# NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
Methylene chloride | CAS 75-09-2
CH2Cl2 | RTECS PA8050000
Synonyms & Trade Names Dichloromethane, Methylene dichloride | DOT ID & Guide 1593 160
Exposure Limits | NIOSH REL: Ca See Appendix A
OSHA PEL: [1910.1052] TWA 25 ppm ST 125 ppm
IDLH Ca [2300 ppm] | Conversion 1 ppm = 3.47 mg/m3
Physical Description Colorless liquid with a chloroform-like odor. [Note: A gas above 104°F.]
MW: 84.9 | BP: 104°F | FRZ: -139°F | Sol: 2%
VP: 350 mmHg | IP: 11.32 eV |  | Sp.Gr: 1.33
Fl.P: ? | UEL: 23% | LEL: 13% |
Combustible Liquid
Incompatibilities & Reactivities Strong oxidizers; caustics; chemically-active metals such as aluminum, magnesium powders, potassium & sodium; concentrated nitric acid
Measurement Methods NIOSH 1005, 3800; OSHA 59, 80
Personal Protection & Sanitation Skin: Prevent skin contact Eyes: Prevent eye contact Wash skin: When contaminated Remove: When wet or contaminated Change: No recommendation Provide: Eyewash, Quick drench | First Aid (See procedures) Eye: Irrigate immediately Skin: Soap wash promptly 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; lassitude (weakness, exhaustion), drowsiness, dizziness; numbness, tingle limbs; nausea; [potential occupational carcinogen]
Target Organs Eyes, skin, cardiovascular system, central nervous system Cancer Site [in animals: lung, liver, salivary & mammary gland tumors]
See also: INTRODUCTION