| Agent Name |
Methyl alcohol |
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| Alternative Name |
Methanol |
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| CAS Number |
67-56-1 |
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| Formula |
C-H4-O |
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| Major Category |
Solvents |
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| Synonyms |
Carbinol; Columbian spirits; Pyroligneous spirit; Wood alcohol; Wood naphtha; Wood spirit; Methanol; [NIOSH] UN1230 |
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| Category |
Alcohols and Polyols |
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| Description |
Colorless liquid with a characteristic pungent odor; [NIOSH] |
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| Sources/Uses |
Used as a solvent, alcohol denaturant, antifreeze, and chemical intermediate; [ACGIH] Naturally present in blood and urine and in fruits and vegetables; [CHEMINFO] Used in paint removers, windshield-washing solutions, and duplication fluids; [Olson, p. 260] |
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| Comments |
Methanol poisoning can cause blindness and death. The lethal oral dose in humans is 2 to 8 ounces. Most cases have occurred after ingestion. Methanol poisoning after inhalation or skin absorption in the workplace has been reported. [ACGIH] Symptoms of methanol poisoning include initial CNS depression and vomiting followed by metabolic acidosis and severe vision impairment 8-24 hours later. Coma, respiratory failure, and death may ensue. [CHEMINFO] In high-dose reproductive studies in animals, methyl alcohol causes testicular damage and birth defects. [Frazier, p. 179-80] Patients may present with inebriation and gastritis. There is a characteristic latency of 6-30 hours after exposure. Combined osmolar and anion gaps suggest poisoning by methanol or ethylene glycol, but also may occur in severe alcoholic ketoacidosis or diabetic ketoacidosis. [Olson, p. 33] |
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| Exposure Assessment |
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| BEI |
Methanol in urine = 15 mg/L; sample at end of shift; |
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| Skin Designation (ACGIH) |
Yes |
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| TLV (ACGIH) |
200 ppm |
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| STEL (ACGIH) |
250 ppm |
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| PEL (OSHA) |
200 ppm |
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| MAK |
200 ppm |
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| IDLH (NIOSH) |
6000 ppm |
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| Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs |
Two human studies showed no effects at vapor concentrations ranging from 160 to 1,000 ppm [McAllister 1954; MDOH 1937]. It has been stated that it probably would be dangerous to be exposed to concentrations of the order of 30,000 to 50,000 ppm for as much as 30 to 60 minutes [Patty 1963]. |
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| Vapor Pressure |
96 mm Hg |
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| Odor Threshold Low |
4.2 ppm |
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| Odor Threshold High |
5960 ppm |
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| Lethal Concentration |
LC50 (rats) = 64,000 ppm/4 hr |
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| Explanatory Notes |
Detection odor threshold from AIHA (mean = 160 ppm); Flash point = 54 deg F; [CAMEO] |
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| Flammability (NFPA) |
3: may ignite at ambient temperature |
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| Adverse Effects |
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| Neurotoxin |
Other CNS Neurotoxin |
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| Reproductive Toxin |
Yes |
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| Links to Other NLM Databases |
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| Health Studies |
Human Health Effects from Hazardous Substances Data Bank: METHANOL
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