Methyl ether

46.06840

46.07

204-065-8

AM13FS69BX

0454

1033

DTXSID8026937

C1645

COLORLESS GAS @ USUAL TEMP, BUT EASILY CONDENSIBLE|Colorless gas|Colorless compressed gas or liquid

2909191000

9.23000

0.26260

Dimethyl ether is a colorless gas with a faint ethereal odor. It is shipped as a liquefied gas under its vapor pressure. Contact with the liquid can cause frostbite. It is easily ignited. Its vapors are heavier than air. Any leak can be either liquid or vapor. It can asphyxiate by the displacement of air. Under prolonged exposure to fire or intense heat the containers may rupture violently and rocket.

0.61 g/cm³

-141.5 °C

-24.8 °C

-41ºC

1.309

Solubility in water, g/100ml: 2.4

Dimethyl ether is usually stored as a liquid under pressure.

>760 mm Hg ( 25 °C)

1.62 (vs air)

Lower flammable limit:3.4% by volume; Upper flammable limit: 27.0% by volume

vol% in air: 3.46.7

Slight ethereal odor

2.98e-12 cm3/molecule*sec

Henry's Law constant = 1X10-3 atm-cu m/mol at 25 °C (est)

Burns with slightly luminous flame|CONVERSION FACTORS: 1 PPM IS EQUIV TO 1.881 MG/CU M @ 25 °C, 760 MM HG; 1 MG/L IS EQUIV TO 532 PPM @ 25 °C, 760 MM HG|Heat of Fusion: 1179.8 cal/mol|Hydroxyl radical reaction rate constant = 2.98X10-12 cu cm/molc sec at 25 °C

Highly flammable. Upon standing and exposure to air (oxygen) tendency to form explosive peroxides. When ethers containing peroxides are heated (distilled) they can detonate [Lewis, 3rd ed., 1993, p. 854].

Ethers

Highly Flammable

DIMETHYL ETHER is a colorless, highly flammable gas (b. p. -24° C), slightly toxic. Very dangerous fire and explosion hazard when exposed to flame, sparks, heat or strong oxidizers. Violent reaction with aluminum hydride, lithium aluminum hydride. Upon standing and exposure to air (oxygen) tendency to form explosive peroxides. When ethers containing peroxides are heated (distilled) they can detonate [Lewis, 3rd ed., 1993, p. 854].

Dimethyl ether|D*: Other compounds that may form peroxides|PubChem|Fire Protection Guide to Hazardous Materials. 13 ed. Quincy, MA: National Fire Protection Association, 2002., p. 49-66"

662 °F (USCG, 1999)|662 °F (350 °C)|350 °C

347.6 kcal/mole

Lower flammable limit:3.4% by volume; Upper flammable limit: 27.0% by volume

The gas is heavier than air and may travel along the ground; distant ignition possible. The gas is heavier than air and may accumulate in lowered spaces causing a deficiency of oxygen.

NONCORROSIVE

111.64 cal/g at -24.8 dec C

Critical Temp: 127 °C; Critical Pressure: 52.6 atm

2.1

UN 1033

1

R12

S9-S16-S33

PM4780000

F+

Fireproof. Cool.

Stable. Extremely flammable. Note low flash point. May form explosive mixtures with air. May form peroxides during prolonged storage.

P210, P377, P381, P403

H220

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational exposure or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic, and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.|This compound should be susceptible to removal from waste water by air stripping. /Bis(2-chloroethyl)ether/

Forms explosive mixture with air. Forms unstable peroxides in containers that been opened or remain in storage for more than 6 months. Peroxides can be detonated by friction, impact or heating. Violent reaction with strong oxidizers, aluminum hydride, lithium aluminum hydride. Keep away from heat, air, sunlight.|/Diethyl ether/ with aluminum chloride as a catalyst, occasional explosions involving these materials have been traced to carbon dioxide as an impurity in the ether.|Peroxide formation may occur in ether containers that have been opened and remain in storage for more than six months. Peroxides can be detonated by friction, impact, or heating.|Occasional explosions involving /dimethyl ether and aluminum hydride/ materials have been traced to carbon dioxide impurity in the ether.

