Common Name: Chloromethyl Methyl Ether CAS Number: 107-30-2 DOT Number: UN 1239 Date: November, 1988 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Chloromethyl Methyl Ether can affect you when breathed in and by passing through your skin. * Chloromethyl Methyl Ether is a CARCINOGEN HANDLE WITH EXTREME CAUTION. * Exposure can irritate the lungs. Higher exposure can cause a build up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema). This can cause death. Chronic bronchitis may develop. * Chloromethl Methyl Ether is a CORROSIVE CHEMICAL and contact can cause severe eye and skin burns. Exposure can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. * Chloromethyl Methyl Ether is a FLAMMABLE LIQUID. IDENTIFICATION Chloromethyl Methyl Ether is a colorless corrosive liquid with an ether odor. It is used to make plastics and other chemicals. REASON FOR CITATION * Chloromethyl Methyl Ether is on the Workplace Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, DOT and EPA. * This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is a CANCER CAUSING AGENT. * 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 No exposure limits have been established. A full OSHA standard (1910.1006) has been adopted for this substance. * Chloromethyl Methyl Ether is a PROBABLE CANCER CAUSING AGENT in humans. There may be no safe level of exposure to a carcinogen, so all contact should be reduced to the lowest possible level. It should be recognized that Chloromethyl Methyl Ether can be absorbed through your skin, thereby increasing your exposure. WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE * A regulated, marked area should be established where Chloromethyl Methyl Ether is handled, used, or stored as required in OSHA Standard 1910.1006. * Wear protective work clothing. * Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to Chloromethyl Methyl Ether. * 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 Chloromethyl Methyl Ether 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 Chloromethyl Methyl Ether: * Breathing the vapor 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 can cause severe eye burns, leading to permanent damage. Contact can also cause severe skin burns. * Exposure to the vapor can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Chloromethyl Methyl Ether and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * Chloromethyl Methyl Ether is a PROBABLE CANCER CAUSING AGENT in humans. There is some evidence that it causes cancer of the lungs in humans and it has been shown to cause cancer of the skin and lungs in animals. * Many scientists believe there is no safe level of exposure to a cancer causing agent. 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, Chloromethyl Methyl Ether has not been tested for its ability to adversely affect reproduction. Other Long Term Effects * Chloromethyl Methyl Ether can irritate the lungs. Repeated exposures may cause bronchitis to develop with cough, phlegm, and/or shortness of breath. 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 chest x ray after acute over exposure. 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 controls are recommended: * Where possible, automatically pump liquid Chloromethyl Methyl Ether from drums or other storage containers to process containers. * Specific engineering controls are required for this chemical by OSHA. Refer to the OSHA standard 1910.1006: Methyl Chloromethyl Ether. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Chloromethyl Methyl Ether 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 Chloromethyl Methyl Ether. * Eye wash fountains in the immediate work area should be provided for emergency use. * If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower facilities should be provided. * On skin contact with Chloromethyl Methyl Ether, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Chloromethyl Methyl Ether 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 Chloromethyl Methyl Ether. 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. * Engineering controls must be effective to ensure that exposure to Chloromethyl Methyl Ether does not occur. * 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. HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with Chloromethyl Methyl Ether you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Chloromethyl Methyl Ether must be stored to avoid contact with OPEN FLAME and SMOKING since violent reactions occur. * Metal containers involving the transfer of 5 gallons or more of Chloromethyl Methyl Ether should be grounded and bonded. Drums must be equipped with self closing valves, pressure vacuum bungs, and flame arresters. * Use only non sparking tools and equipment, especially when opening and closing containers of Chloromethyl Methyl Ether. Common Name: Chloromethyl Methyl Ether DOT Number: UN 1239 DOT Emergency Guide code: 57 CAS Number: 107-30-2 ---------------------------------------- NJ DOH Hazard rating FLAMMABILITY 3 REACTIVITY Not Found ---------------------------------------- CARCINOGEN CORROSIVE POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Chloromethyl Methyl Ether is a FLAMMABLE LIQUID. * Use dry chemical, CO2, water spray, or foam extinguishers. Water can be used to keep fire exposed containers cool. * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE. * CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE. * The vapor is heavier than air and may travel a distance to cause a fire or explosion far from the source. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If Chloromethyl Methyl Ether is spilled or leaked, take the following steps: * Consult the DOT Emergency Response Guide Book for evacuation distances. * 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. * Keep Chloromethyl Methyl Ether out of a confined space, such as a sewer, because of the possibility of an explosion, unless the sewer is designed to prevent the buildup of explosive concentrations. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Chloromethyl Methyl Ether 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. Seek medical attention immediately. 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. PHYSICAL DATA Vapor Pressure: 122 mmhg at 68oF (20oC) Flash Point: 17.6oF (8.0oC) Water Solubility: Decomposes in water OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Methane, Chloromethoxy Other Names and Formulations: Methyl Chloromethyl Ether; Chlorodimethylether; CMME. ------------------------------------------ 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 Chloromethyl Methyl Ether is one of several chloroalkyl ethers. It is a colorless liquid which is used as an intermediate to make other organic chemicals, in the treatment of textiles, to make polymers and insecticides, and in the preparation of ion-exchange resins. It may enter the environment from industrial effluents 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. Data are insufficient to evaluate or predict the acute toxicity of Chloromethyl Methyl Ether to aquatic life, 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. Data are insufficient to evaluate or predict the long-term effects of Chloromethyl Methyl Ether to aquatic life, plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Chloromethyl Methyl Ether 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 Chloromethyl Methyl Ether is slightly persistent in water, with a half-life of between 2 to 20 days. The half-life of a pollutant is the amount of time it takes for one-half of the chemical to be degraded. About 91% of Chloromethyl Methyl Ether 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 oranisms 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 Chloromethyl Methyl Ether found in fish tissues is expected to be about the same as the average concentration of Chloromethyl Methyl Ether in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.