Methyl alcohol

Synonyms

Carbinol; Columbian spirits; Pyroligneous spirit; Wood alcohol; Wood naphtha; Wood spirit; Methanol; [NIOSH] UN1230

Category

Alcohols (<C12)

Description

Colorless liquid with a characteristic pungent odor; [NIOSH]

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. 314]

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. 35, 314-5]

Biomedical References

Methanol in urine = 15 mg/L; sample at end of shift;

Yes

200 ppm

250 ppm

200 ppm

100 ppm

6000 ppm

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].

127 mm Hg

4.2 ppm

Odor Threshold High

5960 ppm

LC50 (rat) = 64,000 ppm/4 hr

Explanatory Notes

Detection odor threshold from AIHA (mean = 160 ppm); Flash point = 54 deg F; [CAMEO] VP from HSDB;

may ignite at ambient temp

200 ppm

1000 ppm

5,000 ppm

Other CNS neurotoxin

Yes

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Painting (Solvents)
• Semiconductor Manufacturing
• Silk-Screen Printing

Activities

Activities with risk of exposure:

• Sculpturing plastics
• Smoking cigarettes