METHYL CHLORIDE (ICSC)

METHYL CHLORIDE	ICSC: 0419

Date of Peer Review: March 1999

Chloromethane
Monochloromethane

CAS #

74-87-3

CH₃Cl

RTECS #

PA6300000

Molecular mass: 50.5

UN #

1063

EC Index #

602-001-00-7

TYPES OF HAZARD / EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID / FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE	Highly flammable. Heating will cause rise in pressure with risk of bursting.	NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking.	Shut off supply; if not possible and no risk to surroundings, let the fire burn itself out; in other cases extinguish with water spray.
EXPLOSION	Gas/air mixtures are explosive.	Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Use non-sparking handtools.	In case of fire: keep cylinder cool by spraying with water. Combat fire from a sheltered position.

EXPOSURE		STRICT HYGIENE!
Inhalation	Staggering gait. Dizziness. Headache. Nausea. Vomiting.Convulsions. Unconsciousness. See Notes.	Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.
Skin	MAY BE ABSORBED! ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID: FROSTBITE.	Cold-insulating gloves. Protective clothing.	ON FROSTBITE: rinse with plenty of water, do NOT remove clothes.
Eyes	(See Skin).	Safety goggles face shield or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.
Ingestion

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Ventilation. NEVER direct water jet on liquid. Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus.

EU Classification
Symbol: F+, Xn
R: 12-40-48/20
S: (2-)-9-16-33
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 2.1

EMERGENCY RESPONSE

STORAGE

Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-20S1063 or 20G2F
NFPA Code: H2; F4; R0;

Fireproof. Ventilation along the floor.

IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the Commission of the European Communities Š IPCS, CEC 2005

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

METHYL CHLORIDE

ICSC: 0419

IMPORTANT DATA

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS LIQUEFIED GAS.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
The gas is heavier than air and may travel along the ground; distant ignition possible, and may accumulate in low ceiling spaces causing deficiency of oxygen. See Notes.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance decomposes on burning producing toxic and corrosive fumes including hydrogen chloride and phosgene. Reacts violently with powdered aluminium, powdered zinc, aluminium trichloride and ethylene causing fire and explosion hazard. Attacks many metals in the presence of moisture.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: 50 ppm as TWA, 100 ppm as STEL; (skin); A4 (not classifiable as a human carcinogen); (ACGIH 2004).
MAK: 50 ppm 100 mg/mł; Peak limitation category: II(2); skin absorption (H); Carcinogen category: 3B; Pregnancy risk group: B; (DFG 2004).

ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation and through the skin.

INHALATION RISK:
A harmful concentration of this gas in the air will be reached very quickly on loss of containment.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The liquid may cause frostbite. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system. Exposure may result in unconsciousness. Exposure far above the OEL may result in liver, cardiovascular system and kidney damage. Medical observation is indicated.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
The substance may have effects on the central nervous system, resulting in effects measured using behavioural tests. Animal tests show that this substance possibly causes toxic effects upon human reproduction.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Boiling point: -24.2°C
Melting point: -97.6°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.92
Solubility in water, g/100 ml at 25°C: 0.5
Vapour pressure, kPa at 21°C: 506
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 1.8

Flash point: Flammable Gas
Auto-ignition temperature: 632°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 8.1-17.4
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 0.91

ENVIRONMENTAL DATA

NOTES

Following intoxication patient should be observed carefully for 48 hours. Check oxygen content before entering area. Card has been partly updated in October 2005. See sections Occupational Exposure Limits, Emergency Response.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

LEGAL NOTICE

Neither the CEC nor the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information

Š IPCS, CEC 2005

    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations
       Methyl chloride (WHO Food Additives Series 14)
       Methyl chloride (PIM 339)
       Methyl chloride (CICADS 28, 2001)
       Methyl Chloride (IARC Summary & Evaluation, Volume 71, 1999)