Behavior in Fire: Containers may explode. Vapors are heavier than air and may travel long distance to a source of ignition and flash back. (USCG, 1999)|Extremely flammable. Gas/air mixtures are explosive.|Flammable - 4th degree, Reactive - 1st degree

|Danger|H220: Extremely flammable gas [Danger Flammable gases]|P210, P377, P381, and P403|H220 (100%): Extremely flammable gas [Danger Flammable gases]|P210, P377, P381, P403, and P410+P403|Aggregated GHS information provided by 1417 companies from 23 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.|P210, P261, P271, P304+P340, P312, P377, P381, P403, P403+P233, P405, P410+P403, and P501

Excerpt from ERG Guide 115 [Gases - Flammable (Including Refrigerated Liquids)]: As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions. LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 800 meters (1/2 mile). FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions. In fires involving Liquefied Petroleum Gases (LPG) (UN1075); Butane, (UN1011); Butylene, (UN1012); Isobutylene, (UN1055); Propylene, (UN1077); Isobutane, (UN1969); and Propane, (UN1978), also refer to BLEVE - SAFETY PRECAUTIONS (ERG page 368). (ERG, 2016)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 115 [Gases - Flammable (Including Refrigerated Liquids)]: ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames in immediate area). All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded. Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. If possible, turn leaking containers so that gas escapes rather than liquid. Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material. Do not direct water at spill or source of leak. Prevent spreading of vapors through sewers, ventilation systems and confined areas. Isolate area until gas has dispersed. CAUTION: When in contact with refrigerated/cryogenic liquids, many materials become brittle and are likely to break without warning. (ERG, 2016)

Mask for organic vapors; plastic or rubber gloves; safety glasses. (USCG, 1999)|Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection. Cold-insulating gloves. Safety goggles, or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.|Wear protective gloves and clothing to prevent any reasonable probability of skin contact. Safety equipment suppliers/manufacturers recommend butyl and neoprene as protective materials. All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear) should be clean, available each day, and put on before work. Contact lenses should not be worn when working with this chemical. For gas wear gas-proof chemical goggles and face shield, for liquid wear splash-proof chemical goggles and face shield unless full-piece respiratory protection is worn. Employees should wash immediately with soap when skin is wet or contaminated. Provide emergency showers and eyewash. Where exposure to the liquefied compressed gas may occur, employees should be provided with special clothing designed to prevent frostbite.|Wear full protective clothing and positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus.

DANGEROUS; WHEN HEATED OR EXPOSED TO FLAME OR OXIDIZERS.|ALL SOURCES OF IGNITION SHOULD BE ELIMINATED IN AREAS WHERE APPRECIABLE CONCN OF ETHER VAPOR MAY BE PRESENT IN NORMAL OPERATIONS, AS IN DRYING OVENS, OR WHERE THERE MAY BE ACCIDENTAL RELEASE OF THE ETHER...|ONLY ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT OF EXPLOSION-PROOF TYPE (GROUP C CLASSIFICATION) IS PERMITTED TO BE OPERATED IN ETHER AREAS. ETHER SHOULD NOT BE STORED NEAR POWERFUL OXIDIZERS OR IN AREAS OF HIGH FIRE HAZARD. /ETHERS/

Lower explosive limit:3.4% to Upper explosive limit:27%|Containers that have been opened may contain dangerous explosive peroxides.|Explosive limits , vol% in air: 3.4-26.7

In case of fire: keep cylinder cool by spraying with water. Combat fire from a sheltered position. Shut off supply; if not possible and no risk to surroundings, let the fire burn itself out; in other cases extinguish with dry powder, carbon dioxide.|Stop flow of gas before extinguishing fire. Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers cool. Use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray, or "alcohol resistant" foam.|If material on fire or involved in fire: Do not extinguish fire unless flow can be stopped. Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible.|Water, foam, carbon dioxide, and dry chemical powders can be employed to control dimethyl ether fires. Fire extinguishers suitable for class C (Europe) or class B (United States) can be used. Endangered vessels must be cooled.

