International Chemical Safety Cards

DIMETHYL SULFATE ICSC: 0148

Sulfuric acid dimethyl ester
Dimethyl monosulfate
DMS
C2H6O4S / (CH3O)2SO2
Molecular mass: 126.13
ICSC #    0148
CAS #     77-78-1
RTECS # WS8225000
UN #        1595
EC #         016-023-00-4
March 13, 1995 Peer reviewed
TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS PREVENTION FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.
NO open flames.
Powder, water spray, foam, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION Above 83°C explosive vapour/air mixtures may be formed.
Above 83°C use a closed system, ventilation.

EXPOSURE
AVOID ALL CONTACT!
IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
 •INHALATION Burning sensation. Cough. Headache. Shortness of breath. Sore throat. Symptoms may be delayed (see Notes).
Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.
Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration if indicated. Refer for medical attention.
 •SKIN MAY BE ABSORBED! Skin burns. Pain. Blisters.
Protective gloves. Protective clothing.
Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap. Refer for medical attention.
 •EYES Redness. Pain. Blurred vision. Severe deep burns.
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. Burning sensation. Convulsions. Diarrhoea. Shock or collapse. Vomiting. (Further see Inhalation).
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.
Rinse mouth. Give plenty of water to drink. Refer immediately for medical attention.
SPILLAGE DISPOSAL STORAGE PACKAGING & LABELLING
Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Ventilation. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in dry sand or inert absorbent and remove to safe place. Do NOT wash away into sewer. (Extra personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus).
Separated from food and feedstuffs and incompatible materials . See Chemical Dangers. Cool. Dry. Well closed. Ventilation along the floor.
Airtight. Special material. Unbreakable packaging; put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container. Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
Note: E
T+ symbol
R: 45-25-26-34
S: 53-45
UN Hazard Class: 6.1
UN Subsidiary Risks: 8
UN Packing Group: I
SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK
ICSC: 0148 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

International Chemical Safety Cards

DIMETHYL SULFATE ICSC: 0148
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PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS , OILY LIQUID.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
The vapour is heavier than air.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance decomposes on heating or on burning producing toxic fumes including sulfur oxides . The solution in water is a medium strong acid. Reacts with water to produce sulfuric acid with evolution of heat. Reacts violently with concentrated aqueous ammonia,bases,acids and strong oxidants with risk of fire and explosion.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: 0.1 ppm; 0.52 mg/m3 (skin) (ACGIH 1993-1994).
MAK: class IIIA2; H (1994).
OSHA PEL: TWA 1 ppm (5 mg/m3) skin
NIOSH REL: Ca TWA 0.1 ppm (0.5 mg/m3) skin See Appendix A
NIOSH IDLH: Potential occupational carcinogen 7 ppm


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

INHALATION RISK:
Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance is corrosive to the eyes, the skin, the respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion. Inhalation of the vapour may cause lung oedema (see Notes). Ingestion of the substance may cause oedema of lips, tongue and pharynx. The substance may cause effects on the liver, kidneys and central nervous system , resulting in impaired functions . Exposure above the OEL may result in death. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
Lungs may be affected by repeated or prolonged exposure to the vapour. This substance is probably carcinogenic to humans.
PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES
Boiling point (decomposes): 188°C
Melting point: -32°C
Relative density (water = 1): 1.33
Solubility in water: hydrolysis above 18°C
Vapour pressure, Pa at 20°C: 65
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 4.35
Flash point: 83°C
Auto-ignition temperature: 470°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 3.6-23.3
ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA
The substance is toxic to aquatic organisms.
N O T E S
The onset of symptoms can occur after a relatively asymptomatic latent period of 6-24 hours. Commercial dimethyl sulfate may contain trace amounts of sulfuric acid. Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is suggested. 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 inhalation therapy by a doctor or a person authorized by him/her, should be considered. No odour warning if toxic concentrations are present. Do NOT take working clothes home. NEVER pour water into this substance; when dissolving or diluting always add it slowly to the water.
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-54

NFPA Code: H4; F2; R0;
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


ICSC: 0148 DIMETHYL SULFATE
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, 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. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.