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NIOSH

METHYLAL

ICSC: 1152

Dimethoxymethane
Formal
Formaldehyde dimethylacetal
C3H8O2 / CH2(OCH3)2
Molecular mass: 76.1
ICSC # 1152 		CAS # 109-87-5
RTECS # PA8750000
UN # 1234
April 22, 1994 Validated

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE

ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS

PREVENTION

FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING

FIRE Highly flammable.
NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking.
Powder, alcohol-resistant foam, water in large amounts, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION Vapour/air mixtures are explosive.
Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Do NOT use compressed air for filling, discharging, or handling.
In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.
EXPOSURE


•INHALATION Cough. Dizziness. Drowsiness. Headache. Sore throat. Unconsciousness.
Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.
Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.
•SKIN MAY BE ABSORBED! Dry skin. Redness. Pain. (Further see Inhalation).
Protective gloves.
Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention.
•EYES Redness. Pain.
Safety spectacles.
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
•INGESTION Abdominal pain. Nausea. Vomiting. (Further see Inhalation).
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.
Rinse mouth. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

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. Do NOT wash away into sewer. Personal protection: self-contained breathing apparatus.
Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants. Cool. Keep in the dark. Well closed. Store only if stabilized.
Airtight.
UN Hazard Class: 3
UN Packing Group: II
ICSC: 1152 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.

METHYLAL

ICSC: 1152

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D

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A

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
VERY VOLATILE COLOURLESS LIQUID , WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
The vapour is heavier than air and may travel along the ground; distant ignition possible.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance can presumably form explosive peroxides. May explode on heating. Reacts vigorously with strong oxidants causing fire and explosion hazard.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: 1000 ppm as TWA; (ACGIH 2004).
MAK: 1000 ppm, 3200 mg/m3;
Peak limitation category: II(2); Pregnancy risk group: D;
(DFG 2004).
OSHA PEL: TWA 1000 ppm (3100 mg/m3)
NIOSH REL: TWA 1000 ppm (3100 mg/m3)
NIOSH IDLH: 2200 ppm 10%LEL See: 109875


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

INHALATION RISK:
A harmful contamination of the air can be reached rather quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance is irritating to the eyes , the skin and the respiratory tract . The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system. Exposure far above the OEL may result in unconsciousness.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
The liquid defats the skin.

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point: 42°C
Melting point: -105°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.86
Solubility in water, g/100 ml at 20°C: 33
Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 44
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 2.6
Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.7
Flash point: -18°C o.c.
Auto-ignition temperature: 237°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 1.6-17.6
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 0

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA


N O T E S

An added stabilizer or inhibitor can influence the toxicological properties of this substance, consult an expert. Check for peroxides prior to distillation; eliminate if found. Methylal is metabolized to methanol and formaldehyde and may exhibit the same toxic reactions as these compounds. See also ICSC0057 Methanol and 0275 Formaldehyde. Card has been partly updated in April 2005. See sections Occupational Exposure Limits, Emergency Response.
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-30S1234 or 30GF1-I+II
NFPA Code: H 2; F 3; R 2;

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION



ICSC: 1152 METHYLAL
(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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