# NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
Methyl alcohol | CAS 67-56-1
CH3OH | RTECS PC1400000
Synonyms & Trade Names Carbinol, Columbian spirits, Methanol, Pyroligneous spirit, Wood alcohol, Wood naphtha, Wood spirit | DOT ID & Guide 1230 131
Exposure Limits | NIOSH REL: TWA 200 ppm (260 mg/m3) ST 250 ppm (325 mg/m3) [skin]
OSHA PEL†: TWA 200 ppm (260 mg/m3)
IDLH 6000 ppm | Conversion 1 ppm = 1.31 mg/m3
Physical Description Colorless liquid with a characteristic pungent odor.
MW: 32.1 | BP: 147°F | FRZ: -144°F | Sol: Miscible
VP: 96 mmHg | IP: 10.84 eV |  | Sp.Gr: 0.79
Fl.P: 52°F | UEL: 36% | LEL: 6.0% |
Class IB Flammable Liquid: Fl.P. below 73°F and BP at or above 100°F.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities Strong oxidizers
Measurement Methods NIOSH 2000, 3800; OSHA 91
Personal Protection & Sanitation Skin: Prevent skin contact Eyes: Prevent eye contact Wash skin: When contaminated Remove: When wet (flammable) Change: No recommendation | First Aid (See procedures) Eye: Irrigate immediately Skin: Water flush promptly Breathing: Respiratory support Swallow: Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations NIOSH/OSHA Up to 2000 ppm: (APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator Up to 5000 ppm: (APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode Up to 6000 ppm: (APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator that has a tight-fitting facepiece and is operated in a continuous-flow mode/(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece/(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions: (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: Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
Exposure Routes inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms Irritation eyes, skin, upper respiratory system; headache, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting; visual disturbance, optic nerve damage (blindness); dermatitis
Target Organs Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract
See also: INTRODUCTION