insufficient. Do NOT use in the vicinity of a fire or a hot surface, or during welding. R30 is a trade name. Card has been partly updated in April 2005. See section Occupational Exposure Limits.
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-61S1593

NFPA Code: H2; F1; R0;

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION



ICSC: 0058 DICHLOROMETHANE
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.
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