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Methane, chloro-

RTECS #
PA6300000
CAS #
74-87-3
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Updated
October 2015
Molecular Weight
50.49
Molecular Formula
CH3Cl
Synonyms
Artic
Chloor-methaan (Dutch)
Chlor-methan (German)
Chloromethane
Chlorure de methyle (French)
Clorometano (Italian)
Cloruro di metile (Italian)
Methyl chloride
Methyl chloride (ACGIH:OSHA)
Methylchlorid (German)
Metylu chlorek (Polish)
Monochloromethane
R 40
RCRA waste number U045

Mutation Data and Reference

System TestRoute/Organism/TissueDoseReference
Cytogenetic Analysislung/hamster4 pph/6H (-enzymatic activation step)MUREAV 652,122,2008
Cytogenetic Analysislung/hamster6 pph/6H (+enzymatic activation step)MUREAV 652,122,2008
Cytogenetic Analysislung/hamster2 pph/48H (-enzymatic activation step)MUREAV 652,122,2008
Cytogenetic Analysislung/hamster3 pph/24H (-enzymatic activation step)MUREAV 652,122,2008
Dominant Lethal Testinhalation/rat3000 ppm/6H/5D-continuousTXAPA9 77,133,1985
morphological transformembryo/hamster6 mLEVSRBT 25,75,1982
mutation in mammalian somatic cellslymphocyte/human5 pphMUREAV 155,75,1985
mutation in microorganisms/Salmonella typhimurium25000 ppm (+/-enzymatic activation step)DHEFDK FDA-78-1046,1978
other mutation test systemslymphocyte/human3 pphMUREAV 155,75,1985
phage inhibition capacity/Escherichia coli5 pphMUREAV 263,107,1991
sister chromatid exchangelymphocyte/human3 pphMUREAV 155,75,1985
Unscheduled DNA Synthesissperm/rat30 ppm/3H-continuousENMUDM 6,392,1984
Unscheduled DNA Synthesisliver/rat1 pphMUREAV 162,219,1986

Reproductive Effects Data and References

Route/OrganismDoseEffectReference
inhalation/rat 2000 ppm/6H (5D male)Reproductive: Paternal effects: Spermatogenesis (including genetic material, sperm morphology, motility, and count)JACTDZ 4(1),224,1985
inhalation/rat 1500 ppm/6H (50D male)Reproductive: Paternal effects: Testes, epididymis, sperm ductEPASR* 8EHQ-1182-0464
inhalation/rat 1500 ppm/6H (7-19D pregnant)Reproductive: Effects on embryo or fetus: Fetotoxicity (except death, e.g., stunted fetus)

Reproductive: Specific developmental abnormalities: Musculoskeletal system
TJADAB 27,181,1983
inhalation/rat 3000 ppm/6H (5D male)Reproductive: Paternal effects: Spermatogenesis (including genetic material, sperm morphology, motility, and count)

Reproductive: Paternal effects: Testes, epididymis, sperm duct

Reproductive: Effects on fertility: Post- implantation mortality (e.g., dead and/or resorbed implants per total number of implants)
TOXID9 4,82,1984
inhalation/rat 3000 ppm/6H (5D male)Reproductive: Effects on fertility: Male fertility index (e.g., # males impregnating females per # males exposed to fertile nonpregnant females)TXAPA9 86,124,1986
inhalation/rat 1500 ppm/6H (7-20D pregnant)Reproductive: Other effects on female

Reproductive: Effects on embryo or fetus: Fetotoxicity (except death, e.g., stunted fetus)
NTIS** OTS0535810
inhalation/mouse 500 ppm/6H (6-17D pregnant)Reproductive: Specific developmental abnormalities: Cardiovascular (circulatory) systemTJADAB 27,197,1983
inhalation/mouse 750 ppm/6H (6-17D pregnant)Reproductive: Effects on embryo or fetus: Fetal deathTJADAB 27,197,1983
inhalation/mouse 500 ppm/6H (6-18D pregnant)Reproductive: Effects on embryo or fetus: Fetotoxicity (except death, e.g., stunted fetus)

