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NIOSH

DIMETHYL ETHER

ICSC: 0454

Methyl ether
Oxybismethane
Wood ether
Methoxymethane
C2H6O / CH3OCH3
Molecular mass: 46.08
(cylinder)
ICSC # 0454 		CAS # 115-10-6
RTECS # PM4780000
UN # 1033
EC # 603-019-00-8
August 10, 2002 Validated

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE

ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS

PREVENTION

FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING

FIRE Extremely flammable.
NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking. NO contact with hot surfaces.
Shut off supply; if not possible and no risk to surroundings, let the fire burn itself out; in other cases extinguish with dry powder, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION Gas/air mixtures are explosive.
Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting.
In case of fire: keep cylinder cool by spraying with water. Combat fire from a sheltered position.
EXPOSURE


•INHALATION Cough. Sore throat. Confusion. Drowsiness. Unconsciousness.
Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.
Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.
•SKIN ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID: FROSTBITE.
Cold-insulating gloves.
ON FROSTBITE: rinse with plenty of water, do NOT remove clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower.
•EYES Redness. Pain.
Safety goggles, 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
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Remove all ignition sources. (Extra personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and vapours.)
Fireproof. Cool.

F+ symbol
R: 12
S: 2-9-16-33
UN Hazard Class: 2.1
ICSC: 0454 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

DIMETHYL ETHER

ICSC: 0454

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PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS GAS , WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

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

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance can form explosive peroxides under the influence of light and air. On combustion, forms irritating fumes. Reacts with oxidants .

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
EU OEL: as TWA 1000 ppm; 1920 mg/m3; (EU 2002).


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

INHALATION RISK:
On loss of containment, a harmful concentration of this gas in the air will be reached very quickly especially in confined spaces.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance is irritating to the eyes and the respiratory tract . Rapid evaporation of the liquid may cause frostbite. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system . Exposure could cause lowering of consciousness.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point: -23.6°C
Melting point: -141.5°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.61
Solubility in water, g/100 ml: 2.4
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 1.6
Flash point: Flammable Gas
Auto-ignition temperature: 350°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 3.4-26.7
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 0.1

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA


N O T E S

Check oxygen content before entering area. High concentrations in the air cause a deficiency of oxygen with the risk of unconsciousness or death. Check for peroxides prior to distillation; eliminate if found.
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-21S1033

NFPA Code: H2; F4; R1;

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION



ICSC: 0454 DIMETHYL ETHER
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.
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