Material Safety Data Sheet: Dichloromethane

Identification

Product Name: Dichloromethane
Synonyms: Methylene chloride, DCM
CAS Number: 75-09-2
Recommended Use: Solvent used in paint removers, degreasing, laboratory applications
Manufacturer: Supplier should be contacted for precise source data
Emergency Contact: Refer to local regulatory authorities and company emergency numbers

Hazard Identification

Hazard Classification: Acute toxicity (inhalation and oral), Skin and eye irritation, Carcinogenicity
Health Hazards: Can impact central nervous system, cause dizziness, nausea, headaches, and unconsciousness at high concentration
Environmental Hazards: Non-persistent, but can contaminate water sources and contribute to air pollution
GHS Label Elements: Danger symbol, health hazard icon, exclamation mark
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing vapors, ensure robust ventilation, protect skin and eyes

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Dichloromethane
Concentration: >99% by weight
Chemical Formula: CH2Cl2
Impurities/Additives: Trace stabilizers may be present, usually to prevent decomposition
Other Components: No significant secondary ingredients expected in pure product

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately, provide oxygen if symptoms persist, seek medical attention for respiratory distress
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin thoroughly with water and soap
Eye Contact: Rinse continuously with plenty of water, remove contact lenses if possible, continue rinsing
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, do not induce vomiting, get immediate medical help
Immediate Symptoms: Headache, disorientation, skin or eye redness, coughing, shortness of breath

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry powder, carbon dioxide, foam—avoid water streams
Specific Hazards: Emits toxic gases when burning, including phosgene, hydrogen chloride, and carbon monoxide
Protective Equipment: Self-contained breathing apparatus, full protective clothing
Special Precautions: Stay upwind, contain firewater runoff, evacuate area if safe action is not possible
Combustion Products: Decomposition can yield corrosive and hazardous fumes

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate unnecessary personnel, ventilate area, wear chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection
Spill Response: Contain and absorb with inert material like sand or earth
Clean-up Methods: Collect waste in sealed, labeled containers for recovery or disposal
Environmental Precautions: Prevent release to sewers, surface, or groundwater, notify regulators if contamination occurs
Decontamination: Wash affected surface thoroughly after spill clean-up

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling: Work in fume hoods or with effective local exhaust, avoid inhalation, minimize skin contact
Storage Conditions: Keep drum tightly closed, store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated space, away from heat or direct sunlight
Incompatible Materials: Strong bases, oxidizers, reactive metals like sodium or potassium
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands after handling, remove contaminated clothing promptly
Long-Term Storage: Segregate from foods, feedstuffs, and incompatible chemicals to avoid accidental reactions

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL: 25 ppm (TWA), NIOSH REL: 75 ppm (STEL), ACGIH TLV: 50 ppm
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, use of explosion-proof equipment recommended
Respiratory Protection: Approved respirators where vapor is generated or limits exceeded
Hand Protection: Wear chemically resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene, or butyl rubber preferred)
Eye Protection: Use chemical goggles or face shields during transfer and cleaning
Additional Measures: Practice regular monitoring and air sampling in workplace

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
Odor: Sweet, ether-like
Odor Threshold: 150 ppm (detectable by most people)
pH: Not applicable (non-aqueous)
Melting Point: -95 °C
Boiling Point: 40 °C
Flash Point: None (not considered flammable at room temperature)
Evaporation Rate: Very high
Flammability: Difficult to ignite but will support combustion
Upper/Lower Explosion Limits: 23% / 12% (by volume in air)
Vapor Pressure: 47 kPa at 20 °C
Vapor Density: 2.9 (air = 1)
Relative Density: 1.33 (water = 1)
Solubility in Water: 20 g/L at 20 °C
Partition Coefficient: log Kow = 1.25
Decomposition Temperature: Above 120 °C
Viscosity: Low viscosity fluid (0.43 mPa·s at 25 °C)

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under ordinary conditions, may decompose at elevated temperatures
Hazardous Reactions: Contact with strong oxidizers, alkali metals, and certain plastics can cause violent reactions
Decomposition Products: Hydrogen chloride, carbon monoxide, phosgene gas possible under fire conditions
Avoid Conditions: Heat, open flames, contact with strong bases or reactive metals
Polymerization: Unlikely under normal conditions, but may occur with strong catalysts

Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin and eye contact, accidental ingestion
Acute Effects: Central nervous system depression, drowsiness, fatigue, slight skin and eye irritation
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure linked to increased cancer risk (IARC Group 2A carcinogen), possible liver and kidney impact
LD50 (Oral, Rat): 1600 mg/kg
LC50 (Inhalation, Rat): 88 g/m³ for 2 hours
Symptoms of Overexposure: Nausea, headache, confusion, possible unconsciousness at high vapor levels
Synergistic Effects: Alcohol and other solvents may heighten toxic outcomes

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Moderately toxic to fish and invertebrates (LC50, fish: 193 mg/L over 96 hours)
Persistence: Degrades in the environment through hydrolysis and biodegradation
Bioaccumulation: Low potential due to volatility and water solubility
Mobility in Soil: High, can leach to groundwater
Other Concerns: Releases to air contribute briefly to smog formation, chronic aquatic hazards unlikely due to rapid breakdown

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal: Incinerate in approved facilities, follow local hazardous waste regulations
Recycling/Recovery: Industrial solvent reclamation may be possible
Container Disposal: Empty containers must be managed with care; triple-rinse and puncture prior to recycling or disposal
Special Instructions: Never pour waste into sinks, drains, or natural water bodies; ensure product and residue containment
Additional Measures: Consult national, state, or local regulatory bodies for disposal procedures

Transport Information

UN Number: 1593
Proper Shipping Name: Dichloromethane
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic substances)
Packing Group: III
Labeling Requirements: Toxic substance, avoid inhalation and accidental release
Transportation Precautions: Packages must remain upright and secure; keep out of direct sunlight during transport

Regulatory Information

OSHA Status: Listed as hazardous, subject to permissible exposure limits
TSCA Inventory: Substance listed
SARA Title III: Reportable quantity established, subject to emergency planning and notification rules
California Proposition 65: Listed as a chemical known to cause cancer
Other Regulation: Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) restrictions apply in several U.S. states; check local, state, federal rules for additional controls