International Chemical Safety Cards

NITROMETHANE

ICSC: 0522

Nitrocarbol
CH₃NO₂
Molecular mass: 61.04

ICSC #    0522
CAS #     75-52-5
RTECS # PA9800000
UN #        1261
EC #         609-036-00-7
April 10, 1997 Peer reviewed

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID/ FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE	Flammable. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.	NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking.	Powder, alcohol-resistant foam, water spray, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION	Vapour/air mixtures are explosive. Risk of fire and explosion on contact with incompatible materials (see Chemical Dangers and Notes).	Above 35°C use a closed system, ventilation, and explosion-proof electrical equipment. Do NOT expose to friction or shock.	In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water. Combat fire from a sheltered position.

EXPOSURE		PREVENT GENERATION OF MISTS!
•INHALATION	Cough. Drowsiness. Headache. Nausea. Sore throat. Unconsciousness. Vomiting.	Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration if indicated. Refer for medical attention. See Notes.
•SKIN	Dry skin. Redness.	Protective gloves.	Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower.
•EYES	Redness.	Safety goggles.	First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
•INGESTION	(See Inhalation).	Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.	Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Remove all ignition sources. 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 absorb in saw-dust or other combustible absorbents. (Extra personal protection: A/P2 filter respirator for organic vapour and harmful dust).

Fireproof. Separated from incompatible materials (see Chemical Dangers and Notes).

Xn symbol
R: 5-10-22
S: 2-41
UN Hazard Class: 3
UN Packing Group: II

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

ICSC: 0522

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

NITROMETHANE

ICSC: 0522

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

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

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
May explosively decompose on shock, friction, or concussion. May explode on heating. The substance decomposes on burning producing nitrogen oxides. Reacts with alkalis. Reacts violently with strong oxidants and strong reducing agents causing fire and explosion hazard. Forms shock sensitive mixture with amines.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: 20 ppm; 50 mg/m³ (ACGIH 1996).
OSHA PEL: TWA 100 ppm (250 mg/m³)
NIOSH REL: See Appendix D
NIOSH IDLH: 750 ppm

ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation and by ingestion.

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 irritates the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system , resulting in central nervous system depression.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis. The substance may have effects on the peripheral nervous system, kidneys and liver , resulting in impaired functions.

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point: 101°C
Melting point: -29°C
Relative density (water = 1): 1.14
Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 3.7

Relative vapour density (air = 1): 2.1
Flash point: 35°C c.c.
Auto-ignition temperature: 417°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 7.3-63

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA

N O T E S

Will turn shock-sensitive if contaminated with acids, bases, metal oxides, hydrocarbons and other combustible materials. Combustion in a confined space may turn into detonation. The odour warning when the exposure limit value is exceeded is insufficient.

Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-898

NFPA Code: H1; F3; R3;

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ICSC: 0522	NITROMETHANE
(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.