Dichloromethane (DCM) Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

Identification

Product Name: Dichloromethane
Synonyms: Methylene chloride, DCM
Chemical Formula: CH2Cl2
CAS Number: 75-09-2
EC Number: 200-838-9
Manufacturer: Refer to container, supplier
Recommended Uses: Industrial solvent, paint remover, degreaser, laboratory reagent
Contact Information: Emergency phone, hazard management office

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Carcinogenic category 2, Acute toxicity (oral) category 4, Narcotic effects, Eye irritant category 2
Label Elements: Signal word: Danger; Pictograms: Health hazard, Exclamation mark
Hazards: May be fatal if inhaled, toxic by skin absorption, causes eye and respiratory irritation, suspected human carcinogen, causes dizziness and drowsiness, central nervous system depression
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing vapors, use only with adequate ventilation, wear protective equipment, wash hands after handling

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Dichloromethane
Concentration: Greater than 99%
Impurities: Trace stabilizers such as amylene or other agents in minimal percentages
Other Ingredients: Not relevant for typical DCM preparations

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, keep comfortable for breathing, seek medical advice for prolonged symptoms, provide oxygen if breathing is difficult, administer artificial respiration if breathing stops
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash with ample soap and water, seek medical attention for persistent irritation, launder clothes before reuse
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with running water for at least 20 minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy, get medical help for redness or pain
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, rinse mouth with water, seek immediate medical attention, never give fluids to someone unconscious

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Carbon dioxide, dry chemical, foam, water spray for cooling
Specific Hazards: Emits toxic, corrosive fumes (hydrogen chloride, carbon monoxide, phosgene)
Protection for Firefighters: Self-contained breathing equipment, full protective gear
Fire/Explosion Hazards: Vapors heavier than air, may collect in low areas, DCM not highly flammable but decomposes rapidly upon contact with flames

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate area, ventilate, wear gloves and chemical goggles, avoid skin contact and inhalation
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into sewers or watercourses, contain spill, notify relevant authorities
Cleanup Procedures: Absorb the liquid with inert material, collect in closed container, decontaminate area with water and detergent, use non-sparking tools

Handling and Storage

Precautions for Safe Handling: Work in well-ventilated locations, avoid all contact with skin, eyes, and clothing, do not inhale vapors, use safety systems for transfer
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed containers, protect from sunlight, keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated spot
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, alkali metals, nitric acid, bases
Storage Class: Flammable liquids or chlorinated solvents as per facility protocol

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL: 25 ppm TWA, 125 ppm STEL; ACGIH TLV: 50 ppm TWA
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust, chemical fume hood, process enclosures
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (butyl, nitrile), splash goggles, impervious clothing, face shield for large splashes
Respiratory Protection: NIOSH-approved full-face respirator in absence of adequate ventilation, airline masks for high levels
Hygiene Measures: Wash thoroughly after handling, remove contaminated clothing promptly

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
Odor: Sweet, chloroform-like
Boiling Point: 39.8°C (103.6°F)
Melting Point: -96.7°C (-142°F)
Flash Point: None (closed cup)
Auto-ignition Temperature: 556°C (1033°F)
Vapor Pressure: 58.5 kPa at 20°C
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water (20g/L at 20°C), miscible with most organic solvents
Density: 1.33 g/cm³ at 20°C
Partition Coefficient: log Kow 1.25
Evaporation Rate: Rapid
Vapor Density: 2.93 (air = 1)

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions, unstable at high temperatures
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, flame, sparks, sunlight, incompatible substances
Materials to Avoid: Strong oxidizing agents, alkali metals, bases, nitrogen tetroxide, potassium, sodium
Decomposition Products: Phosgene, hydrogen chloride, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Polymerization does not occur under routine use

Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin, eyes, ingestion
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): 1600 mg/kg, Inhalation LC50 (rat): 49 mg/L (4 h), Dermal LD50: >2000 mg/kg
Chronic Toxicity: Prolonged exposure triggers liver and kidney impacts, nervous system depression, possible carcinogenic effects
Carcinogenicity: Listed as possible human carcinogen by IARC (Group 2A), NTP, and OSHA
Other Effects: Dizziness, headaches, nausea, skin irritation, epigastric pain, unconsciousness with heavy exposure

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic life; LC50 (96h, fish): 193 mg/L, EC50 (48h, daphnia): 220 mg/L
Persistence and Degradability: Moderately persistent, breaks down by photolysis and biodegradation
Bioaccumulation: Low potential, log Kow indicates moderate mobility in the environment
Soil Mobility: Penetrates easily, can reach groundwater
Other Adverse Effects: Contributes to ozone depletion due to release of chlorine radicals under sunlight

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose as hazardous waste, incinerate carefully with flue gas scrubbing
Packaging Disposal: Triple rinse containers, puncture and send to authorized facility
Regulatory Requirements: Follow local, state, and national codes for disposal of chlorinated solvents

Transport Information

UN Number: 1593
UN Proper Shipping Name: Dichloromethane
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic substance)
Packing Group: III
Environmental Hazards: Marine pollutant — not classified as such, but handle to avoid leaks
Special Precautions: Keep containers upright, label properly, ensure transporters know hazards, avoid temperature extremes

Regulatory Information

US Regulations: EPA SARA Title III Sections 311/312/313 listed, TSCA Inventory, OSHA hazardous chemical
EU Regulations: REACH registered, classified under EC No. 1272/2008 (CLP), subject to restrictions
Other International: Covered by Canada WHMIS, Australia SUSMP, Japan PRTR, China IEC
Worker Protection: Strict workplace exposure monitoring, training on hazards
Labeling: Must meet GHS, OSHA and international standards for chemical safety