Chemical Name:

Methanol

Formula:

CH₃OH

CAS #:

67-56-1

Synonyms:

Carbinol, Colonial Spirit, Columbian Spirit, Methanol, Methylol, Methyl Hydroxide, Monohydroxymethane, Pyroxylic Spirit, Wood Alcohol, Wood Naphtha, Wood Spirit

Exposure Limits:

 TLV: 200 ppm; 262 mg/m3 as TWA (skin) (ACGIH 1991-1992).
TLV (as STEL): 250 ppm; 328 mg/m3 (skin) (ACGIH 1992-1993).
OSHA PEL: TWA 200 ppm (260 mg/m3)
NIOSH REL: TWA 200 ppm (260 mg/m3) ST 250 ppm (325 mg/m3) skin
NIOSH IDLH: 6000 ppm

Uses:

Industrial solvent; starting material for organic synthesis of formaldehydes, methyl esters of organic and inorganic acids, methacrylates, methylamines, methyl anhydrides, ethylene glycol and pesticides; antifreeze for automotive radiators and air brakes; ingredient of gasoline and diesel oil antifreezes; octane booster in gasoline; as fuel for picnic stoves and soldering torches; extractant for animal and vegetable oils; denaturing ethanol; softening agent for pyroxylin plastics; solvent adjuvant for polymers; solvent in the manufacturing of cholesterol, streptomycin, vitamins, hormones and other pharmaceuticals; food additive permitted in foods for human consumption; ingredient  in paint, varnish removers, cleaning and dewaxing preparations, spirit  duplicating fluids and embalming fluids; used in the manufacture of photographic film, celluloid, textile soap, wood stains, coated fabrics, shatter-proof glass, paper coating, waterproofing formulations, artificial leather, synthetic indigo and other dyes.

Consumer products that may contain Methanol include:

Antifreeze; cleaning products; varnish removers; waterproofing products.

Routes of Exposure:

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation and through the skin, and by ingestion.

Symptoms of exposure:

Headache, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, stupor, cramps, dermatitis, optic nerve damage leading to visual impairment or complete blindness (may be permanent); acidosis, convulsions, mydriasis, circulatory collapse, respiratory failure, death, irritation of mucous membranes, damage to the  central nervous system (especially the optic nerve), injury to the kidneys,  liver, heart and other organs; peripheral neuritis, gastrointestinal disturbances, photophobia and conjuctivitis, followed by definite eye lesions; narcosis, unconsciousness, shallow breathing, cyanosis, coma, fall in blood  pressure, hyperemia of the optic disk with blurring of the margin; burning  sensation, coughing, wheezing, laryngitis, vomiting, delirium, pain in the  eyes, giddiness, vertigo, severe abdominal pain, back pain, dyspnea, motor restlessness, cold clammy extremities and diarrhea.

Target organs:

Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract

Inhalation risk:

A harmful contamination of the air can be reached rather quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C.

Effects of short-term exposure:

The substance irritates the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system, resulting in loss of consciousness. Exposure by ingestion may result in blindness and death. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated.

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure:

Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis. The substance may have effects on the central nervous system, resulting in persistent or recurring headaches and impaired vision.

Special Warnings:

SAX TOXICITY EVALUATION: THR = A skin, eye irritant.  A human inhalation IRRITANT.  A human eye irritant.  HIGH human oral; HIGH intraperitoneal, intravenous; MODERATE inhalation, oral, skin; LOW skin, oral, inhalation, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous.  Methyl alcohol possesses distinct narcotic properties. Coma from massive exposures may last as long as 2-4 days.