IPCS INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMME ON CHEMICAL SAFETY
Health and Safety Guide No. 29
DIMETHYL SULFATE
HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE
UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME
INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION
WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION
WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, GENEVA 1989
This is a companion volume to Environmental Health Criteria 48:
Dimethyl Sulfate
Published by the World Health Organization for the International
Programme on Chemical Safety (a collaborative programme of the United
Nations Environment Programme, the International Labour Organisation,
and the World Health Organization)
This report contains the collective views of an international group of
experts and does not necessarily represent the decisions or the stated
policy of the United Nations Environment Programme, the International
Labour Organisation, or the World Health Organization
ISBN 92 4 154350 7
ISSN 0259-7268
The World Health Organization welcomes requests for permission to
reproduce or translate its publications, in part or in full.
Applications and enquiries should be addressed to the Office of
Publications, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland, which
will be glad to provide the latest information on any changes made to
the text, plans for new editions, and reprints and translations
already available.
(c) World Health Organization 1989
Publications of the World Health Organization enjoy copyright
protection in accordance with the provisions of Protocol 2 of the
Universal Copyright Convention. All rights reserved.
The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this
publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on
the part of the Secretariat of the World Health Organization
concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or
of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or
boundaries.
The mention of specific companies or of certain manufacturers'
products does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by the
World Health Organization in preference to others of a similar nature
that are not mentioned. Errors and omissions excepted, the names of
proprietary products are distinguished by initial capital letters.
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
1. PRODUCT IDENTITY AND USES
1.1. Identity
1.2. Physical and chemical properties
1.3. Analytical methods
1.4. Production and uses
2. SUMMARY AND EVALUATION
2.1. Human exposure to dimethyl sulfate
2.2. Fate of dimethyl sulfate
2.3. Uptake, metabolism, and excretion
2.4. Effects on organisms in the environment
2.5. Effects on animals and human beings
3. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
4. HUMAN HEALTH HAZARDS, PREVENTION AND PROTECTION, EMERGENCY ACTION
4.1. Main human health hazards, prevention and protection, first
aid
4.1.1. Advice to physicians
4.1.2. Health surveillance advice
4.2. Explosion and fire hazards
4.3. Storage
4.4. Transport
4.5. Spillage and disposal
5. HAZARDS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND THEIR PREVENTION
6. INTERNATIONAL CHEMICAL SAFETY CARD
7. CURRENT REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND STANDARDS
7.1. Exposure limit values
7.2. Specific restrictions
7.3. Labelling, packaging, and transport
BIBLIOGRAPHY
INTRODUCTION
The Environmental Health Criteria (EHC) documents produced by the
International Programme on Chemical Safety include an assessment of
the effects on the environment and on human health of exposure to a
chemical or combination of chemicals, or physical or biological
agents. They also provide guidelines for setting exposure limits.
The purpose of a Health and Safety Guide is to facilitate the
application of these guidelines in national chemical safety
programmes. The first three sections of a Health and Safety Guide
highlight the relevant technical information in the corresponding EHC.
Section 4 includes advice on preventive and protective measures and
emergency action; health workers should be thoroughly familiar with
the medical information to ensure that they can act efficiently in an
emergency. Within the Guide is an International Chemical Safety Card
which should be readily available, and should be clearly explained, to
all who could come into contact with the chemical. The section on
regulatory information has been extracted from the legal file of the
International Register of Potentially Toxic Chemicals (IRPTC) and from
other United Nations sources.
The target readership includes occupational health services, those in
ministries, governmental agencies, industry, and trade unions who are
involved in the safe use of chemicals and the avoidance of
environmental health hazards, and those wanting more information on
this topic. An attempt has been made to use only terms that will be
familiar to the intended user. However, sections 1 and 2 inevitably
contain some technical terms. A bibliography has been included for
readers who require further background information.
Revision of the information in this Guide will take place in due
course, and the eventual aim is to use standardized terminology.
