DICHLOROMETHANE

ICSC: 0058

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

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: all extinguishing agents allowed.
EXPLOSION	Risk of fire and explosion (see Chemical Dangers).		In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.

EXPOSURE		AVOID ALL CONTACT!
INHALATION	Dizziness. Drowsiness. Headache. Nausea. Unconsciousness. Weakness. death.	Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration if indicated. 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

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. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment (extra personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus).

Separated from metals (see Chemical Dangers), food and feedstuffs. Cool. Ventilation along the floor.

Unbreakable packaging; put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container. Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
Xn symbol
R: 40
S: 23-24/25-36/37
UN Hazard Class: 6.1
UN Packing Group: III

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

ICSC: 0058

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS CEC 1993

International Chemical Safety Cards

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, magnesium, sodium, potassium, lithium, strong bases and oxidants, causing fire and explosion hazard. Attacks some forms of plastics, rubber and coatings.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
TLV: 50 ppm; 174 mg/m³ (ACGIH 1992-1993).

ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, through the skin 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 irritates the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. Swallowing the liquid may cause aspiration into the lungs with the risk of chemical pneumonitis. The substance may cause effects on the blood , resulting in formation of methaemoglobin. Exposure could cause lowering of consciousness. Exposure could cause formation of carboxyhaemoglobin.

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 , resulting in degenerative brain disease and enlargement of the 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: 640°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 14-25%
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 1.25

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA

This substance may be hazardous to the environment; special attention should be given to water organisms.

NOTES

According to ACGIH this substance belongs to group A2 indicating suspected human carcinogen. Smoking has an additive effect on carbon monoxide formation in blood. Combustible vapour/air mixtures difficult to ignite, may be developed under certain conditions. Addition of small amounts of a flammable substance or an increase in the oxygen content of the air strongly enhances combustibility. Use of alcoholic beverages enhances the harmful effect. Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is indicated. 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.

Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-720
NFPA Code: H2; F1; R0;

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ICSC: 0058	DICHLOROMETHANE
© IPCS, CEC, 1993

IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE:

Neither the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of 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.