Methyl alcohol
Synonyms & Trade Names
Carbinol, Columbian spirits, Methanol, Pyroligneous spirit, Wood alcohol, Wood naphtha, Wood spiritExposure Limits
NIOSH REL
TWA 200 ppm (260 mg/m3) ST 250 ppm (325 mg/m3) [skin]OSHA PEL
TWA 200 ppm (260 mg/m3) See Appendix GPhysical Description
Colorless liquid with a characteristic pungent odor.Molecular Weight
32.1Boiling Point
147°FFreezing Point
-144°FSolubility
MiscibleVapor Pressure
96 mmHgIonization Potential
10.84 eVSpecific Gravity
0.79Flash Point
52°FUpper Exposive Limit
36%Lower Explosive Limit
6.0%Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Strong oxidizersExposure Routes
inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contactSymptoms
irritation eyes, skin, upper respiratory system; headache, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting; visual disturbance, optic nerve damage (blindness); dermatitisTarget Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system, gastrointestinal tractPersonal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)Skin:Prevent skin contact
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:When contaminated
Remove:When wet (flammable)
Change:No recommendation
First Aid
(See procedures)Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Water flush promptly
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations
NIOSH/OSHA
Up to 2000 ppm:
(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator
Up to 5000 ppm:
(APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode
Up to 6000 ppm:
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator that has a tight-fitting facepiece and is operated in a continuous-flow mode
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece
Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:
(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:
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