Classified as a neurotoxin, dichloromethane has been
proven to cause damage to the brain and central nervous system (CNS)
. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified it as a probable human carcinogen since high levels of exposure to the chemical has been proven to cause liver and lung cancer in animals.
Does dichloromethane cause cancer?
Human studies have observed associations between occupational exposure to dichloromethane and increased risk for several specific cancers, including
brain cancer, liver and biliary tract cancer
, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and multiple myeloma (Cooper et al.
How is dichloromethane a fire hazard?
This produces
toxic and corrosive fumes
including hydrogen chloride (see ICSC 0163), phosgene (see ICSC 0007) and carbon monoxide (see ICSC 0023). Reacts violently with strong oxidants, strong bases and metals such as aluminium powder and magnesium powder. This generates fire and explosion hazard.
Is DCM toxic?
Toxicity. Even though DCM
is the least toxic of
the simple chlorohydrocarbons, it has serious health risks. Its high volatility makes it an acute inhalation hazard. It can also be absorbed through the skin.
What kind of cancer does methylene chloride cause?
Human data are inconclusive regarding methylene chloride and cancer. Animal studies have shown increases in liver and lung cancer and benign mammary gland tumors following the inhalation of methylene chloride.
Is methylene chloride banned in California?
Methylene chloride may also be found in automotive degreasers and cleaners manufactured for sale outside California.
It is not permitted in most products
of these kinds manufactured for sale in California.
Is toluene a carcinogen?
Studies in workers and animals exposed to toluene generally indicate that
toluene is not carcinogenic
(cancer-causing). The International Agency for Research on Cancer determined that toluene is not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity in humans (Group 3).
Is dichloromethane highly flammable?
Dichloromethane, commonly called methylene chloride, is a solvent that is widely used in chemical research and manufacturing. It is a highly volatile liquid (see fast facts table), but
it is neither flammable nor explosive in air
.
Does dichloromethane dissolve in water?
It is
moderately soluble in water
(2 g/100 ml at 20 °C) and soluble in most organic solvents such as ethanol, ether, phenols, aldehydes and ketones. Its evaporation rate is 27.5 (reference liquid is butyl acetate = 1). DCM vapours are heavier than air.
Is acetone highly flammable?
What are fire hazards and extinguishing media for acetone? Flammable Properties:
HIGHLY FLAMMABLE LIQUID
. Can ignite at room temperature. Releases vapour that can form explosive mixture with air.
Is dichloromethane banned?
EPA Bans All Retail Distribution of Methylene Chloride to Consumers for Paint and Coating Removal
. … “EPA’s action keeps paint and coating removers that contain the chemical methylene chloride out of consumers’ hands,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler.
Is acetone toxic to humans?
Breathing moderate to high amounts of acetone for a short amount of
time can irritate your nose, throat, lungs and eyes
. It can also cause headaches, dizziness, confusion, a faster pulse, nausea, vomiting, effects on the blood, passing out and possible coma, and a shorter menstrual cycle in women.
Does DCM smell?
Dichloromethane appears as a colorless liquid with
a sweet, penetrating, ether-like odor
. Noncombustible by if exposed to high temperatures may emit toxic chloride fumes. Vapors are narcotic in high concentrations. Used as a solvent and paint remover.
Is methylene chloride a human carcinogen?
Because methylene chloride has been shown to induce increased numbers of benign and malignant neoplasms in rats and mice, it meets the criteria provided in the OSHA Cancer Policy for classifying a substance as a potential occupational carcinogen; therefore, NIOSH recommends that
methylene chloride be considered a
…
Is methylene chloride safe in coffee?
Based on extensive research data, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that
methylene chloride is safe for use in coffee decaffeination
. … This method of decaffeination (sometimes called the KVW method in Europe) removes between 96 and 97 percent of caffeine from a batch of coffee.
Is methylene chloride highly flammable?
What are fire hazards and extinguishing media for methylene chloride?
Flammable Properties: Can ignite if strongly heated
. Suitable Extinguishing Media: Carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, appropriate foam, water spray or fog. … Specific Hazards Arising from the Chemical: Forms corrosive chemicals on contact with water.
