# NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
bis-Chloromethyl ether | CAS 542-88-1
(CH2Cl)2O | RTECS KN1575000
Synonyms & Trade Names BCME, bis-CME, Chloromethyl ether, Dichlorodimethyl ether, Dichloromethyl ether, Oxybis(chloromethane) | DOT ID & Guide 2249 153
Exposure Limits | NIOSH REL: Ca See Appendix A
OSHA PEL: [1910.1008] See Appendix B
IDLH Ca [N.D.] | Conversion
Physical Description Colorless liquid with a suffocating odor.
MW: 115.0 | BP: 223°F | FRZ: -43°F | Sol: Reacts
VP(72°F): 30 mmHg | IP: ? |  | Sp.Gr: 1.32
Fl.P: <66°F | UEL: ? | LEL: ? |
Class IB Flammable Liquid: Fl.P. below 73°F and BP at or above 100°F.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities Acids, water [Note: Reacts with water to form hydrochloric acid & formaldehyde.]
Measurement Methods OSHA 10
Personal Protection & Sanitation Skin: Prevent skin contact Eyes: Prevent eye contact Wash skin: When contaminated/Daily Remove: When wet (flammable) Change: Daily Provide: Eyewash, Quick drench | First Aid (See procedures) Eye: Irrigate immediately Skin: Soap wash immediately Breathing: Respiratory support Swallow: Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations NIOSH At concentrations above the NIOSH REL, or where there is no REL, at any detectable concentration: (APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode/(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus Escape: (APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister/Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
Exposure Routes inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms Irritation eyes, skin, mucous membrane, respiratory system; pulmonary congestion, edema; corneal damage, necrosis; decreased pulmonary function, cough, dyspnea (breathing difficulty), wheezing; blood-stained sputum, bronchial secretions; [potential occupational carcinogen]
Target Organs Eyes, skin, respiratory system Cancer Site [lung cancer]
See also: INTRODUCTION