Comments on any difficulties encountered in using the Guide would be
very helpful and should be addressed to:
The Manager
International Programme on Chemical Safety
Division of Environmental Health
World Health Organization
1211 Geneva 27
Switzerland
THE INFORMATION IN THIS GUIDE SHOULD BE CONSIDERED AS A STARTING POINT
TO A COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH AND SAFETY PROGRAMME
1. PRODUCT IDENTITY AND USES
1.1 Identity
Chemical formula: (CH3)2SO4
Common synonyms: sulfuric acid dimethyl ester;
methyl sulfate; dimethyl monosulfate;
CAS registry number: 77-78-1
RTECS number: WS8225000
United Nations number: 1595
Conversion factors: 1 ppm = 5 mg/m3 and 1 mg/m3 = 0.2 ppm,
approximately, depending on temperature
and pressure
1.2 Physical and Chemical Properties
Dimethyl sulfate is a colourless oily liquid with a very faint onion
odour at room temperature and normal atmospheric pressure. Its odour
is mild and it produces no sensory irritation, so few people can
detect the presence of the vapour in air. It is readily soluble in
alcohol, sparingly soluble in very cold water, but it dissolves
readily in water at 18°C with hydrolysis to form methanol, the
monoester, and sulfuric acid. Hydrolysis is particularly rapid in
alkaline solutions which are therefore used for decontamination. It
is used as a methylating agent in organic syntheses. Technical
dimethyl sulfate contains small amounts of acid impurities, e.g., the
monoester.
1.3 Analytical Methods
Sensitive analytical techniques are available to determine low levels
of dimethyl sulfate. Gas or liquid chromatography, in the latter case
of a derivative, can be used, followed by an appropriate method of
detection, such as mass spectrometry or a flame ionization detector
for gas chromatography, and ultraviolet or visible spectrometry for
liquid chromatography. The lowest reported detection limit using gas
chromatography is 0.026 mg/m3 (0.005ppm) for a 1-litre sample, and
for liquid chromatography a detection limit of 0.05 mg/m3 (0.01 ppm)
has been obtained.
1.4 Production and Uses
Dimethyl sulfate has been produced for some 60 years. It can be made
in a continuous process by the reaction of dimethyl ether with sulfur
trioxide or by reacting methanol with oleum and distilling under
vacuum. Manufacture is concentrated in relatively few companies in
Europe and North America, but no information on the magnitude of total
production is available. It is extensively used as a methylating
agent, particularly in the dye industry and in the manufacture of
organic chemicals, such as fabric softeners, and of pharmaceuticals.
For all the processes in which it is used there are alternative
methylating agents, and no estimate of the amounts of dimethyl sulfate
produced can be made from the quantities of these products.
2. SUMMARY AND EVALUATION
2.1 Human Exposure to Dimethyl Sulfate
Exposure of the skin and eyes, or the respiratory tract, to dimethyl
sulfate may occur and the main effect is severe local inflammation
that develops without sensory irritation at the moment of contact.
Because of this and its severe systemic toxicity, exposure of workers
is controlled to a low level in industrial environments and there is
virtually no exposure of the general population. Designated
occupational exposure limits range from 0.05 to 5 mg/m3 and these
usually relate to skin exposure. Those at the lower end of the range
reflect concern about the possible carcinogenicity of the chemical.
In general, the substance is handled in closed systems, and it is
usual for operators to wear impervious suits and self-contained
breathing apparatus for operations involving the transfer of dimethyl
sulfate, where there is the possibility of greater exposure.
2.2 Fate of Dimethyl Sulfate
Dimethyl sulfate released into the atmosphere eventually hydrolyses.
The resulting sulfuric acid is deposited in rain and the methanol is
oxidized to carbon dioxide and water or is deposited in rain. The
quantities released are likely to be so small that the contribution of
these end-products to atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide and to acid
rain is insignificant. Spillages on the ground will evaporate and
will hydrolyse in a similar way.