Reproductive: Specific developmental abnormalities: Cardiovascular (circulatory) system
NTIS** OTS0540987
inhalation/mouse 500 ppm/6H (6-18D pregnant)Reproductive: Specific developmental abnormalities: Cardiovascular (circulatory) systemNTIS** OTS0535810

Tumorigenic Data and References

Route/OrganismDoseEffectReference
inhalation/mouse lowest published toxic concentration: 997 ppm/6H/2Y- intermittentTumorigenic: Carcinogenic by RTECS criteria

Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Kidney tumors
NTIS** OTS0540987
inhalation/mouse toxic concentration: 1000 ppm/6H/2Y- intermittentTumorigenic: Equivocal tumorigenic agent by RTECS criteria

Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Bladder tumors
NTIS** OTS0545215
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 997 ppm/6H/2Y- intermittentTumorigenic: Equivocal tumorigenic agent by RTECS criteria

Reproductive: Tumorigenic effects: Testicular tumors
NTIS** OTS0540987

Acute Toxicity Data and References

Route/OrganismDoseEffectReference
inhalation/cat Lowest published lethal concentration: 129 mg/m3/4HBehavioral: General anesthetic

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Respiratory depression
AHBAAM 116,131,1936
inhalation/Dog Lowest published lethal concentration: 14661 ppm/6HVascular: BP lowering not characterized in autonomic section

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Respiratory depression

Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Body temperature increase
NIHBAZ 191,1,1949
inhalation/guinea pig Lowest published lethal concentration: 20000 ppm/2HFLCRAP 1,197,1967
inhalation/human Lowest published lethal concentration: 20000 ppm/2HEye: Other eye effects

Behavioral: Convulsions or effect on seizure threshold

Gastrointestinal: Nausea or vomiting
34ZIAG -,386,1969
inhalation/mouse lethal concentration (50 percent kill): 2200 ppm/6HTXAPA9 86,93,1986
inhalation/rat lethal concentration (50 percent kill): 5300 mg/m3/4H85GMAT -,82,1982
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 3500 ppm/1HLiver: Other changes

Reproductive: Paternal effects: Testes, epididymis, sperm duct
TXAPA9 76,328,1984
inhalation/rat lethal concentration (50 percent kill): 4900 mg/m3VCVGH* -,312,1990
inhalation/rat lethal concentration (16 percent kill): 4400 mg/m3VCVGH* -,312,1990
inhalation/rat lethal concentration (84 percent kill): 8000 mg/m3VCVGH* -,312,1990
oral/rat lethal dose (50 percent kill): 1800 mg/kg85JCAE -,86,1986

Other Multiple Dose Data and References

Route/OrganismDoseEffectReference
inhalation/Dog lowest published toxic concentration: 500 ppm/24H/3D- continuousBrain and Coverings: Other degenerative changes

Behavioral: Tremor

Behavioral: Ataxia
NTIS** OTS0534633
inhalation/mouse lowest published toxic concentration: 150 ppm/22H/11D- continuousBehavioral: Change in motor activity (specific assay)

Endocrine: Changes in thymus weight

Related to Chronic Data: Death in the "MULTIPLE DOSE" data type field
FAATDF 5,87,1985
inhalation/mouse lowest published toxic concentration: 1473 ppm/6H/90D- intermittentLiver: Liver function tests impaired

Liver: Changes in liver weight

Biochemical: Enzyme inhibition, induction, or change in blood or tissue levels: Other transferases
NTIS** OTS0540987
inhalation/rabbit lowest published toxic concentration: 240 mg/m3/61D- intermittentEye: HemorrhageTPKVAL 9,182,1967
inhalation/rabbit lowest published toxic concentration: 40 mg/m3/61D- intermittentEye: Optic nerve neuropathy

Eye: Retinal changes pigmentary deposition, retinitis, other)

Eye: Changes in circulation
TPKVAL 9,182,1967
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic dose: 3000 ppm/6H/5D- intermittentNutritional and Gross Metabolic: Weight loss or decreased weight gain

Related to Chronic Data: Changes in testicular weight
TXAPA9 77,144,1985
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 41 mg/m3/4H/26W- intermittentLiver: Liver function tests impaired

