Common Name: Methylene Chloride CAS Number: 75-09-2 DOT Number: UN 1593 Date: May, 1989 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Methylene Chloride can affect you when breathed and by passing through skin. * Methylene Chloride should be handled as a CARCINOGEN WITH EXTREME CAUTION. * Exposure to high concentrations causes unconsciousness and even death. Lower exposures can cause headaches, fatigue, unsteadiness and "drunk" behavior. * Exposure can irritate the lungs, causing a buildup of fluid (pulmonary edema), a medical emergency. * Long term exposure may damage the liver and brain. IDENTIFICATION Methylene Chloride is a colorless volatile liquid with a pleasant odor. It is used in food, furniture and plastics processing, and paint removers. REASON FOR CITATION * Methylene Chloride is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, NTP, NIOSH, DOT, DEP, NFPA and EPA. * Definitions are attached. HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING EXPOSED * Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely evaluated. This may include collecting air samples. Under OSHA 1910.20, you have a legal right to obtain copies of sampling results from your employer. 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 = 250 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 permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 500 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift, with an acceptable ceiling level of 1,000 ppm and a maximum peak concentration of 2,000 ppm for 5 minutes in any 2 hour period. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 50 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift. NIOSH: The recommended exposure limit is 75 ppm averaged over a 10 hour workshift and 500 ppm which should not be exceeded during any 15 minute work period. * 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. * Methylene Chloride may be a 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. 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 Methylene Chloride and at the end of the workshift. * Post hazard and warning information in the work area. Communicate all information on the health and safety hazards of Methylene Chloride 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 Methylene Chloride: * Contact can cause skin irritation. * The liquid may irritate the eyes on contact. * Breathing the vapor may irritate the nose, throat, and lungs, causing coughing and/or shortness of breath. Higher exposure can cause a buildup of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), a medical emergency, with severe shortness of breath. * Exposure to high concentrations can quickly cause unconsciousness and even death. Lower exposures can cause headaches, fatigue, unsteadiness and "drunk" behavior. * It can decrease the blood's ability to carry oxygen, causing fatigue, shortness of breath, or even heart pain. * Exposure can cause the heart to beat irregularly or stop. This can cause death. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Methylene Chloride and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * Methylene Chloride may be a CARCINOGEN in humans since it has been shown to cause liver and 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, Methylene Chloride has not been tested for its ability to affect reproduction. Other Long Term Effects * Methylene Chloride may irritate the lungs. This is more likely to occur if the chemical is used near a combustion source (furnace, welding, etc.) since Phosgene, a lung damaging gas, is released. Repeated exposures may cause bronchitis with cough, phlegm, and/or shortness of breath. * Higher exposures may damage the liver. * Long term exposure may damage the brain, causing memory loss, poor coordination, and reduced thinking ability. * Repeated skin contact can cause thickening and cracking 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: * Special 24 hour EKG (Holter monitor) to look for irregular heart beat. * Blood carboxyhemoglobin (this must be done within a few hours after exposure). * Liver function tests. * Consider chest x ray after acute overexposure. * Interview for brain effects, including recent memory, mood (irritability, withdrawal), concentration, headaches, malaise and altered sleep patterns. Consider cerebellar, autonomic and peripheral nervous system evaluation. Positive and borderline individuals should be referred for neuropsychological testing. 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. Conditions Made Worse By Exposure Persons with heart pain (angina), significant coronary artery disease or significant anemia may be at increased risk. 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 Methylene Chloride 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: Occupational Exposure to Methylene Chloride #76 138. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Methylene Chloride should change into clean clothing promptly. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to Methylene Chloride. * If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower facilities should be provided. * On skin contact with Methylene Chloride, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the workshift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Methylene Chloride, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Methylene Chloride 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 Methylene Chloride. Wear solvent resistant 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. * ACGIH recommends polyvinyl alcohol, or polyurethane as fair to good protective materials. Eye Protection * Wear splash proof chemical goggles when working with liquid, unless full face piece 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 50 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 5,000 ppm is immediately dangerous to life and health. If the possibility of exposures above 5,000 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 Methylene Chloride you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Methylene Chloride is not compatible with ALKALI METALS, ALUMINUM or HEAT. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated area away from HEAT and MOISTURE. Common Name: Methylene Chloride DOT Number: UN 1593 DOT Emergency Guide code: 74 CAS Number: 75-09-2 ---------------------------------------- Hazard rating NJ DOH NFPA FLAMMABILITY - 1 REACTIVITY - 0 ---------------------------------------- FORMS FLAMMABLE MIXTURE WITH AIR POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Methylene Chloride is not combustible but may form a flammable mixture with air. * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including Hydrogen Chloride and Phosgene Gas. * Extinguish fire using an agent suitable for type of surrounding fire. Methylene Chloride 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 Methylene Chloride is spilled or leaked, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill or leak until cleanup is complete. * Remove all ignition sources. * 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 Methylene Chloride 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 * Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash area with large amounts of soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. 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. * Medical observation for 24 48 hours is advised for higher exposures since a delay in fluid buildup in the lungs can occur. PHYSICAL DATA Vapor Pressure: 350 mm Hg at 68oF (20oC) Water Solubility: Soluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Methane, Dichloro Other Names and Formulations: Methylene Dichloride; R 30; Aerothene MM. ------------------------------------------ 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 Methylene Chloride is a highly volatile solvent used in degreasing and cleaning fluids. It may enter the environment mainly from industrial discharges. 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. Methylene Chloride has moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life. Methylene Chloride has caused both increases and decreases in seed germination in various agricultural crops. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short-term effects of Methylene Chloride to 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. Methylene Chloride has moderate chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long- term effects of Methylene Chloride to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Methylene Chloride 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 Methylene Chloride is slightly persistent in water, with a half- life of between 2 to 200 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% of Methylene Chloride 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 Methylene Chloride found in fish tissues is expected to be about the same as the average concentration of Methylene Chloride in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA, Phytotox.