Dichloromethane

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

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. SUSPECTED CANCER HAZARD. T ARGET ORGANS: BLOOD AND CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM. Acute Exposure Hazards: Inhalation Hazard: 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 Hazard: 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 Hazard: Causes irritation, redness and pain. Prolonged contact can cause burns. Liquid degreases the skin. May be absorbed through skin. Eye Contact Hazard: Vapors can cause eye irritation. Contact can produce pain, inflammation and temporal eye damage. Chronic Exposure Hazards: Possible cancer hazard based on tests with laboratory animals. Prolonged or repeated contact with skin may cause dermatitis. May have fetal effects. Teratogenic: Specific abnormalities have been observed in laboratory animals. See section 11.