Eliminate all ignition sources. Stop or control the leak, if this can be done without undue risk. Use water spray to cool & disperse vapors, protect personnel, & dilute spills to form nonflammable mixtures. Control runoff & isolate discharged material for proper disposal.

ALL MEANS OF IGNITION SHOULD BE ELIMINATED WHERE METHYL ETHER IS PRODUCED OR USED. ENCLOSED AREAS INTO WHICH ... /IT/ MAY DISSEMINATE EITHER AS PART OF OPERATION OR BY ACCIDENT SHOULD BE PROVIDED WITH EXHAUST VENTILATION.|SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses in industry is conflicting. The benefit or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.|If material not on fire and not involved in fire: Keep sparks, flames, and other sources of ignition away. Keep material out of water sources and sewers. Attempt to stop leak if without undue personnel hazard. Use water spray to knock-down vapors.|Personnel protection: Avoid breathing vapors. Keep upwind. ... Do not handle broken packages unless wearing appropriate personal protective equipment. Approach fire with caution.|Evacuation: If fire becomes uncontrollable or container is exposed to direct flame-consider evacuation of one-half (1/2) mile radius. If material leaking (not on fire) consider evacuation from downwind area based on amount of material spilled, location and weather conditions.

/GUIDE 115: GASES - FLAMMABLE (Including Refrigerated Liquids)/ Fire or Explosion: EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE. Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Will form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground. CAUTION: Hydrogen (UN1049), Deuterium (UN1957), Hydrogen, refrigerated liquid (UN1966) and Methane (UN1971) are lighter than air and will rise. Hydrogen and Deuterium fires are difficult to detect since they burn with an invisible flame. Use an alternate method of detection (thermal camera, broom handle, etc.) Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Cylinders exposed to fire may vent and release flammable gas through pressure relief devices. Containers may explode when heated. Ruptured cylinders may rocket.|/GUIDE 115: GASES - FLAMMABLE (Including Refrigerated Liquids)/ Health: Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation without warning. Some may be irritating if inhaled at high concentrations. Contact with gas or liquefied gas may cause burns, severe injury and/or frostbite. Fire may produce irritating and/or toxic gases.|/GUIDE 115: GASES - FLAMMABLE (Including Refrigerated Liquids)/ Public Safety: CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number on Shipping Paper first. If Shipping Paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover. As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind. Many gases are heavier than air and will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks). Keep out of low areas.|/GUIDE 115: GASES - FLAMMABLE (Including Refrigerated Liquids)/ Protective Clothing: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Structural firefighters' protective clothing will only provide limited protection. Always wear thermal protective clothing when handling refrigerated/cryogenic liquids.|For more DOT Emergency Guidelines (Complete) data for DIMETHYL ETHER (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

No person may /transport,/ offer or accept a hazardous material for transportation in commerce unless that person is registered in conformance ... and the hazardous material is properly classed, described, packaged, marked, labeled, and in condition for shipment as required or authorized by ... /the hazardous materials regulations (49 CFR 171-177)./|The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations are published by the IATA Dangerous Goods Board pursuant to IATA Resolutions 618 and 619 and constitute a manual of industry carrier regulations to be followed by all IATA Member airlines when transporting hazardous materials.|The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code lays down basic principles for transporting hazardous chemicals. Detailed recommendations for individual substances and a number of recommendations for good practice are included in the classes dealing with such substances. A general index of technical names has also been compiled. This index should always be consulted when attempting to locate the appropriate procedures to be used when shipping any substance or article.

Vapor /is/ irritating to eyes, nose & throat. ... Liq /is/ irritating to skin & eyes.

Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and vapours adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Remove all ignition sources.

Fireproof. Cool.

On loss of containment, a harmful concentration of this gas in the air will be reached very quickly, especially in confined spaces.

The substance is irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract. Rapid evaporation of the liquid may cause frostbite. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system. Exposure could cause lowering of consciousness.

NO open flames, NO sparks and NO smoking. NO contact with hot surfaces. Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting.

Use ventilation, local exhaust or breathing protection.

Cold-insulating gloves.

Wear safety goggles or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.

This action promulgates standards of performance for equipment leaks of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry (SOCMI). The intended effect of these standards is to require all newly constructed, modified, and reconstructed SOCMI process units to use the best demonstrated system of continuous emission reduction for equipment leaks of VOC, considering costs, non air quality health and environmental impact and energy requirements. N,N-dimethyl ether is produced, as an intermediate or a final product, by process units covered under this subpart.

| 2 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, can cause temporary incapacitation or residual injury.| 4 - Materials that rapidly or completely vaporize at atmospheric pressure and normal ambient temperature or that are readily dispersed in air and burn readily.| 1 - Materials that in themselves are normally stable but that can become unstable at elevated temperatures and pressures.

Dimethyl ether has been detected in 2 out of 63 samples of industrial effluents collected from a wide variety of industries across the U.S. at concn >100 ug/L (dates not reported)(1). It was qualitatively detected in primary treated municipal wastewater and sludge collected in 1983 from the Iona Island treatment plant in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada(2). Dimethyl ether was identified, not quantified, as a frequently emitted VOC in the UK in 1990(3).

Dimethyl ether was identified, but not quantified, at 3 of 7 sites in the Kanawha Valley, WV, sampled in Sept 1977; it was tentatively identified at another site(1).

Sometimes encountered as mole-per-mole complex with boron trifluoride which is said to be severe pulmonary irritant.

LC50 Mouse inhalation 385.94 ppm (30 min)|LC50 Mouse inhalation 494.36 ppm (15 min)|LC50 Rat inhalation 308.5 mg/L (4 hr)|LC50 Rat inhalation 164,000 ppm for 4 hr

/AQUATIC SPECIES/ Poecilia reticulata (Guppy) /NOEC/ value: >4000 mg/L. Method: NEN 6504; semistatic. With respect to rapid volatilization of DME, sealed flasks were used for the testing. Renewal of test solutions occurred after 48 hours. A total of 14 animals per concentration were tested in 2 replicates (7 animals/bottle x 2 bottles). ...All fish survived the dosages studied (nominal concentrations of 1900 and 3200 mg/L). pH: 7.3-7.5 at the end of the test; dissolved oxygen: saturated at study start 4.5-6.9 at the end of the test; temperature 23 °C.|/AQUATIC SPECIES/ Daphnia magna /NOEC/ value: >4000 mg/L. Method: NEN 6501. With respect to rapid volatilization of DME, sealed flasks were used for the testing. A total of 12-14 animals per concentration were tested in 2 replicates (6-7 animals/bottle x 2 bottles). ...All animals survived the dosages studied (nominal concentrations of 1000 and 3200 mg/L). pH: 7.3-8.1 at the end of the test; dissolved oxygen: saturated at study start >8 at the end of the test; temperature 20 °C.

Dimethyl ether's production and use as a refrigerant, an aerosol propellant, extraction agent(1), and as a catalyst and stabilizer in polymerization(2) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC).

