ICSC 0522 - NITROMETHANE

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NITROMETHANE	ICSC: 0522 (October 1997)
Nitrocarbol

CAS #: 75-52-5

UN #: 1261

EC Number: 200-876-6

	ACUTE HAZARDS	PREVENTION	FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE & EXPLOSION	Flammable. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire. Vapour/air mixtures are explosive. Risk of fire and explosion on contact with incompatible substances. See Chemical Dangers. See Notes.	NO open flames, NO sparks and NO smoking. Above 35°C use a closed system, ventilation and explosion-proof electrical equipment. Do NOT expose to friction or shock.	Use water spray, powder, alcohol-resistant foam, carbon dioxide. In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water. Combat fire from a sheltered position.

PREVENT GENERATION OF MISTS!
	SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID
Inhalation	Cough. Drowsiness. Headache. Nausea. Sore throat. Unconsciousness. Vomiting.	Use ventilation, local exhaust or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention. See Notes.
Skin	Dry skin. Redness.	Protective gloves.	Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower.
Eyes	Redness.	Wear safety goggles.	First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.
Ingestion	See Inhalation.	Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.	Refer for medical attention .

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL	CLASSIFICATION & LABELLING
Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and particulates adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Remove all ignition sources. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations. Do NOT absorb in saw-dust or other combustible absorbents.	According to UN GHS Criteria Transportation UN Classification UN Hazard Class: 3; UN Pack Group: II
STORAGE
Fireproof. Separated from incompatible materials. See Chemical Dangers. See Notes.
PACKAGING

NITROMETHANE

ICSC: 0522

PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION
Physical State; Appearance COLOURLESS VISCOUS LIQUID WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR. Physical dangers The vapour is heavier than air and may travel along the ground; distant ignition possible. Chemical dangers May decompose explosively on shock, friction or concussion. May explode on heating. Decomposes on burning. This produces nitrogen oxides. Reacts with alkalis. Reacts violently with strong oxidants and strong reducing agents. This generates fire and explosion hazard. Mixtures with amines are shock-sensitive.	Formula: CH₃NO₂ Molecular mass: 61.04 Boiling point: 101°C Melting point: -29°C Relative density (water = 1): 1.14 Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 3.7 Relative vapour density (air = 1): 2.1 Flash point: 35°C c.c. Auto-ignition temperature: 417°C Explosive limits, vol% in air: 7.3-63

PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION

Physical State; Appearance
COLOURLESS VISCOUS LIQUID WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

Physical dangers
The vapour is heavier than air and may travel along the ground; distant ignition possible.

Chemical dangers
May decompose explosively on shock, friction or concussion. May explode on heating. Decomposes on burning. This produces nitrogen oxides. Reacts with alkalis. Reacts violently with strong oxidants and strong reducing agents. This generates fire and explosion hazard. Mixtures with amines are shock-sensitive.

Formula: CH₃NO₂
Molecular mass: 61.04
Boiling point: 101°C
Melting point: -29°C
Relative density (water = 1): 1.14
Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 3.7
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 2.1
Flash point: 35°C c.c.
Auto-ignition temperature: 417°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 7.3-63

EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS
Routes of exposure The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation and by ingestion. Effects of short-term exposure The substance is irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system. This may result in central nervous system depression.	Inhalation risk A harmful contamination of the air can be reached rather quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C. Effects of long-term or repeated exposure Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis. The substance may have effects on the peripheral nervous system, kidneys and liver. This may result in impaired functions.

EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS

Routes of exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation and by ingestion.

Effects of short-term exposure
The substance is irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system. This may result in central nervous system depression.

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

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis. The substance may have effects on the peripheral nervous system, kidneys and liver. This may result in impaired functions.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS
TLV: 20 ppm as TWA; A3 (confirmed animal carcinogen with unknown relevance to humans). MAK: skin absorption (H); carcinogen category: 3

ENVIRONMENT

NOTES
Will turn shock-sensitive if contaminated with acids, bases, metal oxides, hydrocarbons and other combustible materials. Combustion in a confined space may turn into detonation. The odour warning when the exposure limit value is exceeded is insufficient.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

EC Classification
Symbol: Xn; R: 5-10-22; S: (2)-41

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