International Chemical Safety Cards

bis(CHLOROMETHYL) ETHER

ICSC: 0237

BCME
sym-Dichloromethyl ether
1,1'-Dichlorodimethyl ether
Oxybis(chloromethane)
Chloro(chloromethoxy)methane
(CH₂Cl)₂O
Molecular mass: 115

ICSC #    0237
CAS #     542-88-1
RTECS # KN1575000
UN #        2249
EC #         603-046-00-5
April 18, 2005 Peer reviewed

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 spray, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION	Vapour/air mixtures are explosive.	Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting.	In case of fire: cool drums, etc., by spraying with water but avoid contact of the substance with water.

EXPOSURE		AVOID ALL CONTACT!	IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
•INHALATION	Burning sensation. Cough. Headache. Laboured breathing. Shortness of breath. Vomiting. Wheezing. Symptoms may be delayed (see Notes).	Closed system and ventilation.	Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.
•SKIN	MAY BE ABSORBED! Redness. Burning sensation. Skin burns.	Protective clothing. Protective gloves.	Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention.
•EYES	Redness. Pain. Blurred vision. Severe deep burns.	Face shield or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.	First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
•INGESTION	Abdominal pain. Burning sensation in the throat and chest. Shock or collapse.	Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.	Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus. Collect leaking liquid in sealable containers. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent and remove to safe place.

Fireproof. Separated from food and feedstuffs . Dry. Cool.

Airtight. Special material. Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
Note: E
T+ symbol
R: 45-10-22-24-26
S: 53-45
UN Hazard Class: 6.1
UN Subsidiary Risks: 3
UN Packing Group: I

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

ICSC: 0237

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.

International Chemical Safety Cards

bis(CHLOROMETHYL) ETHER

ICSC: 0237

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PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS LIQUID , WITH PUNGENT ODOUR.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
The vapour mixes well with air, explosive mixtures are easily formed.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance decomposes on heating and on contact with water producing toxic and corrosive fumes of hydrogen chloride (see ICSC 0163), formaldehyde. Attacks many metals, plastic, resins.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: 0.001 ppm as TWA; A1 (confirmed human carcinogen); (ACGIH 2005).
MAK:
Carcinogen category: 1;
(DFG 2004).
OSHA PEL: 1910.1008 See Appendix B
NIOSH REL: Ca See Appendix A
NIOSH IDLH: Potential occupational carcinogen No data

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

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

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance is corrosive to the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion. Inhalation of high concentrations may cause lung oedema (see Notes). The effects may be delayed. Exposure may result in death.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
This substance is carcinogenic to humans.

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point: 104-106°C
Melting point: -42°C
Relative density (water = 1): 1.3
Solubility in water: reaction

Vapour pressure, kPa at 25°C: 3.9
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 4.0
Flash point: <19°C c.c.
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 1.05

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA

N O T E S

Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is suggested. The symptoms of lung oedema often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation are therefore essential. Immediate administration of an appropriate inhalation therapy by a doctor or a person authorized by him/her, should be considered.

Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-20G1TC

NFPA Code: H4; F0; R0;

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ICSC: 0237	bis(CHLOROMETHYL) ETHER
(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.