Common Name: Methyl Iodide CAS Number: 74-88-4 DOT Number: UN 2644 Date: January, 1988 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Methyl Iodide can affect you when breathed in and by passing through your skin. * Methyl Iodide is a CARCINOGEN HANDLE WITH EXTREME CAUTION. * It can cause brain damage leading to disorientation and psychotic behavior. * Overexposure could cause a dangerous build up of fluid in the lungs. * Exposure may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, slurred speech, visual disturbances, irritability, loss of muscle control, drowsiness, delirium, serious mental disorders, coma, and death. * Contact can irritate the eyes and cause severe skin burns. IDENTIFICATION Methyl Iodide is a colorless liquid with a sweet, ether like odor. It is used as a stain in microscopy, as an insecticide fumigant and to make other chemicals. REASON FOR CITATION * Methyl Iodide is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, CAG, NIOSH, DOT and EPA. * This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is a CARCINOGEN. * 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. WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 5 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 2 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift. NIOSH: Recommends the lowest feasible limit. * Methyl Iodide is a PROBABLE CARCINOGEN in humans. There may be no safe level of exposure to a carcinogen, so all contact should be reduced to the lowest possible level. * The above exposure limits are for air levels only. When skin contact also occurs, you may be overexposed, even though air levels are less than the limits listed above. 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. * 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 Iodide 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 Iodide: * Exposure to Methyl Iodide may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, slurred speech, visual disturbances, irritability, loss of muscle control, drowsiness, delirium, serious mental disorders, coma and death. * Exposures to high concentrations may cause kidney damage. * Breathing Methyl Iodide may irritate the lungs, causing coughing and/or shortness of breath. Higher exposures can cause a buildup of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema). This can cause death. * The liquid may irritate the skin, causing a rash or burning feeling on contact. Blisters may form several hours later. * The liquid or vapor may irritate the eyes. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Methyl Iodide and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * Methyl Iodide is a PROBABLE CARCINOGEN in humans. It has been shown to cause lung cancer in animals. * Many scientists believe there is no safe level of exposure to a carcinogen. Such substances may also have the potential for causing reproductive damage in humans. Reproductive Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, Methyl Iodide has not been tested for its ability to adversely affect reproduction. Other Long Term Effects * Methyl Iodide may cause permanent damage of the nervous system, leading to disorientation and psychotic behavior. * Prolonged exposure can cause drying, cracking, and chapping of the skin. MEDICAL Medical Testing Before beginning employment and at regular times after that, the following are recommended: * Lung function tests. If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * Consider urine test for Iodine. * Consider chest x ray after acute overexposure. 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. Mixed Exposures Because smoking can cause heart disease, as well as lung cancer, emphysema, and other respiratory problems, it may worsen respiratory conditions caused by chemical exposure. Even if you have smoked for a long time, stopping now will reduce your risk of developing health problems. 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 control is recommended: * Where possible, automatically pump liquid Methyl Iodide from drums or other storage containers to process containers. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Methyl Iodide should change into clean clothing promptly. * Do not take contaminated work clothes home. Family members could be exposed. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to Methyl Iodide. * On skin contact with Methyl Iodide, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Methyl Iodide is handled, processed, or stored, since the chemical can be swallowed. Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking. 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 Iodide. Wear protective gloves and clothing. Safety equipment suppliers/manufacturers can provide recommendations on the most protective glove/clothing material for your operation. * All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear) should be clean, available each day, and put on before work. Eye Protection * Eye protection is included in the recommended respiratory protection. 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. * At any exposure level, 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. Common Name: Methyl Iodide DOT Number: 74-88-4 DOT Emergency Guide code: 55 CAS Number: UN 2644 ---------------------------------------- NJ DOH Hazard rating FLAMMABILITY 1 REACTIVITY 0 ---------------------------------------- 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 * POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED IN FIRE. * CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE. * Extinguish fire using an agent suitable for type of surrounding fire. Methyl Iodide itself does not burn. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If Methyl Iodide 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 the 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 Iodide as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state Environmental Program for specific recommendations. ========================================== FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire department. ========================================== HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with Methyl Iodide you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Methyl Iodide must be stored to avoid contact with STRONG OXIDIZERS, such as CHLORINE, CHLORINE DIOXIDE, BROMINE, NITRATES, and PERMANGANATES, since violent reactions occur. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated area away from HEAT, LIGHT, and MOISTURE. 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 * Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash area with large amounts of water. Seek medical attention for more than very minor exposures. 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: 375 mm Hg at 68oF Water Solubility: Soluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Methane, Iodo Other Names and Formulations: Iodomethane: Monoiodomethane; Halon 10001. ------------------------------------------ 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 Iodide is a colorless liquid used mainly as a methylating agent in the preparation of pharmaceuticals and other organic chemicals. It may enter the environment from industrial 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 Iodide has slight acute toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short- term effects of Methyl Iodide 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 Iodide has slight chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long- term effects of Methyl Iodide to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Methyl Iodide is highly soluble in water. Concentrations of 1,000 milligrams and more will mix with a liter of water. DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT Methyl Iodide is non-persistent in water, with a half-life of 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 99.5% of Methyl Iodide 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 Iodide found in fish tissues is expected to be about the same as the average concentration of Methyl Iodide in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.