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 27(SRC), determined from a log Kow of 0.10(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that dimethyl ether is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of dimethyl ether from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 5.9X10-3 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), derived from its vapor pressure, 4450 mm Hg(4), and water solubility, 4.6X10+4 mg/L(5). Volatilization of dimethyl ether from dry soil surfaces is expected(SRC) based upon this compound's vapor pressure(4). Biodegradation of dimethyl ether in soil is expected to be a slow process(SRC), based upon its slow biodegradation in an aqueous screening study(6).|AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 27(SRC), determined from a log Kow of 0.10(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that dimethyl ether is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment in the water column(SRC). Dimethyl ether is expected to volatilize from water surfaces(3) based on an estimated Henry's Law constant of 5.9X10-3 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), derived from its vapor pressure, 4450 mm Hg(4), and water solubility, 4.6X10+4 mg/L(5). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 2.4 hours and 2.8 days, respectively(SRC). According to a classification scheme(6), an estimated BCF of 3(SRC), from the log Kow(2) and a regression derived equation(7), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Biodegradation of dimethyl ether in water is expected to be a slow process(SRC), based upon its slow biodegradation in an aqueous screening study(8).|ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), dimethyl ether, which has a vapor pressure of 4450 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), will exist solely as a gas in the ambient atmosphere. Gas-phase dimethyl ether is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals and nitrate radicals(SRC); half-lives for these reactions in air are estimated to be 5.4 and 123 days, respectively(3,4). Direct photolysis is not expected to be an important removal process since aliphatic ethers do not absorb light in the environmental spectrum(5).

The rate constant for the gas-phase reaction of dimethyl ether with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals is 2.98X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(1). This rate constant corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 5.4 days at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(SRC). Direct photolysis is not expected to be an important removal process since aliphatic ethers do not absorb light in the environmental spectrum(2). The rate constant for the reaction of dimethyl ether with hydroxyl radicals in aqueous solution is 1.0X10+9 L/mol sec(3). This rate constant corresponds to a half-life of about 2.2 years(SRC) at an average aqueous hydroxyl radical concentration of 1X10-17 mol/L(4). The rate constant for the reaction of dimethyl ether with nitrate radicals is 2.6X10-16 cu cm/molecule-sec at 22 °C(5). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 123 days at an average atmospheric concentration of 5X10+8 nitrate radicals per cu cm(6). Dimethyl ether is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of hydrolyzable functional groups(7).

An estimated BCF of 3 was calculated for dimethyl ether(SRC), using a log Kow of 0.10(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC).

The Koc of dimethyl ether is estimated as approximately 27(SRC), using a log Kow of 0.10(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this estimated Koc value suggests that dimethyl ether is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC).

The Henry's Law constant for dimethyl ether is estimated as 5.9X10-3 atm-cu m/mole(SRC) from its vapor pressure, 4450 mm Hg(1), and water solubility, 4.6X10+4 mg/l(2). This Henry's Law constant indicates that dimethyl ether is expected to volatilize rapidly from water surfaces(3). Based on this Henry's Law constant, the estimated volatilization half-life from a model river (1 m deep, flowing 1 m/sec, wind velocity of 3 m/sec)(3) is approximately 2.4 hours(SRC). The estimated volatilization half-life from a model lake (1 m deep, flowing 0.05 m/sec, wind velocity of 0.5 m/sec)(3) is approximately 2.8 days(SRC). Dimethyl ether's Henry's Law constant(1,2) indicates that volatilization from moist soil surfaces may occur(SRC). Volatilization of dimethyl ether from dry soil surfaces is expected(SRC) based upon this compound's vapor pressure(1).

DRINKING WATER: It has been detected, not quantified, in drinking water for 3 of 10 U.S. cities (Seattle, WA, Philadelphia, PA, and Cincinnati, OH, were positive) in the National Organics Reconnaissance Survey that was initiated in 1974(1).

Dimethyl ether was identified, but not quantified, as a volatile flavor component of baked Idaho Russet Burbank potatoes by one of two analytical techniques(1).

Dimethyl ether was detected in 1 of 12 samples of human mothers breast milk from the cities of Bayonne NJ, Jersey City NJ, Bridgeville PA and Baton Rouge LA(1).

NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 2282 workers (75 of these are female) are potentially exposed to dimethyl ether in the US(1). Occupational exposure to dimethyl ether may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where dimethyl ether is produced or used(SRC). The general population may be exposed to dimethyl ether via inhalation of consumer aerosol products containing this compound(SRC).|INDUSTRIAL EXPOSURE IS MOST LIKELY TO OCCUR FROM INHALATION OF GAS.|The potential human exposures from use of dimethyl ether (DME) and 'liquefied petroleum gas' (LPG) arising from use in hairsprays have been assessed. Dimethyl ether and liquefied petroleum gas concentrations were measured in the 'breathing zone' of an experimental manikin and an 'accompanying child' designed to simulate human use of hairsprays in a domestic situation and in the breathing zone of a 'stylist' and 'customer' under salon conditions. Results were expressed as the 10 min time weighted average in the air (TWA10) and as the peak concentration in the breathing zone of the 'user'. Following a 10 s use of hairspray containing 50% dimethyl ether or 26% liquefied petroleum gas, time weighted average in the air values for an adult user in a closed room (volume 21 cu m) were on average 114 ppm and 73 ppm respectively. The child time weighted average in the air values were 89 ppm (dimethyl ether) and 80 ppm (liquefied petroleum gas). Leaving the door open during spraying did not significantly alter these values. The peak concentrations measured in the user breathing zone were 1577 ppm of dimethyl ether and 671 ppm of liquefied petroleum gas. Simulated salon use of a hairspray gave a calculated value of 55 ppm dimethyl ether and 88 ppm liquefied petroleum gas for the stylist over an 8 h working period.

Dimethyl ether was detected in 1 of 12 samples of mothers breast milk from the cities of Bayonne NJ, Jersey City NJ, Bridgeville PA and Baton Rouge LA(1).

Inhalation produces some anesthesia (but less than that of ethyl ether), blurring of vision, headache, intoxication, loss of consciousness. Liquid or concentrated vapor irritates eyes. Contact of liquid with skin may cause frostbite. (USCG, 1999)

EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. SKIN: CAUTION: Exposure of skin to compressed gases may result in freezing of the skin. Treatment for frostbite may be necessary. Remove the victim from the source of contamination. IMMEDIATELY wash affected areas gently with COLD water (and soap, if necessary) while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Dry carefully with clean, soft towels. If symptoms such as inflammation or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician or go to a hospital for treatment. INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used; if not available, use a level of protection greater than or equal to that advised under Protective Clothing. INGESTION: This compound is a gas, therefore inhalation is the first route of exposure. (NTP, 1992)

Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.

ON FROSTBITE: rinse with plenty of water, do NOT remove clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower.

First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.

INHALATION: Symptoms: Cough. Sore throat. Confusion. Drowsiness. Unconsciousness. First aid: Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention. SKIN: Symptoms: ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID: FROSTBITE. First aid: ON FROSTBITE: rinse with plenty of water, do NOT remove clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. EYES: Symptoms: Redness. Pain. First aid: First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.|Immediate first aid: Ensure that adequate decontamination has been carried out. If patient is not breathing, start artificial respiration, preferably with a demand-valve resuscitator, bag-valve-mask device, or pocket mask, as trained. Perform CPR as necessary. Immediately flush contaminated eyes with gently flowing water. Do not induce vomiting. If vomiting occurs, lean patient forward or place on left side (head-down position, if possible) to maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration. Keep patient quiet and maintain normal body temperature. Obtain medical attention. /Ethers and related compounds/|Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway (oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway, if needed). Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if necessary. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Provide a low-stimulus environment. Monitor for shock and treat if necessary ... . Anticipate seizures and treat if necessary ... . For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with 0.9% saline (NS) during transport ... . Do not use emetics. For ingestion, rinse mouth and administer 5 ml/kg up to 200 ml of water for dilution if the patient can swallow, has a strong gag reflex, and does not drool ... . Treat frostbite by rapid rewarming ... . /Ethers and related compounds/|Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious, has severe pulmonary edema, or is in severe respiratory distress. Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias if necessary ... . Start IV administration of D5W /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use 0.9% saline (NS) or lactated Ringer's (LR) if signs of hypovolemia are present. For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid cautiously. Consider vasopressors if patient is hypotensive with a normal fluid volume. Watch for signs of fluid overload ... . Treat seizures with diazepam or lorazepam ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Ethers and related compounds/

