METHANOL

Potential Acute Health Effects

Eye Contact: Causes serious eye irritation. Skin Contact: Toxic by skin contact. Repeated exposure to this material can result in absorption through skin causing significant health hazard. Prolonged or repeated exposure may cause skin irritation. May be absorbed through the skin in toxic or lethal amounts. Inhalation: Toxic if inhaled. Symptoms may include dizziness, headache, nausea and loss of coordination. CNS depression. 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. Ingestion: Toxic if swallowed. 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.