METHANOL

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

29 CFR 1910.1200) Colourless liquid, with a mild, characteristic alcohol odour when pure. Readily absorbs moisture.

Hazard statements

Highly flammable liquid and vapor. Toxic if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled Causes damage to organs. Flammable liquid and vapour: Burns with a clean, clear flame, which is almost invisible in daylight, or a light blue flame. Can decompose at high temperatures forming carbon monoxide and formaldehyde. Confined space hazard. Toxic: May be harmful if inhaled, absorbed through the skin or swallowed. Mild central nervous system depressant. May cause headache, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, and incoordination. Severe vision effects, including increased sensitivity to light, blurred vision, and blindness may develop following an 8-24 hour symptom-free period. Coma and death may result. Irritant: Causes eye irritation. Possible teratogen/embryotoxin: May harm the unborn child, based on animal information.

Potential health effects

Inhalation: Causes mild central nervous system (CNS) depression with nausea, headache, vomiting, dizziness, incoordination and an appearance of drunkenness. Metabolic acidosis and severe visual effects can occur following an 8-24 hour latent period. Coma and death, usually due to respiratory failure, may occur if medical treatment is not received. Visual effects may include reduced reactivity and/or increased sensitivity to light, blurred, double and/or snowy vision, and blindness. Eye Contact: Moderate eye irritant. Skin Contact: In general, primary alcohols such as methanol are not considered to be irritant to the skin. Repeated or prolonged exposure to methanol may cause dry, itchy, scaling skin (dermatitis). Skin Absorption: Can be absorbed through the skin and cause harmful effects as described in “Inhalation” above. Skin Sensitization: Not considered to be a sensitizer. Respiratory Sensitization: Not considered to be a sensitizer Ingestion: There have been reports of accidental or intentional ingestion of methanol although ingestion is not a typical route of occupational exposure. Ingestion of as little as 10 ml of methanol can cause blindness and 30 ml (1 ounce) can cause death if victim is not treated. Ingestion causes mild central nervous system (CNS) depression with nausea, headache, vomiting, dizziness, incoordination and an appearance of drunkenness. Metabolic acidosis and severe visual effects can occur following an 8-24 hour latent period. Coma and death, usually due to respiratory failure, may occur if medical treatment is not received. Visual effects may include reduced reactivity and/or increased sensitivity to light, blurred, double and/or snowy vision, and blindness. Birth Defects/Developmental Effects: has caused teratogenic and fetotoxic effects, in the absence of maternal toxicity in animal studies. Reproductive Effects: Not considered a reproductive toxin.