METHOXYCHLOR (ICSC)

METHOXYCHLOR	ICSC: 1306

Date of Peer Review: March 1999

1,1-(2,2,2-Trichloroethylidene)bis(4-methoxybenzene)
1,1,1-Trichloro-2,2-bis(p-methoxyphenyl)ethane
Dimethoxy-DDT

CAS #	72-43-5	C₁₆H₁₅Cl₃O₂
RTECS #	KJ3675000	Molecular mass: 345.7
UN #
EC #

TYPES OF HAZARD / EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID / FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE	Combustible. Liquid formulations containing organic solvents may be flammable. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.	NO open flames.	Powder, alcohol-resistant foam, water spray, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION

EXPOSURE		PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST! STRICT HYGIENE! AVOID EXPOSURE OF (PREGNANT) WOMEN!
Inhalation	See Ingestion.	Local exhaust or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest.
Skin		Protective gloves. Protective clothing.	Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap.
Eyes		Safety spectacles or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.	First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
Ingestion	Convulsions. Diarrhoea. Nausea. Vomiting.	Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.	Induce vomiting (ONLY IN CONSCIOUS PERSONS!). Give plenty of water to drink. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Sweep spilled substance into sealable containers; if appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder, then remove to safe place. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Personal protection: P2 filter respirator for harmful particles.

Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
EU Classification
UN Classification

EMERGENCY RESPONSE

SAFE STORAGE

Separated from food and feedstuffs. Well closed. Keep in a well-ventilated room.

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 2004

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

METHOXYCHLOR

ICSC: 1306

IMPORTANT DATA

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS TO LIGHT YELLOW CRYSTALS, WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance decomposes on heating and on burning producing toxic and corrosive gases including hydrogen chloride (see ICSC 0163). Reacts with oxidants. Attacks some plastics and rubber.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: 10 mg/mł as TWA; A4 (not classifiable as a human carcinogen); (ACGIH 2004).
MAK: (Inhalable fraction) 15 mg/mł; Peak limitation category: II(8); Pregnancy risk group: D; (DFG 2004).

ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol, through the skin and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly on spraying or when dispersed, especially if powdered.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
The substance may have effects on the liver, kidneys, central nervous systeml, when ingested in large amounts. Animal tests show that this substance possibly causes toxic effects upon human reproduction.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Melting point: 89°C
Density: 1.4 g/cmł
Solubility in water: none
Vapour pressure: negligible

Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 4.68-5.08

ENVIRONMENTAL DATA

The substance is very toxic to aquatic organisms. Bioaccumulation of this chemical may occur in fish. This substance does enter the environment under normal use. Great care, however, should be given to avoid any additional release, e.g. through inappropriate disposal.

NOTES

Temperature of decomposition unknown in literature. Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is suggested. If the substance is formulated with solvent(s) also consult the card(s) (ICSC) of the solvent(s). Carrier solvents used in commercial formulations may change physical and toxicological properties. Maralate, Marlate, Metox, Prentox, Methoxicide are trade names. See also ICSC0034 for DDT.
Card has been partly updated in April 2005. See section Occupational Exposure Limits.

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 2004

    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations
       Methoxychlor (FAO Meeting Report PL/1965/10/1)
       Methoxychlor (Pesticide residues in food: 1977 evaluations)
       Methoxychlor (IARC Summary & Evaluation, Volume 5, 1974)
       Methoxychlor (IARC Summary & Evaluation, Volume 20, 1979)