International Chemical Safety Cards

bis(CHLOROMETHYL) ETHER ICSC: 0237
bis(CHLOROMETHYL) ETHER
BCME
sym-dichloromethyl ether
1,1'-dichlorodimethyl ether
(CH2Cl)2O
Molecular mass: 115
CAS # 542-88-1
RTECS # KN1575000
ICSC # 0237
UN # 2249
EC # 603-046-00-5
TYPES OF
HAZARD/
EXPOSURE 		ACUTE HAZARDS/
SYMPTOMS 		PREVENTION FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE 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!

  • INHALATION
    		• Burning sensation. Cough. Dizziness. Headache. Nausea. Symptoms may be delayed (see Notes).
    		Closed system and ventilation.
    		Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration if indicated. Refer for medical attention.
  • SKIN
    		• Redness. Burning sensation.
    		Protective clothing.
    		Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap. Refer for medical attention.
  • EYES
    		• Redness. Pain. Blurred vision.
    		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 cramps. Sore throat. Vomiting (further see Inhalation).
    		Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.
    		Rinse mouth. Give nothing to drink. Refer for medical attention.
    SPILLAGE DISPOSAL STORAGE PACKAGING & LABELLING
    Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Collect leaking liquid in sealable containers. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent and remove to safe place. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment (extra personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus).
    		Fireproof. Separated from food and feedstuffs. Dry.
    		Airtight. Special material. Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
    T+ symbol
    R: 45-10-22-24-26
    S: 53-45
    Note: E
    UN Hazard Class: 6.1
    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 © IPCS CEC 1993

    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, resins and plastics.

    OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
     TLV (as as TWA): 0.001 ppm; 0.0047 mg/m3 A1: confirmed Human Carcinogen (ACGIH 1992-1993).


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

    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:
     Corrosive. The substance is corrosive to the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. Inhalation of this substance may cause lung oedema (see Notes).

    EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
     Lungs may be affected by repeated or prolonged exposure. This substance is carcinogenic to humans. May cause genetic damage in humans.
    PHYSICAL
    PROPERTIES
    Boiling point: 104-106░C
    Melting point: -42░C
    Relative density (water = 1): 1.3
    Solubility in water: reaction
    		Vapour pressure, Pa at 20░C: 14
    Relative vapour density (air = 1): 4.0
    Flash point: <19░C c.c.
    ENVIRONMENTAL
    DATA
         		This substance may be hazardous to the environment; special attention should be given to water organisms.
    N O T E S
    Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is indicated. 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 spray, by a doctor or a person authorized by him/her, should be considered.
    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


    ICSC: 0237 bis(CHLOROMETHYL) ETHER
    © IPCS, CEC, 1993
    IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of 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.