• What are other names or identifying information for methylene chloride?
• What is the WHMIS classification?
• What are the most important things to know about methylene chloride in an emergency?
• What are the potential health effects of methylene chloride?
• What are first aid measures for methylene chloride?
• What are fire hazards and extinguishing media for methylene chloride?
• What are the stability and reactivity hazards of methylene chloride?
• What are accidental release measures for methylene chloride?
• What handling and storage practices should be used when working with methylene chloride?
• What is the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH®) recommended exposure limit for methylene chloride?
• What are the engineering controls for methylene chloride?
• What Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is needed when working with methylene chloride?

What are other names or identifying information for methylene chloride?

CAS Registry No.: 75-09-2
Other Names: Dichloromethane; Methylene dichloride; DCM
Main Uses: Solvent, paint stripper, chemical and food processing
Appearance: Colourless liquid.
Odour: Sweet

Canadian TDG: UN1593

What is the WHMIS classification?

D1B - Toxic; D2A - Very Toxic (Carcinogenicity); D2B - Toxic (Skin irritant; Eye irritant)

Class D1B

Class D2A; D2B

What are the most important things to know about methylene chloride in an emergency?

Emergency Overview: Colourless liquid. Sweet odour. Can ignite if strongly heated. Can form very hazardous decomposition products. CONFINED SPACE HAZARD. SUSPECT CANCER HAZARD. Suspected of causing cancer. TOXIC if inhaled. May cause drowsiness and dizziness. IRRITANT. Causes moderate or severe eye and skin irritation.

What are the potential health effects of methylene chloride?

Main Routes of Exposure: Inhalation; skin contact; eye contact.

• Inhalation: TOXIC, can cause death. Can irritate the nose and throat. Can harm the nervous system. Symptoms may include headache, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness and confusion. Methylene chloride form carbon monoxide in the body. Can harm the blood (decreased ability to carry oxygen).
• Skin Contact: SKIN IRRITANT. Causes moderate to severe irritation. Symptoms include pain, redness, and swelling.Can be absorbed through the skin, but harmful effects are not expected.
• Eye Contact: EYE IRRITANT. Causes moderate to severe irritation. Symptoms include sore, red eyes, and tearing.
• Ingestion: If large amounts are ingested: can burn the lips, tongue, throat and stomach.
• Effects of Long-Term (Chronic) Exposure: Can cause dry, red, cracked skin (dermatitis) following skin contact. At high concentrations: May harm the nervous system. May aggravate existing heart conditions. Conclusions cannot be drawn from the limited studies available.
• Carcinogenicity: Possible carcinogen. May cause cancer based on animal information.

International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC): Group 2B - Possibly carcinogenic to humans.
American Conference for Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH): A3 - Confirmed animal carcinogen.

• Teratogenicity / Embryotoxicity: Not known to harm the unborn child.
• Reproductive Toxicity: Not known to be a reproductive hazard.
• Mutagenicity: Not known to be a mutagen.

What are first aid measures for methylene chloride?

Inhalation: Take precautions to ensure your own safety before attempting rescue (e.g. wear appropriate protective equipment). Move victim to fresh air. Call a Poison Centre or doctor.

Skin Contact: Avoid direct contact. Wear chemical protective clothing if necessary. Take off contaminated clothing, shoes and leather goods (e.g. watchbands, belts). Immediately flush with lukewarm, gently flowing water for 15-20 minutes. Call a Poison Centre or doctor. Double bag, seal, label and leave contaminated clothing, shoes and leather goods at the scene for safe disposal.

Eye Contact: Avoid direct contact. Wear chemical protective gloves if necessary. Immediately flush the contaminated eye(s) with lukewarm, gently flowing water for 15-20 minutes, while holding the eyelid(s) open. If a contact lens is present, DO NOT delay flushing or attempt to remove the lens. If irritation or pain persists, see a doctor.

Ingestion: Have victim rinse mouth with water. Immediately call a Poison Centre or doctor.

First Aid Comments: If exposed or concerned, see a doctor for medical advice. All first aid procedures should be periodically reviewed by a doctor familiar with the chemical and its conditions of use in the workplace.

Note to Physicians: This chemical forms carbon monoxide in the body.

What are fire hazards and extinguishing media for methylene chloride?

Flammable Properties: Can ignite if strongly heated.

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, appropriate foam, water spray or fog. Foam manufacturers should be consulted for recommendations regarding types of foams and application rates.

Specific Hazards Arising from the Chemical: Forms corrosive chemicals on contact with water. Vapour may accumulate in hazardous amounts in low-lying areas especially inside confined spaces, resulting in a toxicity hazard. Closed containers may rupture violently when heated releasing contents. In a fire, the following hazardous materials may be generated: very toxic carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide; corrosive hydrogen chloride; corrosive chlorine; corrosive phosgene.

What are the stability and reactivity hazards of methylene chloride?

• Chemical Stability: Normally stable.
• Conditions to Avoid: High temperatures. (above 100 °C) Open flames, sparks, static discharge, heat and other ignition sources. High energy sources, e.g. welding arcs. Hot surfaces.
• Incompatible Materials: Increased risk of fire and explosion on contact with: strong oxidizing agents (e.g. perchloric acid), methanol, alkali metals (e.g. sodium or potassium). Not corrosive to: aluminum alloys, stainless steel.
• Hazardous Decomposition Products: Very toxic carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide; corrosive hydrogen chloride; corrosive chlorine; corrosive phosgene. Prolonged contact with water may form corrosive hydrochloric acid.
• Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: None known.

What are accidental release measures for methylene chloride?

Personal Precautions: Evacuate the area immediately. Isolate the hazard area. Keep out unnecessary and unprotected personnel. Eliminate all ignition sources. Use grounded, explosion-proof equipment.

Methods for Containment and Clean-up: Do not touch spilled material. Stop or reduce leak if safe to do so. Ventilate the area to prevent the gas from accumulating, especially in confined spaces. Small spills or leaks: contain and soak up spill with absorbent that does not react with spilled product. Place used absorbent into suitable, covered, labelled containers for disposal. Contaminated absorbent poses the same hazard as the spilled product. Large spills or leaks: contact emergency services and manufacturer/supplier for advice.

Other Information: Contact supplier, local fire and emergency services for help.

What handling and storage practices should be used when working with methylene chloride?

Handling: Before handling, it is important that all engineering controls are operating and that protective equipment requirements and personal hygiene measures are being followed. Only trained personnel should work with this product. In event of a spill or leak, immediately put on escape-type respirator and exit the area. Immediately report leaks, spills or failures of the safety equipment (e.g. ventilation system). Avoid generating vapours or mists. Prevent accidental contact with incompatible chemicals. Do not use near welding operations or other high energy sources. Do not weld, cut or perform hot work on empty container until all traces of product have been removed.

Storage: Store in an area that is: cool, dry, well-ventilated, out of direct sunlight and away from heat and ignition sources, separate from incompatible materials. Keep amount in storage to a minimum. Store in the original, labelled, shipping container. Avoid bulk storage indoors.

What is the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH®) recommended exposure limit for methylene chloride?

ACGIH® TLV® - TWA: 50 ppm A3

Exposure Guideline Comments: TLV® = Threshold Limit Value. TWA = Time-Weighted Average. A3 = Animal carcinogen.

What are the engineering controls for methylene chloride?

Engineering Controls: Do not allow product to accumulate in the air in work or storage areas, or in confined spaces. Use a local exhaust ventilation and enclosure, if necessary, to control amount in the air. Provide eyewash and safety shower if contact or splash hazard exists.

What Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is needed when working with methylene chloride?

Eye/Face Protection: Wear chemical safety goggles. A face shield may also be necessary.

Skin Protection: Wear chemical protective clothing e.g. gloves, aprons, boots. Suitable materials include: polyvinyl alcohol, Silver Shield/4H® (PE/EVAL/PE), Trellchem® HPS, Trellchem® VPS, Tychem® Responder, Tychem® TK.

Respiratory Protection: Any detectable concentration: wear a NIOSH approved self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or supplied air respirator. ESCAPE: gas mask with organic vapour canister, or escape type SCBA.

Document last updated on February 20, 2013

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