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Chemical Sampling Information (CSI)
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General Description

Synonyms: Methyl formal; Formal; Dimethylacetal formaldehyde; Dimethoxymethane

OSHA IMIS Code Number: 1655

Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) Registry Number: 109-87-5

NIOSH Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances (RTECS) Identification Number: PA8750000; 47896

Department of Transportation Regulation Number (49 CFR 172.101) and Guide: 1234 127; UN1234 Flammable Liquid

NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards, Methylal: chemical description, physical properties, potentially hazardous incompatibilities, and more

Chemical Description and Physical Properties:
colorless liquid with a pungent odor
molecular weight: 76
boiling point: 111 F
vapor pressure: 330 mm
melting point: -157 F
Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizers, acids
Exposure Limits

OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL):
General Industry: 1000 ppm, 3100 mg/m3

Construction Industry: 1000 ppm, 3100 mg/m3 TWA
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Value (TLV): 1000 ppm, 3110 mg/m3 TWA

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Recommended Exposure Limit (REL): 1000 ppm TWA

Health Factors

Potential Symptoms: Mild eye, upper respiratory irritation; anesthesia; skin irritation

Health Effects: Cumulative systemic toxicity (HE3) Irritation-Eyes, Nose, Throat---Moderate (HE15) HISTORY M187 lab, 3/82

Affected Organs: Skin, respiratory system, CNS
Monitoring Methods used by OSHA

Primary Laboratory Sampling/Analytical Method (SLC1):
  • sampling media: Charcoal Tube (100/50 mg sections, 20/40 mesh)
    analytical solvent: Hexane
    maximum volume: 2.0 Liters
    maximum flow rate: 0.2 L/min
    current analytical method: Gas Chromatography; GC/FID
    method reference: 1 (NIOSH 1611) [19 KB PDF, 3 pages]
    sampling and analytical error: 0.10
    method classification: Fully Validated
Secondary Sampling/Analytical Method (SAM2):
  • device: Instrumentation
    manufacturer: Infrared Spectrophotometer
    model/type: MIRAN 1A & 1B
    upper measurement limit: 0.1 ppm @ 9.5 um
    method reference: manufacturer
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Page last updated: 05/17/2000

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