Methyl Chloride

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

OSHA EMERGENCY OVERVIEW DANGER! Flammable liquid and gas under pressure. Can form explosive mixtures with air. Harmful if inhaled or absorbed through the skin. May cause lung, kidney, liver, and central nervous system damage. May irritate the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes. May cause frostbite. Self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing must be worn by rescue workers. Under ambient conditions, this colorless gas has a faintly sweet odor. OSHA REGULATORY STATUS: This material is considered hazardous by the OSHA Hazard Communications Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200).

Potential health effects

Effects of a Single (Acute) Overexposure Inhalation. Effects may mimic alcohol intoxication. Causes headache, dizziness, drowsiness, tremors, blurred vision, weakness, incoordination, mental confusion, slurred speech, fever, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of feeling in arms and legs. Onset of symptoms may be delayed hours or days. May cause lung, liver, kidney, and central nervous system damage, with paralysis, convulsions, coma, brain damage, and psychological disturbances. Skin Contact. Liquid may cause local anesthesia (loss of sensation) and frostbite with reddening and blister formation. With prolonged or widespread contact, the skin may absorb potentially harmful amounts of material. Copyright © 1980, 1985, 1987, 1989, 1997, 2004, 2009, Praxair Technology, Inc. Swallowing. An unlikely route of exposure; this product is a gas at normal temperature and pressure. Frostbite of the lips and mouth may result from contact with the liquid. Eye Contact. Liquid may cause freezing of the eye. Effects of Repeated (Chronic) Overexposure. Repeated inhalation causes injury and symptoms similar to those following acute exposure but slower in onset and with delayed recovery. Damage may be cumulative. Other Effects of Overexposure. None known.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure

Overexposure. The toxicology and the physical and chemical properties of methyl chloride suggest that overexposure is unlikely to aggravate existing medical conditions. CARCINOGENICITY The IARC lists methyl chloride as Group 3 Unclassifiable as to carcinogenicity to humans. Methyl chloride is not listed by NTP or OSHA.

Environmental effects

None known. For further information, see section 12, Ecological Information.