Methanol

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

Emergency Overview WARNING! FLAMMABLE LIQUID AND VAPOR. MAY CAUSE TARGET ORGAN DAMAGE, BASED ON ANIMAL DATA. Flammable liquid. Keep away from heat, sparks and flame. Avoid breathing vapor or mist. Avoid contact with skin and clothing. May cause target organ damage, based on animal data. Use only with adequate ventilation. Keep container tightly closed and sealed until ready for use.

Potential Acute Health Effects

See section 11 for more detailed information on health effects and symptoms. Extremely hazardous by the following route of exposure of ingestion. Hazardous by the following route of exposure of inhalation. Slightly hazardous by the following route of exposure: of skin contact (irritant, permeator), of eye contact (irritant). Non-sensitizer to skin. Severe over-exposure can result in death. Note to Physician Acute exposure to methanol, either through ingestion or breathing high airborne concentrations can result in symptoms appearing between 40 minutes and 72 hours after exposure. Symptoms and signs are usually limited to CNS, eyes and gastrointestinal tract. Because of the initial CNS’s effects of headache, vertigo, lethargy and confusion, there may be an impression of ethanol intoxication. Blurred vision, decreased acuity and photophobia are common complaints. Treatment with ipecac or lavage is indicated in any patient presenting within two hours of ingestion. A profound metabolic acidosis occurs in severe poisoning and serum bicarbonate levels are a more accurate measure of severity than serum methanol levels. Treatment protocols are available from most major hospitals and early collaboration with appropriate hospitals is recommended.