Common Name: Dimethyl Sulfate CAS Number: 77-78-1
DOT Number: UN 1595
Date: January 31, 1986
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HAZARD SUMMARY
* Dimethyl Sulfate can affect you when breathed in and by
passing through your skin.
* Dimethyl Sulfate is a CARCINOGEN HANDLE WITH EXTREME CAUTION.
* Exposure can cause headaches, dizziness, and burning of the
eyes. Symptoms may not begin until hours after expo sure and
can rapidly progress to death.
* Contact causes severe but delayed burning of the eyes and
skin.
* Overexposure can cause fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema),
severe eye damage, and fatal damage to the heart and liver.
IDENTIFICATION
Dimethyl Sulfate is a colorless oily liquid with a faint onion
odor. It is used in making other chemicals.
REASON FOR CITATION
* Dimethyl Sulfate is on the Hazardous Substance List because it
is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, DOT and NFPA.
* This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List
because it is a CARCINOGEN, a MUTAGEN and is CORROSIVE.
* Definitions are attached.
HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING EXPOSED
* Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely
evaluated. This may include collecting personal and area air
samples. You can obtain copies of sampling results from your
employer. You have a legal right to this information under
OSHA 1910.20.
* If you think you are experiencing any work related health
problems, see a doctor trained to recognize occupational
diseases. Take this Fact Sheet with you.
WORKPLACE EXPOSURES
OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is
1 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift.
ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.1 ppm
averaged over an 8 hour workshift.
* The above exposure limits are for air levels only. When skin
contact also occurs, you may be overexposed, even though air
levels are less than the limits listed above.
* Dimethyl Sulfate is a PROBABLE CARCINOGEN in humans. There may
be no safe level of exposure to a carcinogen, so all contact
should be reduced to the lowest possible level.
WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE
* Where possible, enclose operations and use local exhaust
ventilation at the site of chemical release. If local exhaust
ventilation or enclosure is not used, respirators should be
worn.
* A regulated, marked area should be established where Dimethyl
Sulfate is handled, used, or stored.
* Wear protective work clothing.
* Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to Dimethyl Sulfate
and at the end of the workshift.
* Post hazard and warning information in the work area. As part
of an ongoing education and training effort, communicate all
information on the health and safety hazards of Dimethyl
Sulfate to potentially exposed workers.
This Fact Sheet is a summary source of information for workers,
employers and community residents. Health professionals may also
find it useful. If this substance is part of a mixture, this Fact
Sheet should be used along with the manufacturer supplied Material
Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).
HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION
Acute Health Effects
The following acute (short term) health effects may occur
immediately or shortly after exposure to Dimethyl Sulfate:
* The first symptoms after exposure are headaches, dizziness and
burning of the eyes. These may not occur until hours later.
These symptoms can go rapidly to chest tightness, cough,
trouble breathing, a dangerous fluid buildup in the lungs
(pulmonary edema) with severe shortness of breath and death.
* Contact can severely burn the eyes, causing permanent damage
with loss of vision. It can burn and blister the skin, leaving
scars. These effects can be delayed for hours.
* Severe burning when passing urine, loss of voice and
irritation of the nose and throat also can occur with
exposure.
Chronic Health Effects
The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some
time after exposure to Dimethyl Sulfate and can last for months or
years:
Cancer Hazard
* Dimethyl Sulfate is a PROBABLE CARCINOGEN in humans. There is
some evidence that it causes nose and throat cancer in humans
and it has been shown to cause nose and throat cancer in
animals.
* Many scientists believe there is no safe level of exposure to
a carcinogen. Such substances may also have the potential for
causing reproductive damage in humans.
Reproductive Hazard
* Dimethyl Sulfate has caused CANCER in the offspring of animals
exposed during pregnancy.
Other Long Term Effects
* Dimethyl Sulfate can irritate the lungs. Repeated exposures
may cause bronchitis to develop, with coughing, phlegm and/or
shortness of breath.
* Dimethyl Sulfate may damage the liver, kidneys and heart.
* Long term exposure may cause chronic eye damage (corneal
scars).
* Repeated exposure may cause hair loss.
MEDICAL
Medical Testing
Before beginning employment and at regular times after that, the
following is recommended:
* Liver and lung function tests.
If symptoms develop or overexposure occurs, repeat the above and:
* Consider chest x ray after acute overexposure.
Any evaluation should include a careful history of past and present
symptoms with an exam. Medical tests that look for damage already
done are not a substitute for controlling exposure.
Request copies of your medical testing. You have a legal right to
this information under OSHA 1910.20.
Mixed Exposures
Because smoking can cause heart disease, as well as lung cancer,
emphysema, and other respiratory problems, it may worsen
respiratory conditions caused by chemical exposure. Even if you
have smoked for a long time, stopping now will reduce your risk of
developing health problems.
WORKPLACE CONTROLS AND PRACTICES
Unless a less toxic chemical can be substituted for a hazardous
substance, ENGINEERING CONTROLS are the most effective way of
reducing exposure. The best protection is to enclose operations
and/or provide local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical
release. Isolating operations can also reduce exposure. Using
respirators or protective equipment is less
effective than the controls mentioned above, but is sometimes
necessary.
In evaluating the controls present in your workplace, consider: (1)
how hazardous the substance is, (2) how much of the substance is
released into the workplace and (3) whether harmful skin or eye
contact could occur. Special controls should be in place for highly
toxic chemicals or when significant skin, eye, or breathing
exposures are possible.
In addition, the following control is recommended:
* Where possible, automatically pump liquid Dimethyl Sulfate
from drums or other storage containers to process containers.
Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The
following work practices are recommended:
* Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Dimethyl
Sulfate should change into clean clothing promptly.
* Do not take contaminated work clothes home. Family members
could be exposed.
* Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals
who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to Dimethyl
Sulfate.
* Eye wash fountains in the immediate work area should be
provided for emergency use.
* If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower
facilities should be provided.
* Wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Dimethyl
Sulfate at the end of each workday, whether or not known skin
contact has occurred.
* Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Dimethyl Sulfate is handled,
processed, or stored, since the chemical can be swallowed.
Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
WORKPLACE CONTROLS ARE BETTER THAN PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT.
However, for some jobs (such as outside work, confined space entry,
jobs done only once in a while, or jobs done while workplace
controls are being installed), personal protective equipment may be
appropriate.
The following recommendations are only guidelines and may not apply
to every situation.
Clothing
* Avoid skin contact with Dimethyl Sulfate. Wear protective
gloves and clothing. Safety equipment suppliers/ manufacturers
can provide recommendations on the most protective glove/
clothing material for your operation.
* All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear)
should be clean, available each day and put on before work.
* ACGIH recommends viton as fair to excellent protective
material.
Eye Protection
* Eye protection is included in the recommended respiratory
protection.
Respiratory Protection
IMPROPER USE OF RESPIRATORS IS DANGEROUS. Such equipment should
only be used if the employer has a written program that takes into
account workplace conditions, requirements for worker training,
respirator fit testing and medical exams, as described in OSHA
1910.134.
* At any exposure level, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved supplied air
respirator with a full facepiece, hood, or helmet operated in
the continuous flow mode. A MSHA/NIOSH approved self contained
breathing apparatus with a full face piece operated in
pressure demand or other positive pressure mode is also
recommended.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
* Prior to working with Dimethyl Sulfate you should be trained
on its proper handling and storage.
* A regulated, marked area should be established where Dimethyl
Sulfate is handled, used, or stored.
* Dimethyl Sulfate must be stored to avoid contact with WATER,
STRONG OXIDIZERS (such as CHLORINE, BROMINE and FLUORINE) and
STRONG AMMONIA SOLUTIONS, since violent reactions occur.
* Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated
area away from HEAT or FLAME. Do not allow this chemical to
contact water.
* Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are
prohibited where Dimethyl Sulfate is used, handled, or stored
in a manner that could create a potential fire or explosion
hazard.
Common Name: Dimethyl Sulfate
DOT Number: UN 1595
DOT Emergency Guide code: 57
CAS Number: 77-78-1
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NJ DOH Hazard rating
FLAMMABILITY 2
REACTIVITY 0
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CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE
POISONOUS GAS PRODUCED IN FIRE
COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID
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Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious;
4=severe
FIRE HAZARDS
* Dimethyl Sulfate is a COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID.
* Use dry chemical, CO2, or foam extinguishers.
* POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED IN FIRE.
* CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE.
* If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained
and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156.
SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES
If Dimethyl Sulfate is spilled or leaked, take the following steps:
* Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of
spill or leak until cleanup is complete.
* Ventilate the area of spill or leak.
* Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or a similar
material and deposit in sealed containers.
* It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Dimethyl Sulfate
as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state Environmental Program
for specific recommendations.
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FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your local fire
department.
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FIRST AID
POISON INFORMATION
Eye Contact
* Immediately flush with large amounts of water. Continue
without stopping for at least 30 minutes, occasionally lifting
upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately.
Skin Contact
* Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash area
with large amounts of water. Seek medical attention
immediately.
Breathing
* Remove the person from exposure.
* Begin rescue breathing if breathing has stopped and CPR if
heart action has stopped.
* Transfer promptly to a medical facility.
* Medical observation is recommended for 24 to 48 hours after
breathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may be delayed.
PHYSICAL DATA
Vapor Pressure: 0.5 mm Hg at 68oF
Flash Point: 182oF
Water Solubility: Soluble
OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES
Chemical Name: Sulfuric Acid, Dimethyl Ester
Other Names and Formulations:
Methyl Sulfate; DMS.
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Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial purposes.
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NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Right to Know Program
CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625 0368
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ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Dimethyl Sulfate is a colorless oily liquid used to make many
organic chemicals. It may enter the environment from industrial
discharges or spills.
ACUTE (SHORT-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS
Acute toxic effects may include the death of animals, birds, or
fish, and death or low growth rate in plants. Acute effects are
seen two to four days after animals or plants come in contact with
a toxic chemical substance.
Dimethyl Sulfate has moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life.
Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short-
term effects of dimethyl sulfate to plants, birds, or land animals.
CHRONIC (LONG-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS
Chronic toxic effects may include shortened lifespan, reproductive
problems, lower fertility, and changes in appearance or behavior.
Chronic effects can be seen long after first exposure(s) to a toxic
chemical.
Dimethyl Sulfate has moderate chronic toxicity to aquatic life.
Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long-
term effects of dimethyl sulfate to plants, birds, or land animals.
WATER SOLUBILITY
Dimethyl Sulfate is highly soluble in water. Concentrations of
1,000 milligrams and more will mix with a liter of water.
BIOACCUMULATION IN AQUATIC ORGANISMS
Some substances increase in concentration, or bioaccumulate, in
living organisms as they breathe contaminated air, drink
contaminated water, or eat contaminated food. These chemicals can
become concentrated in the tissues and internal organs of animals
and humans.
Dimethyl Sulfate will react rapidly with water and therefore will
not accumulate in aquatic organisms or the environment.
SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.
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