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Methylene chloride

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Synonyms & Trade Names
Dichloromethane, Methylene dichloride
CAS No.
75-09-2
RTECS No.
PA8050000
DOT ID & Guide
1593 160
Formula
CH₂Cl₂
Conversion
1 ppm = 3.47 mg/m3
IDLH
Ca [2300 ppm]
See: 75092
Exposure Limits
NIOSH REL
Ca See Appendix A
OSHA PEL
[1910.1052] TWA 25 ppm ST 125 ppm
Measurement Methods
NIOSH 1005 , 3800;
OSHA 59 , 80
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Physical Description
Colorless liquid with a chloroform-like odor. [Note: A gas above 104°F.]
Molecular Weight
84.9
Boiling Point
104°F
Freezing Point
-139°F
Solubility
2%
Vapor Pressure
350 mmHg
Ionization Potential
11.32 eV
Specific Gravity
1.33
Flash Point
?
Upper Explosive Limit
23%
Lower Explosive Limit
13%
Combustible Liquid
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Strong oxidizers; caustics; chemically-active metals such as aluminum, magnesium powders, potassium & sodium; concentrated nitric acid
Exposure Routes
inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms
irritation eyes, skin; lassitude (weakness, exhaustion), drowsiness, dizziness; numb, tingle limbs; nausea; [potential occupational carcinogen]
Target Organs
Eyes, skin, cardiovascular system, central nervous system
Cancer Site
[in animals: lung, liver, salivary & mammary gland tumors]
Personal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)
Skin:Prevent skin contact
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:When contaminated
Remove:When wet or contaminated
Change:No recommendation
Provide:Eyewash, Quick drench
First Aid
(See procedures)
Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Soap wash promptly
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations

(See Appendix E)

NIOSH

At concentrations above the NIOSH REL, or where there is no REL, at any detectable concentration:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus

Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus

Important additional information about respirator selection

See also
INTRODUCTION   ICSC CARD: 0058   MEDICAL TESTS: 0148
Page last reviewed: October 30, 2019
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health