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 131

Exposure
Limits

NIOSH REL: Ca See Appendix A
OSHA PEL: [1910.1008] See Appendix B
IDLH Ca [N.D.] See: IDLH INDEX 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
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Personal Protection & Sanitation (See protection)
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
Important additional information about respirator selection
Respirator Recommendations (See Appendix E) 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   See ICSC CARD: 0237   See MEDICAL TESTS: 0026