Common Name: Methyl Chloroform CAS Number: 71-55-6 DOT Number: UN 2831 Date: October 30, 1986 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Methyl Chloroform can affect you when breathed in and by passing through your skin. * It may cause mutations. Handle with extreme caution. * Exposure can cause you to feel dizzy and lightheaded. Higher levels can cause unconsciousness, irregular heartbeat and death. * Contact can irritate the skin and eyes. * Prolonged contact can cause thickening and cracking of the skin. IDENTIFICATION Methyl Chloroform is a colorless liquid with a chloroform like odor. It is used as a cleaning solvent. REASON FOR CITATION * Methyl Chloroform is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, NIOSH and NFPA. * Definitions are attached. HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING EXPOSED * Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely evaluated. This may include collecting personal and area air samples. You can obtain copies of sampling results from your employer. You have a legal right to this information under OSHA 1910.20. * If you think you are experiencing any work related health problems, see a doctor trained to recognize occupational diseases. Take this Fact Sheet with you. * ODOR THRESHOLD = 120 ppm. * The odor threshold only serves as a warning of exposure. Not smelling it does not mean you are not being exposed. WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 350 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift. NIOSH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 350 ppm, not to be exceeded during any 15 minute work period. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 350 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift and 450 ppm as a STEL (short term exposure limit). * The above exposure limits are for air levels only. * Methyl Chloroform may cause mutations. All contact with this chemical should be reduced to the lowest possible level. WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE * Where possible, enclose operations and use local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release. If local exhaust ventilation or enclosure is not used, respirators should be worn. * Wear protective work clothing. * Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to Methyl Chloroform and at the end of the workshift. * Post hazard and warning information in the work area. In addition, as part of an ongoing education and training effort, communicate all information on the health and safety hazards of Methyl Chloroform to potentially exposed workers. This Fact Sheet is a summary source of information of all potential and most severe health hazards that may result from exposure. Duration of exposure, concentration of the substance and other factors will affect your susceptibility to any of the potential effects described below. ------------------------------------------ HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION Acute Health Effects The following acute (short term) health effects may occur immediately or shortly after exposure to Methyl Chloroform: * Exposure can cause you to feel dizzy and lightheaded. Higher levels can cause unconsciousness, irregular heart beat and death. * Contact can irritate the skin and eyes. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Methyl Chloroform and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * Methyl Chloroform may cause mutations (genetic changes) in living cells. Whether or not it poses a cancer or re productive hazard needs further study. Reproductive Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, Methyl Chloroform has been tested and has not been shown to adversely affect reproduction. Other Long Term Effects * High exposures may damage the liver and kidneys. * Prolonged contact can cause thickening and cracking of the skin. MEDICAL Medical Testing If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * Liver function tests. Any evaluation should include a careful history of past and present symptoms with an exam. Medical tests that look for damage already done are not a substitute for controlling exposure. Request copies of your medical testing. You have a legal right to this information under OSHA 1910.20. Conditions Made Worse By Exposure * Persons with heart disease may be at an increased risk of irregular heartbeat from very high exposures. WORKPLACE CONTROLS AND PRACTICES Unless a less toxic chemical can be substituted for a hazardous substance, ENGINEERING CONTROLS are the most effective way of reducing exposure. The best protection is to enclose operations and/or provide local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release. Isolating operations can also reduce exposure. Using respirators or protective equipment is less effective than the controls mentioned above, but is sometimes necessary. In evaluating the controls present in your workplace, consider: (1) how hazardous the substance is, (2) how much of the substance is released into the workplace and (3) whether harmful skin or eye contact could occur. Special controls should be in place for highly toxic chemicals or when significant skin, eye, or breathing exposures are possible. In addition, the following controls are recommended: * Where possible, automatically pump liquid Methyl Chloroform from drums or other storage containers to process containers. * Specific engineering controls are recommended for this chemical by NIOSH. Refer to the NIOSH criteria document: 1,1,1 Trichloroethane #76 184. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Methyl Chloroform should change into clean clothing promptly. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to Methyl Chloroform. * On skin contact with Methyl Chloroform, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the work shift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Methyl Chloroform, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Methyl Chloroform is handled, processed, or stored, since the chemical can be swallowed. Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking. * Do not smoke in the work area. Even a little vapor inhaled through a burning cigarette, cigar, or pipe will be converted into more highly toxic substances. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT WORKPLACE CONTROLS ARE BETTER THAN PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT. However, for some jobs (such as outside work, confined space entry, jobs done only once in a while, or jobs done while workplace controls are being installed), personal protective equipment may be appropriate. The following recommendations are only guidelines and may not apply to every situation. Clothing * Avoid skin contact with Methyl Chloroform. Wear solvent resistant gloves and clothing. Safety equipment suppliers/manufacturers can provide recommendations on the most protective glove/ clothing material for your operation. * Avoid skin contact with Methyl Chloroform. Wear acid resistant gloves and clothing. Safety equipment suppliers/ manufacturers can provide recommendations on the most protective glove/ clothing material for your operation. * ACGIH recommends Polyvinyl Alcohol, Neoprene or Leather as good to excellent protective materials. Eye Protection * Wear splash proof chemical goggles and face shield when working with liquid, unless full facepiece respiratory protection is worn. Respiratory Protection IMPROPER USE OF RESPIRATORS IS DANGEROUS. Such equipment should only be used if the employer has a written program that takes into account workplace conditions, requirements for worker training, respirator fit testing and medical exams, as described in OSHA 1910.134. * Where the potential exists for exposures over 350 ppm, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved supplied air respirator with a full facepiece operated in the positive pressure mode or with a full facepiece, hood, or helmet in the continuous flow mode, or use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in pressure demand or other positive pressure mode. * Exposure to 1,000 ppm is immediately dangerous to life and health. If the possibility of exposures above 1,000 ppm exists, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in continuous flow or other positive pressure mode. HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with Methyl Chloroform you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Methyl Chloroform must be stored to avoid contact with STRONG CAUSTICS, (such as SODIUM and POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE); ACETONE; STRONG OXIDIZERS, (such as CHLORINE, CHLORINE DIOXIDE and BROMINE) and CHEMICALLY ACTIVE METALS, (such as POTASSIUM, ALUMINUM, ZINC and MAGNESIUM) since violent reactions occur. * Do not allow vapor near sources of ultraviolet light (such as arc welding) because poisonous gases may be produced. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated area away from HEAT and MOISTURE. DO NOT USE ALUMINUM CONTAINERS. Common Name: Methyl Chloroform DOT Number: UN 2831 DOT Emergency Guide code: 74 CAS Number: 71-55-6 ---------------------------------------- NJ DOH Hazard rating FLAMMABILITY Not Found REACTIVITY Not Found ---------------------------------------- POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED IN FIRE CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Methyl Chloroform is a non combustible liquid. * Extinguish fire using an agent suitable for type of surrounding fire. Methyl Chloroform itself does not burn. * Water can be used to keep fire exposed containers cool. * POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED IN FIRE. * CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If Methyl Chloroform is spilled or leaked, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill or leak until cleanup is complete. * Ventilate area of spill or leak. * Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or a similar material and deposit in sealed containers. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Methyl Chloroform as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state Environmental Program for specific recommendations. ========================================== FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire department. ========================================== FIRST AID POISON INFORMATION Eye Contact * Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Skin Contact * Remove contaminated clothing. Wash contaminated skin with soap and water. Breathing * Remove the person from exposure. * Begin rescue breathing if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. * Transfer promptly to a medical facility. PHYSICAL DATA Vapor Pressure: 100 mm Hg at 68oF Water Solubility: Slightly soluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Ethane, 1,1,1 Trichloro Other Names and Formulations: Chlorothene NU; Chlorothene VG; Methyltrichloromethane. ------------------------------------------ Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial purposes. ------------------------------------------ NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Right to Know Program CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625 0368 ------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------------- ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION Methyl Chloroform is a liquid, used mostly as a solvent and a cleaning and degreasing agent. It may enter the environment from industrial and municipal waste treatment plant discharges, or spills. ACUTE (SHORT-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS Acute toxic effects may include the death of animals, birds, or fish, and death or low growth rate in plants. Acute effects are seen two to four days after animals or plants come in contact with a toxic chemical substance. Methyl Chloroform has moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short- term effects of Methyl Chloroform to plants, birds, or land animals. CHRONIC (LONG-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS Chronic toxic effects may include shortened lifespan, reproductive problems, lower fertility, and changes in appearance or behavior. Chronic effects can be seen long after first exposure(s) to a toxic chemical. Methyl Chloroform has moderate chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long- term effects of Methyl Chloroform to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Methyl Chloroform is moderately soluble in water. Concentrations of between 1 to 1,000 milligrams will mix with a liter of water. DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT Methyl Chloroform is non-persistent in water, with a half-life less than 2 days. The half-life of a pollutant is the amount of time it takes for one-half of the chemical to be degraded. About 99.9% of Methyl Chloroform will eventually end up in air; the rest will end up in the water. BIOACCUMULATION IN AQUATIC ORGANISMS Some substances increase in concentration, or bioaccumulate, in living organisms as they breathe contaminated air, drink contaminated water, or eat contaminated food. These chemicals can become concentrated in the tissues and internal organs of animals and humans. The concentration of Methyl Chloroform found in fish tissues is expected to be somewhat higher than the average concentration of Methyl Chloroform in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.