Blood: Changes in erythrocyte (RBC) count

Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Weight loss or decreased weight gain
GTPZAB 10(10),20,1966
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 1473 ppm/6H/90D- intermittentLiver: Other changes

Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Weight loss or decreased weight gain
NTIS** OTS0540987
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 240 mg/m3/4H/24W- intermittentBrain and Coverings: Recordings from specific areas of CNS

Blood: Changes in other cell count (unspecified)
VCVGH* -,313,1990
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 1000 mg/m3/2H/24W- intermittentBiochemical: Enzyme inhibition, induction, or change in blood or tissue levels: Other enzymesVCVGH* -,313,1990
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 40 mg/m3/24W- continuousBlood: Changes in erythrocyte (RBC) count

Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Weight loss or decreased weight gain
VCVGH* -,313,1990
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 25 mg/m3/24W- continuousBlood: Changes in leukocyte (WBC) count

Biochemical: Enzyme inhibition, induction, or change in blood or tissue levels: Other esterases
VCVGH* -,313,1990
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 3500 ppm/6H/5D- continuousEndocrine: Androgenic

Reproductive: Paternal effects: Spermatogenesis (including genetic material, sperm morphology, motility, and count)
TXAPA9 76,328,1984

Reviews

OrganizationStandardReference
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)Threshold Limit Value-time-weighted average 50 ppm;short term exposure limit 100 ppm (skin)DTLVS* TLV/BEI,2013
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)Threshold Limit Value-Not classifiable as a human carcinogenDTLVS* TLV/BEI,2013
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)Cancer Review:Animal Inadequate EvidenceIMEMDT 41,161,1986
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)Cancer Review:Animal Inadequate EvidenceIMEMDT 71,737,1999
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)Cancer Review:Human Inadequate EvidenceIMEMDT 41,161,1986
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)Cancer Review:Human Inadequate EvidenceIMEMDT 71,737,1999
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)Cancer Review:Group 3IMEMDT 71,737,1999
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWTOLED5 134,3,2002
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWMUREAV 567,347,2004
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWMUREAV 588,88,2005
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWDIMON* 39,678,1993
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWFCTOD7 47,1287,2009
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWNTAPM* -,617,1995
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWMUREAV 721,27,2011
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWMUREAV 763,294,2015
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWMUREAV 786-788,14,2015