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ Human subjects were exposed to 50,000,75,000, 82,000, 100,000, 144,000, or 200,000 ppm for approximately 60 minutes. Exposures were terminated if unconsciousness occurred in the subjects. The number of subjects tested in each group was not reported. ...Clinical symptoms were noted for all concentrations. Effects on reaction times were tested at all dose levels, memory (writing of the Lord's Prayer) was tested at 82,000 and 100,000 ppm, muscular coordination (as exemplified by the act of writing) was observed at 82,000, 100,000, and 144,000 ppm, and typewriting was tested at 100,000 ppm. In human subjects, 50,000 and 75,000 ppm of DME caused feelings of mild intoxication but no objective symptoms beyond slight lack of attention after 12-minutes exposure to the higher concentration. At 82,000 ppm, some incoordination developed after 21.5 minutes, and a complaint was made of indistinct vision. At 100,000 ppm, no objective symptoms occurred during the first 15 minutes. Distinct signs of incoordination developed after 21 minutes of exposure. The experiment continued for 64 minutes, with the subject unable to do simple tasks (i.e., balancing of the head required special effort, estimation of time was lost, simple multiplication and memory were affected). At 144,000 ppm, symptoms first occurred after 7 minutes with the subject losing consciousness after 26 minutes. Inhalation of 200,000 ppm caused unconsciousness in 17 minutes.|/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ ... Dimethyl ether concn of 50% were inhaled by humans in the lab, with the observations that the gas is most unpleasant to inhale, being distinctly suffocating, even when taken with a high percentage of oxygen. ... it appears that the acute toxicity ... Is very low. ... Its principal physiological effect is that of anesthesia.|/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Liquid material will cause severe frostbite if spilled on skin. .../CNS depression/ effects in man may be seen at concentrations of 5 to 10% in air.|/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Slight health hazard. Inhalation may cause confusion, dizziness, lack of coordination, and unconsciousness.

dimethyl ether

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation.

Cough. Sore throat. Confusion. Drowsiness. Unconsciousness.

ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID: FROSTBITE.

Redness. Pain.

Grades: technical; 99.5%|99.87% minimum grade /Matheson Gas Products/|99.0% minimum purity, liquid phase /Union Carbide, Corp/

Adhesive manufacturing|Methane, 1,1'-oxybis-: ACTIVE|IT HAS ... BEEN USED IN LIMITED AMT TO FREEZE MEAT & FISH BY DIRECT IMMERSION.|IS NOT PRONE TO PEROXIDE FORMATION & APPEARS TO BE SAFE TO USE AS AN AEROSOL PROPELLANT.|AN AEROSOL MIXT CONTAINS DIMETHYL ETHER 28-97-38.5%. A CARRIER FOR A HAIR CARE PRODUCT CONTAINING POLYVINYLPYRROLIDONE WAS PREPARED WITH 77.04 G 70% AQ DIMETHYL ETHER, 14.11 G DIMETHYL ETHER & 1.09 G CO2.|Dimethyl ether is transformed to C2-C10 hydrocarbons through zeolite catalysis

... elution with ethanol and subsequent analysis by gas chromatography. Air samples may also be analyzed directly by infrared analysis.|Analyte: dimethyl ether; matrix: air; procedure: atmospheric sampling Townsend discharge ionization mass spectrometry

The use of headspace sampling was discussed as a way to determine the amount of ... volatile substances in cadaver blood. Carbopack C column permits discrimination of components in a mixed headspace sample containing dimethyl ether and other volatile substances.

Fire Hazards -> Flammable - 4th degree, Reactive - 1st degree|Cosmetics -> Propellant; Solvent