When vessels containing dimethyl sulfate are vented to the atmosphere,
an alkaline scrubber is usually incorporated to prevent any emission.
Spillages treated with ammonia or soda ash hydrolyse rapidly in situ.
2.3 Uptake, Metabolism, and Excretion
Dimethyl sulfate is absorbed readily through mucous membranes, the
intestinal tract, and the skin. It is rapidly metabolized in
mammalian tissues and when injected intravenously into rats is
undetectable in the plasma after 3 minutes. It is possible that the
hydrolysis of dimethyl sulfate and the subsequent methylation of
component molecules of the cells and tissues, including DNA, are
responsible for its local effects, systemic toxic effects, and
possible carcinogenicity. On the eye, dimethyl sulfate produces toxic
effects similar to those of methanol and it is probable that its
toxicity is in part a direct result of the dissolved methanol moiety
of the molecule as well as being a result of alkylation reactions.
The ultimate metabolites in the human body are sulfate and carbon
dioxide, and these are excreted by the kidneys and released by the
lungs, respectively.
2.4 Effects on Organisms in the Environment
Dimethyl sulfate hydrolyses fairly rapidly in damp environments at
temperatures above about 20°C. High concentrations are therefore
unlikely to persist following accidental contamination. The 96-h
LC50 values for aquatic species are generally in the range
100-10 mg/litre. The LC50 values for bluegill sunfish
(Centrarchidae) and tidewater silversides (Atherinidae) are
7.5 mg/litre and 15 mg/litre, respectively.
2.5 Effects on Animals and Human Beings
Dimethyl sulfate is toxic for all cells. It causes severe
inflammation of the eye, respiratory epithelium, and skin that
commences minutes or hours after the exposure; there is little initial
discomfort but severe functional disturbances follow. In addition, it
is readily absorbed and produces systemic toxic effects, principally
on the nervous system, heart, liver, and kidneys. Dimethyl sulfate is
mutagenic and is a suspected human carcinogen.
In short-term studies on experimental mammals, oral LD50 values of
205 and 440 mg dimethyl sulfate/kg body weight (rat) and 140 mg/kg
body weight (mouse) have been found; and a subcutaneous LD50 of
100 mg/kg body weight has been demonstrated in the rat. Rats inhaling
a concentration of 75 mg dimethyl sulfate/m3 (15 ppm) for 4 hours
survived, but rats inhaling 150 mg/m3 (30 ppm) for the same period
died. Other work with rats showed that with exposure for 4 hours the
lowest observed lethal concentration was 150 mg/m3 (30 ppm), and
that mean survival times for mice and guinea-pigs exposed to
375 mg/m3 (75 ppm) were 17 and 24 minutes, respectively. Because
of the delayed effects, concentrations producing eventual death after
short exposures are likely to be a better guide to the toxicity of
dimethyl sulfate than the time to death with continuous exposure at a
particular concentration.
Dimethyl sulfate is mutagenic in several in vitro test systems. It
has produced tumours of the nasal epithelium and the nervous system
when fed to pregnant rats, and single injections resulted in malignant
tumours of the nervous system in their offspring. Inhalational
exposure of rats for 1 hour per day, 5 days per week, for 130 days, to
calculated concentrations of 55 mg/m3 (10 ppm) and 17 mg/m3
(3 ppm) resulted at 643 days in 5 of the 15 survivors at the higher
dosage and 3 of the 20 at the lower dosage having tumours. Most
tumours were of the nasal epithelium or the central nervous system.