Standards and Regulations

OrganizationStandardReference
Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) STANDARDair-ceiling concentration 100 ppm (210 mg/m3)DTLVS* 3,160,1971
Occupational Exposure Limit IN ARGENTINA, BULGARIA, COLOMBIA, JORDAN check ACGIH TLV;
Occupational Exposure Limit IN SINGAPORE, VIETNAM check ACGIH TLV
Occupational Exposure Limit-ARAB Republic of Egypttime-weighted average 50 ppm (105 mg/m3), JAN1993
Occupational Exposure Limit-AUSTRALIAtime-weighted average 50 ppm (103 mg/m3), short term exposure limit 100 ppm (207 mg/m3), JUL2008
Occupational Exposure Limit-AUSTRIAMAK-TMW 50 ppm (105 mg/m3);KZW 200 ppm (420 mg/m3), skin, 2007
Occupational Exposure Limit-BELGIUMtime-weighted average 50 ppm (104 mg/m3), MAR2002
Occupational Exposure Limit-BELGIUMshort term exposure limit 100 ppm (210 mg/m3), Skin, MAR2002
Occupational Exposure Limit-DENMARKtime-weighted average 25 ppm (52 mg/m3), carc, MAY2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-FINLANDtime-weighted average 50 ppm (100 mg/m3), short term exposure limit 75 ppm (160 mg/m3), NOV2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-FRANCEVME 50 ppm (105 mg/m3), VLE 100 ppm (210 mg/m3), C3 Carcinogen, FEB2006
Occupational Exposure Limit-GERMANYMAK 50 ppm (100 mg/m3), 2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-HUNGARYtime-weighted average 105 mg/m3, short term exposure limit 420 mg/m3, SEP2000
Occupational Exposure Limit-ICELANDtime-weighted average 50 ppm (100 mg/m3), NOV2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-JAPANOccupational Exposure Limit 50 ppm (100 mg/m3), MAY2012
Occupational Exposure Limit-KOREAtime-weighted average 50 ppm (105 mg/m3), short term exposure limit 100 ppm (205 mg/m3), 2006
Occupational Exposure Limit-MEXICOtime-weighted average 50 ppm (105 mg/m3);short term exposure limit 100 ppm (205 mg/m3), 2004
Occupational Exposure Limit-NEW ZEALANDtime-weighted average 50 ppm (103 mg/m3); short term exposure limit 100 ppm (207 mg/m3), skin, JAN2002
Occupational Exposure Limit-NORWAYtime-weighted average 25 ppm (50 mg/m3), JAN1999
Occupational Exposure Limit-PERUtime-weighted average 50 ppm (103 mg/m3); short term exposure limit 100 ppm (206 mg/m3), JUL2005
Occupational Exposure Limit-POLANDMAC(time-weighted average) 20 mg/m3, short term exposure limit 160 mg/m3, JAN1999
Occupational Exposure Limit-RUSSIAtime-weighted average 5 mg/m3, short term exposure limit 10 mg/m3, JUN2003
Occupational Exposure Limit-SWEDENtime-weighted average 10 ppm (20 mg/m3);short term exposure limit 20 ppm (40 mg/m3), JUN2005
Occupational Exposure Limit-SWITZERLANDMAK-week 50 ppm (105 mg/m3), KZG-week 100 ppm (210 mg/m3), carc 3, JAN2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-THAILANDtime-weighted average 100 mg/m3, short term exposure limit 200 mg/m3, JAN1993
Occupational Exposure Limit-THE NETHERLANDSMAC-TGG 52 mg/m3, 2003
Occupational Exposure Limit-THE PHILIPPINEStime-weighted average 100 ppm (210 mg/m3), JAN1993
Occupational Exposure Limit-TURKEYtime-weighted average 100 ppm (210 mg/m3), JAN1993
Occupational Exposure Limit-UNITED KINGDOMtime-weighted average 50 ppm (105 mg/m3);short term exposure limit 100 ppm (210 mg/m3), OCT2007
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (Construction)8H time-weighted average 100 ppm (210 mg/m3)CFRGBR 29,1926.55,1994
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (Federal Contractors)ceiling concentration 100 ppm (210 mg/m3)CFRGBR 41,50-204.50,1994
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (General Industry)8H time-weighted average 100 ppm;ceiling concentration 200;Pk 300/5M/3HCFRGBR 29,1910.1000,1994
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (Shipyards)8H time-weighted average 100 ppm (210 mg/m3)CFRGBR 29,1915.1000,1993

NIOSH Documentation and Surveillance

OrganizationStandardReference
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Recommended Exposure Level TO METHYL CHLORIDE-airCarcinogen lowest feasible concentrationNIOSH* DHHS #92-100,1992
National Occupational Exposure Survey 1983Hazard Code M0421; Number of Industries 18; Total Number of Facilities 596; Number of Occupations 38; Total Number of Employees Exposed 10003; Total Number of Female Employees Exposed 571
National Occupational Hazard Survey 1974Hazard Code M0421; Number of Industries 32; Total Number of Facilities 1937; Number of Occupations 29; Total Number of Employees Exposed 8804

Status in Federal Agencies

OrganizationReference
ATSDR TOXICOLOGY PROFILE (NTIS** PB/99/121964)
EPA GENETOX PROGRAM 1988, Positive: Histidine reversion-Ames test
EPA TSCA 8(a) PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT INFORMATION, FINAL RULEFEREAC 47,26992,82
EPA TSCA Section 8(b) CHEMICAL INVENTORY
EPA TSCA Section 8(d) unpublished health/safety studies
EPA TSCA TEST SUBMISSION (TSCATS) DATA BASE, JANUARY 2001
NIOSH Analytical Method, 1994: Methyl chloride, 1001
NIOSH CURRENT INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN 43, 1984
On EPA IRIS database
Page last reviewed: November 16, 2018