Methylene chloride
Synonyms & Trade Names
Dichloromethane, Methylene dichloridePhysical Description
Colorless liquid with a chloroform-like odor. [Note: A gas above 104°F.]Molecular Weight
84.9Boiling Point
104°FFreezing Point
-139°FSolubility
2%Vapor Pressure
350 mmHgIonization Potential
11.32 eVSpecific Gravity
1.33Flash Point
?Upper Exposive Limit
23%Lower Explosive Limit
13%
Combustible Liquid
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Strong oxidizers; caustics; chemically-active metals such as aluminum, magnesium powders, potassium & sodium; concentrated nitric acidExposure Routes
inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contactSymptoms
irritation eyes, skin; lassitude (weakness, exhaustion), drowsiness, dizziness; numb, tingle limbs; nausea; [potential occupational carcinogen]Target Organs
Eyes, skin, cardiovascular system, central nervous systemCancer Site
[in animals: lung, liver, salivary & mammary gland tumors]Personal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)Skin:Prevent skin contact
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:When contaminated
Remove:When wet or contaminated
Change:No recommendation
Provide:Eyewash, Quick drench
First Aid
(See procedures)Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Soap wash promptly
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations
NIOSH
At concentrations above the NIOSH REL, or where there is no REL, at any detectable concentration:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus
Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
- Page last reviewed:April 11, 2016
- Page last updated:April 11, 2016
- Content source:
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Education and Information Division