The effects on man have been well described and the acute effects of
vapour exposure are uniform. The initial symptoms are headache,
giddiness, and burning of the eyes, which reach a maximum intensity
between 2 and 10 hours after exposure. Epithelial irritation follows,
not merely of the exposed respiratory epithelium but also of the
intestinal and urinary tracts. Thus, there is soreness of the nose
and throat with hoarseness of the voice, cough, tightness of the
chest, breathing difficulty, difficulty in swallowing, and also
vomiting and diarrhoea and painful urination. These symptoms may
persist for up to 2 weeks. The role of secondary infection of the
damaged epithelia is not clear. In severe cases, there may be
exudative pulmonary oedema, which can be fatal. The cardiotoxicity
may lead to circulatory collapse. Biochemical tests have remained
abnormal for periods of years following acute exposure and permanent
changes in colour vision and visual field changes have been described.
The clinical effects of chronic exposure have been reported to involve
liver function and vision in particular. These, like the exposure,
are likely to go unnoticed unless monitored.
Human carcinogenicity was suggested by a study of a small group of
workers in an environment where acute toxic effects were not uncommon.
This study showed that 4 out of 10 workers had died of bronchogenic
carcinoma. However, epidemiological studies among the work-forces of
two major producers have failed to show an elevated cancer incidence
and occupational exposure at 5 mg/m3 appears to be below the
threshold for a demonstrable carcinogenic risk for man.
3. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Dimethyl sulfate is a particularly dangerous chemical because of its
systemic and local toxicity and because there is no warning of
exposure. While the carcinogenic risk appears not to be significant
under good industrial conditions, the reported high incidence of lung
cancer in a small, highly exposed work-force, and the animal data,
indicate that there may be a carcinogenic hazard for man. Exposure to
high concentrations even for short periods should therefore be
avoided. In addition to the acute effects of acute exposure, there is
a risk of permanent or long-term damage to the liver and retina.
These organs also appear to be the most sensitive to the effects of
chronic exposure.
The toxicity of dimethyl sulfate is such that it should be handled
only within organizations having the resources and ability to carry
out the engineering controls, workplace monitoring, sophisticated
personal protection, occupational health surveillance, and emission
treatment and control necessary to protect the work-force, the
community, and the environment.
4. HUMAN HEALTH HAZARDS, PREVENTION AND PROTECTION, EMERGENCY ACTION
4.1 Main Human Health Hazards, Prevention and Protection, First Aid
The main hazard for man is unperceived exposure, which could lead to
severe or lethal acute effects, and also to long-term health effects
including possible carcinogenesis. High levels of engineering and
process control are required to ensure that the possibility of
emissions is remote. Flange joints between plant components should be
avoided and welded joints should be used instead. Factory areas
containing dimethyl sulfate should be enclosed by bunds and staff
should have the necessary materials and equipment to treat spillages
immediately with alkaline solutions or soda ash so that the dimethyl
sulfate is rapidly hydrolysed. Vents should discharge through an
alkaline scrubber. Continuous atmospheric monitoring for dimethyl
sulfate levels is desirable so that immediate warning is given of
significant workplace concentrations. The filling of storage tanks or
reactors from drums, tankers, or tank cars should be undertaken only
by experienced operators who are fully protected by impervious suits
and by positive-pressure, demand, breathing apparatus supplied with
respirable air from a cylinder or a remote source. Fully protected
employees may deal with any small spillages that occur during
transfers but they should be strictly instructed not to attempt to
deal with larger spillages. Nearly all accidents with dimethyl
sulfate have been the result of hasty and uninformed cleaning-up
operations. Such spillages should be dealt with by specially trained
and fully protected personnel.
4.1.1 Advice to physicians
In the event of suspected inhalation of vapour, even in the absence of
any symptoms, patients should be kept resting quietly under clinical
observation for at least 12 hours. The eyes should be irrigated, even
if apparently unaffected, with a 2% solution of sodium bicarbonate for
a full 15 minutes. Eye irrigation should be repeated if any redness
develops. Oxygen may be administered if there is breathing
difficulty. Arrangements should be made for the possibly affected
patient to be transferred to the nearest centre equipped for the
treatment of pulmonary oedema, the support of patients with major
organ failure, and circulatory collapse.
