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bis(CHLOROMETHYL) ETHERICSC: 0237 (November 2016)
BCME
sym-Dichloromethyl ether
1,1'-Dichlorodimethyl ether
Oxybis(chloromethane)
Chloro(chloromethoxy)methane
CAS #: 542-88-1
UN #: 2249
EC Number: 208-832-8

  ACUTE HAZARDS PREVENTION FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE & EXPLOSION Highly flammable.  Vapour/air mixtures are explosive.  NO open flames, NO sparks and NO smoking.  Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting.  Use water spray, powder, alcohol-resistant foam, carbon dioxide.  In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water. NO direct contact with water. 

 AVOID ALL CONTACT! IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR! 
  SYMPTOMS PREVENTION FIRST AID
Inhalation Cough. Burning sensation. Wheezing. Shortness of breath. Headache. Vomiting. Laboured breathing.  Use closed system or ventilation.  Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer immediately for medical attention. 
Skin MAY BE ABSORBED! Redness. Burning sensation. Skin burns.  Protective clothing. Protective gloves.  Wear protective gloves when administering first aid. First rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, then remove contaminated clothes and rinse again. Refer immediately for medical attention . 
Eyes Redness. Pain. Blurred vision. Severe deep burns.  Wear face shield or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.  Rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible). Refer immediately for medical attention. 
Ingestion Burns in mouth and throat. Burning sensation behind the breastbone. Abdominal pain. Shock or collapse.  Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.  Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer immediately for medical attention. 

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL CLASSIFICATION & LABELLING
Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations. 

According to UN GHS Criteria

flam;flameskull;toxiccancer;health hazcorr
DANGER
Highly flammable liquid and vapour
Fatal if inhaled
Toxic in contact with skin
Harmful if swallowed
Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
May cause respiratory irritation
May cause cancer 

Transportation
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 6.1; UN Subsidiary Risks: 3; Carriage by some modes of transport is prohibited. 

STORAGE
Fireproof. Dry. Cool. Separated from food and feedstuffs. Store only in original packaging. 
PACKAGING
Airtight. 
bis(CHLOROMETHYL) ETHER ICSC: 0237
PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION

Physical State; Appearance
COLOURLESS LIQUID WITH PUNGENT ODOUR. 

Physical dangers
The vapour mixes well with air, explosive mixtures are easily formed. 

Chemical dangers
Decomposes on heating and on contact with water. This produces toxic and corrosive fumes of hydrogen chloride (see ICSC 0163) and formaldehyde. Attacks many metals, plastics and resins. 

Formula: (CH2Cl)2O
Molecular mass: 115
Boiling point: 104-106°C
Melting point: -42°C
Relative density (water = 1): 1.3
Solubility in water: reaction
Vapour pressure, kPa at 25°C: 3.9
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 4.0
Flash point: <19°C c.c.
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 1.05  


EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS

Routes of exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour, through the skin and by ingestion. 

Effects of short-term exposure
The substance is corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion. Inhalation may cause lung oedema. See Notes. The effects may be delayed. Exposure at high concentrations could cause death. 

Inhalation risk
A harmful contamination of the air can be reached very quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C. 

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
This substance is carcinogenic to humans. 


OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS
TLV: 0.001 ppm as TWA; A1 (confirmed human carcinogen).
MAK: carcinogen category: 1 

ENVIRONMENT
 

NOTES
Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is suggested.
The symptoms of lung oedema often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort.
Rest and medical observation are therefore essential. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
  EC Classification
Symbol: T+; R: 45-10-22-24-26; S: 53-45; Note: E 

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    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations