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DIMETHYL SULPHOXIDE

ICSC: 0459

Methyl sulphoxide
DMSO
C2H6OS / (CH3)2SO
Molecular mass: 78.1
ICSC # 0459 		CAS # 67-68-5
RTECS # PV6210000
April 10, 2000 Validated

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.
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.
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.
Safety spectacles.
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
•INGESTION Nausea. Vomiting. Drowsiness.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.
Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Ventilation. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent and remove to safe place. Special attention to avoid skin absorption. Personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and vapours.
Separated from strong oxidants. Cool. Keep in the dark. Keep in a well-ventilated room.

ICSC: 0459 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 SULPHOXIDE

ICSC: 0459

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M

P

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A

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D

A

T

A

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:
The substance decomposes on heating or on burning producing toxic fumes including sulfur oxides . Reacts violently with strong oxidants such as perchlorates.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV not established.
MAK: IIb (not established but data is available); skin absorption (H); (DFG 2004).


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 in which a harmful concentration in the air is reached on evaporation of this substance at 20°C.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance is irritating to the eyes and the skin . Exposure to high concentrations of the substance 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 , resulting in impaired functions and lesions of blood cells .

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

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)

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA


N O T E S

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.
NFPA Code: H1; F1; R0;

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION



ICSC: 0459 DIMETHYL SULPHOXIDE
(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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