No specific antidote is known. In the case of contamination of the
body surface, irrigate affected eyes and skin burns with a 2% solution
of sodium bicarbonate in water and treat conventionally.
Hydrocortisone or other steroid drops may be useful.
With inhalation exposure, the administration of high doses of methyl
prednisolone (30 mg/kg body weight, by slow intravenous injection) or
the administration of other steroids (e.g., beclometasone
dipropionate) by metered-dose aerosol has been reported to reduce the
incidence of exudative pulmonary oedema and subsequent pulmonary
fibrosis. The prophylactic use of steroids after exposure, but before
any signs and symptoms appear, may be of value in reducing pulmonary
damage by dimethyl sulfate. An early chest X-ray may be useful for
comparison with a later film in the event of the development of
pulmonary oedema. Oral or aerosol bronchodilators (e.g., salbutamol)
may be of value if there is bronchospasm. Oxygen and humidification
are the main lines of treatment for mild pulmonary oedema; diuretics,
opiates, and theophyllines do not have a role, since the condition is
exudative rather than transudative. In extreme cases, intermittent
positive-pressure ventilation may be necessary. Prophylactic
antibiotics are generally indicated, since secondary bacterial
infection of the airways often occurs.
If there is oesophageal, ophthalmic, or urinary tract pain, analgesics
may be given, but those that are respiratory depressants or topical
irritants should be avoided. Oral medication should be avoided if
there is nausea or upper abdominal pain.
Heart rate, blood pressure, fluid balance, arterial blood gases, and
liver and renal function should be monitored, and support should be
given on general lines if there are signs of circulatory, liver, or
renal failure.
A detailed neurological and ophthalmological assessment should be made
as early as possible and during the recovery phase.
Where no symptoms or signs have appeared within 12 hours, the patient
may be discharged from observation, but should be warned to return if
any symptoms develop.
As dimethyl sulfate can be metabolized to methanol, there is the
theoretical possibility of superadded methanol poisoning, although
this has never been reported in human poisoning cases. If methanol
poisoning is suspected, the serum methanol level can be determined and
metabolic acidosis corrected with sodium bicarbonate. Specific
treatment for methanol poisoning should be given if indicated.
A particularly difficult situation may arise when symptoms that could
be a result of dimethyl sulfate exposure, but could equally well be an
incipient upper respiratory tract infection or conjunctivitis, occur
in workers in the plant without a history of exposure. Such people
may seek advice because they know that exposure may be imperceptible.
In such situations, the correct course of action will depend on a
careful history of the presenting complaints, of the occurrence of
similar symptoms in other members of the household or work-group, of
the timing of the onset of symptoms in relation to the last
work-period, and of any abnormal conditions or events in the plant
that could have led to exposure. Medical and nursing staff who know
their employees may also be able to take personality factors into
account.
4.1.2 Health surveillance advice
It may be advisable for persons with pre-existing respiratory or liver
disease to be excluded from work with dimethyl sulfate. Preplacement
examinations should also document the visual fields and the colour
vision status of the employee or recruit.
Wherever measured exposures are close to the occupational exposure
limit or there is dependence on personal protection to limit exposure,
it is wise to undertake regular health surveillance, including tests
of liver and pulmonary function, colour vision, and visual fields.
4.2 Explosion and Fire Hazards
Dimethyl sulfate represents a moderate fire hazard, but does not
explode. Firefighters should wear full protective clothing and use
compressed-air breathing apparatus. Water, foam, dry powder, or
carbon dioxide are suitable firefighting media.
4.3 Storage
Dimethyl sulfate should be stored in the suppliers' drums, properly
sealed and labelled, or in a suitable bulk container. These should be
housed in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place. Handle drums carefully
to avoid puncturing.
4.4 Transport
In case of a road transport accident, stop the motor and remain
up-wind. If a vapour cloud drifts towards an inhabited area, warn the
inhabitants and evacuate areas close to the spillage, if this can be
done without risking exposure.
