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DIMETHYL SULPHOXIDE
ICSC: 0459
Peer-Review Status: 10.04.2000 Validated
Methyl sulphoxide
DMSO 
CAS #: 67-68-5 RTECS #: PV6210000
EINECS #: 200-664-3
 		    Formula: C2H6OS / (CH3)2SO
Molecular mass: 78.1

TYPES OF
HAZARD /
EXPOSURE 		ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS      PREVENTION      FIRST AID / FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.  NO open flames.  Use water spray, foam, powder, carbon dioxide. 
EXPLOSION Above 87°C explosive vapour/air mixtures may be formed.  Above 87°C use a closed system, ventilation and explosion-proof electrical equipment.  In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water. 
 
EXPOSURE   PREVENT GENERATION OF MISTS! STRICT HYGIENE!   
Inhalation Headache. Nausea.  Use ventilation, local exhaust or breathing protection.  Fresh air, rest. 
Skin MAY BE ABSORBED! Dry skin.  Protective gloves. Protective clothing.  Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap. Refer for medical attention . 
Eyes Redness. Blurred vision.  Wear safety spectacles.  First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention. 
Ingestion Nausea. Vomiting. Drowsiness.  Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.  Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer for medical attention . 

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL
 		PACKAGING & LABELLING
Personal protection: chemical protection suit and filter respirator for organic gases and vapours adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Ventilation. 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.   
EC Classification
 
UN Classification
 
GHS Classification
 

EMERGENCY RESPONSE SAFE STORAGE
NFPA Code: H1; F1; R0.  Separated from strong oxidants. Cool. Keep in the dark. Keep in a well-ventilated room. 

IMPORTANT DATA
Physical State; Appearance
COLOURLESS HYGROSCOPIC LIQUID. 

Physical dangers
The vapour is heavier than air and may travel along the ground; distant ignition possible. 

Chemical dangers
Decomposes on heating and on burning. This produces toxic fumes including sulfur oxides. Reacts violently with strong oxidants such as perchlorates. 

Occupational exposure limits
TLV (NOT-ESTABLISHED):.
MAK: 50 ppm, 160 mg/m³; Peak limitation category: I(2); Pregnancy risk group: D; Skin absorption (H); (DFG 2008). 

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

Inhalation risk
No indication can be given about the rate at which a harmful concentration of this substance in the air is reached on evaporation at 20°C. 

Effects of short-term exposure
The substance is irritating to the eyes and skin. Exposure to high concentrations could cause lowering of consciousness. May accelerate skin absorption of other materials. See Notes. 

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis. The substance may have effects on the liver and blood. This may result in impaired functions and lesions of blood cells. 


PHYSICAL PROPERTIES ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
Boiling point: 189°C
Melting point: 18.5°C
Relative density (water = 1): 1.1
Solubility in water: miscible
Vapour pressure, Pa at 20°C: 59.4
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 2.7
Flash point: 87°C c.c.
Auto-ignition temperature: 215°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 2.6-42.0
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: -1.35 (calculated)  		 

NOTES
Special attention needed when toxic materials present in Dimethyl sulphoxide because of enhanced skin absorption.
Card has been partly updated in October 2005.
See section Occupational Exposure Limits. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 

IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety 		WHO ILO EC Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the European Commission
© IPCS 2004-2012
LEGAL NOTICE Neither the EC nor the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the EC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. 
    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations