MC; Dichloromethane (DCM); Methylene dichloride; Methylene bichloride; Methane dichloride

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

Emergency Overview ------------------ WARNING! HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED, INHALED OR ABSORBED THROUGH SKIN. AFFECTS CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM, LIVER, CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM, AND BLOOD. CAUSES IRRITATION TO SKIN, EYES AND RESPIRATORY TRACT. SUSPECT CANCER HAZARD. MAY CAUSE CANCER. Risk of cancer depends on level and duration of exposure. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ HMIS Information Health Rating: 3 - Severe (Cancer Causing) Flammability Rating: 1 - Slight Reactivity Rating: 1 - Slight PPE Code H - SAFETY GOGGLES & SHIELD; LAB COAT & APRON; VENT HOOD; PROPER GLOVES(Nitrile); NIOSH CERTIFIED HALF MASK VAPOR RESPIRATOR ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Potential health effects

Inhalation: Causes irritation to respiratory tract. Has a strong narcotic effect with symptoms of mental confusion, light-headedness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and headache. Causes formation of carbon monoxide in blood which affects cardiovascular system and central nervous system. Continued exposure may cause increased light-headedness, staggering, unconsciousness, and even death. Exposure may make the symptoms of angina (chest pains) worse. Ingestion: May cause irritation of the gastrointestinal tract with vomiting. If vomiting results in aspiration, chemical pneumonia could follow. Absorption through gastrointestinal tract may produce symptoms of central nervous system depression ranging from light headedness to unconsciousness. Skin Contact: Causes irritation, redness and pain. Prolonged contact can cause burns. Liquid degreases the skin. May be absorbed through skin. Eye Contact: Vapors can cause eye irritation. Contact can produce pain, inflammation and temporal eye damage. Chronic Exposure: Can cause headache, mental confusion, depression, liver effects, kidney effects, bronchitis, loss of appetite, nausea, lack of balance, and visual disturbances. Can cause dermatitis upon prolonged skin contact. Methylene chloride may cause cancer in humans. Aggravation of Pre-existing Conditions: Persons with pre-existing skin disorders, eye problems, impaired liver, kidney, respiratory or cardiovascular function may be more susceptible to the effects of this substance. ==============================================================================