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Name: Methylene Chloride
Chemical Formula: CH2Cl2
Synonyms: Dichloromethane, DCM
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid with a mildly sweet odor
Common Uses: Industrial solvent, paint stripper, degreaser, manufacture of pharmaceuticals, extraction of caffeine from coffee and tea
Molecular Weight: 84.93 g/mol
Acute Risks: Can irritate eyes, skin, and respiratory tract; vapor inhalation may cause dizziness, headache, nausea, and possible loss of consciousness
Chronic Exposure Risks: May damage liver and central nervous system, possible carcinogen according to regulatory agencies
Flammability: Not highly flammable but can form explosive mixtures with air at certain concentrations
Environmental Hazard: Spills may threaten water sources and aquatic life
Physical Hazards: Volatile, heavier than air vapors that accumulate in low areas and can displace oxygen
Main Ingredient: Methylene Chloride (CAS 75-09-2) – often present at concentrations of 99% or greater in industrial products
Impurities: Trace quantities of other halogenated hydrocarbons may be present depending on the manufacturing route
Inhalation: Quickly move individual to fresh air; keep them calm and still; respiratory support may be needed for heavy exposure
Skin Contact: Rinse immediately with copious amounts of water, remove contaminated clothing
Eye Contact: Wash with water for at least 20 minutes; seek medical care
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; get prompt medical attention
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, carbon dioxide, dry chemical, or foam
Hazards During Fire: Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air; combustion releases toxic gases such as phosgene, hydrogen chloride, and carbon monoxide
Protective Equipment: Firefighters need self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Special instructions: Cool drums with water spray to prevent pressure build-up and possible explosion
Personal Protection: Put on appropriate respiratory and skin protection before entering spill area
Environmental Actions: Prevent liquid from reaching drains, soil, or waterways
Containment: Ventilate area, use non-sparking tools to manage spill, absorb with sand or inert material, collect for disposal
Cleanup: Gather residues in clearly marked containers for secure disposal
Handling Tips: Limit exposure, use adequate ventilation, ground and bond containers
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, alkali metals, active metals, strong bases
Storage Conditions: Keep in tightly closed, corrosion-resistant containers; store in cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight and heat sources
Ventilation: Use local exhaust systems to keep levels below legal exposure limits
Respiratory Protection: Wear approved respirators when vapor concentrations exceed guidelines
Protective Clothing: Chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, and full-body aprons recommended
Monitoring: Continuous air monitoring may be required in certain workplaces to avoid hazardous buildup
Occupational Limits: Regulatory bodies such as OSHA or ACGIH often define permissible exposure limits in the range of 25 ppm as an 8-hour time-weighted average
Appearance: Clear mobile liquid
Odor: Mildly sweet, chloroform-like
Boiling Point: 39.6°C (103.3°F)
Melting Point: -95°C (-139°F)
Density: About 1.32 g/cm³ at room temperature
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, completely miscible with many organic solvents
Vapor Pressure: High
Evaporation Rate: Rapid
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions
Reactivity: Can react violently with strong bases and oxidizing agents; decomposes on contact with flame or hot surfaces
Hazardous Products: Decomposition can release toxic gases such as phosgene, hydrogen chloride, and carbon monoxide
Polymerization: Hazardous reactions unlikely under normal storage and usage conditions
Acute Toxicity: Exposure may lead to headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and unconsciousness if concentrations are high; liquid contact causes skin and eye irritation
Chronic Health Effects: Long-term or frequent exposure can damage the liver, can irritate lungs and airway, and may cause cancer according to multiple agencies such as IARC and NTP
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation is the main route, though absorption through skin is possible
Sensitization: Not typically reported to cause sensitization but irritant effects are well known
Environmental Fate: Volatile, can evaporate quickly from water and soil into the atmosphere
Persistence: Does not degrade quickly in water; can be broken down by sunlight in air
Bioaccumulation: Unlikely to bioaccumulate owing to volatility and rapid metabolism
Aquatic Toxicity: Harmful to fish and aquatic organisms in high concentrations; large discharges threaten waterways and groundwater
Waste Treatment: Collect in sealed, labeled containers for disposal by licensed hazardous waste contractors
Regulatory Requirements: Classified as a hazardous waste by many countries; improper disposal can lead to hefty fines
Unwanted Mixes: Never pour down drains, mix with incompatible chemicals, or dispose with general municipal waste
Shipping Class: Regulated by agencies such as DOT and IATA as a hazardous material
Labels: Must carry proper “toxic” and “flammable liquid” placards depending on jurisdiction
Packing: Use corrosion-resistant sealed containers, safeguard against leaks and impacts in transit
Spill Prevention: Vehicle drivers need suitable training and emergency instructions during shipment
Hazard Classification: Listed by multiple agencies as a probable human carcinogen
Permissible Exposure Levels: OSHA, NIOSH, and ACGIH have set workplace exposure limits; exact figures vary between countries
Use Restrictions: Many regions ban or severely restrict consumer sales, especially in paint removers and aerosol formulations
Reporting: Some nations require companies using large quantities to register usage and undergo routine inspections