4.5 Spillage and Disposal
Spillage should only be dealt with by trained personnel wearing full
protective clothing, a full-face mask, and positive-pressure breathing
apparatus. Soda ash or 3% ammonia solution may be applied to liquid
spills. Sprays of 3% ammonia solution may be used to "knock down" the
vapour over spillages. After complete neutralization, spillages may
be washed away to a drain or sewer. If dimethyl sulfate has entered a
watercourse or sewer, or contaminated soil or vegetation, advise the
police and public authorities.
For the treatment and disposal of waste, the recommended methods are
alkaline hydrolysis, incineration, and landfill. Do not use open
burning (e.g., as a boiler fuel) or evaporation for waste disposal.
For incineration, dimethyl sulfate should be dissolved in a
combustible solvent and sprayed into a furnace with an afterburner and
an alkali scrubber.
Dimethyl sulfate may be decomposed by adding a dilute alkaline
solution; the mixture should be stirred and then allowed to settle.
The resulting solution is then neutralized by acid or alkali as
appropriate and drained into a sewer. When rapid decomposition is
needed the waste may be warmed.
It may also be adsorbed on vermiculite, packed in drums, buried and
covered immediately.
5. HAZARDS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND THEIR PREVENTION
There are no hazards for the environment from the controlled transport
and use of dimethyl sulfate. Spillages will cause local damage, but
rapid hydrolysis of the material will prevent persistent or widespread
effects, particularly in temperate conditions.
6. INTERNATIONAL CHEMICAL SAFETY CARD
This card should be easily available to all health workers concerned
with, and users of, dimethyl sulfate. It should be displayed at, or
near, entrances to areas where there is potential exposure to
dimethyl sulfate, and on processing equipment and containers. The
card should be translated into the appropriate language(s). All
persons potentially exposed to the chemical should also have the
instructions on the chemical safety card clearly explained.
Space is available on the card for insertion of the National
Occupational Exposure Limit, the address and telephone number of the
National Poison Control Centre, and for local trade names.
DIMETHYL SULFATE
Chemical formula: (CH3)2SO4) CAS Registry No. 77-78-1
RTECS No. WS8225000
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OTHER CHARACTERISTICS
Melting point -32°C Dimethyl sulfate is a colourless, oily liquid with
Boiling point 188°C (decomposes) a faint onion-like odour; it is readily soluble in
Water solubility (18°C) 28 g/litre (readily soluble) alcohol and aromatic solvents, but is only sparingly
Relative density (20-24°C) 1.332 soluble in cold water; it hydrolyses in water to the
Relative vapour density 4.4 monoester, sulfuric acid, and methanol; hydrolysis is
Vapour pressure (20°C) 67 Pa (0.5 mmHg) more rapid in alkaline solutions; it is combustible
Flash point 83°C but not explosive
Relative molecular mass 126.13
HAZARDS/SYMPTOMS PREVENTION AND PROTECTION FIRST AID
Vapour
EYES: severe delayed inflammation Meticulously engineered, totally Prompt irrigation with 2% sodium
without initial irritation; high enclosed plant is required, with bicarbonate solution for at least
acute exposures and chronic alkaline scrubbers for vents to 15 minutes, even if there is no irritation;
exposures may cause visual field atmosphere; ideally there should obtain medical advice
defects and colour vision changes, be continuous monitoring for
but this may be a systemic effect concentrations in the workplace
atmosphere; complete impervious suits
and full-face positive pressure demand
compressed-air breathing apparatus
should be available for operations in
which dimethyl sulfate is not contained,
and for clean-up of spillages
DIMETHYL SULFATE (cont'd)
HAZARDS/SYMPTOMS PREVENTION AND PROTECTION FIRST AID
INHALATION: no warning smell See above Keep under observation for at least
or irritation; severe delayed 12 hours after possible exposure, even if
irritation of the whole of the there are no symptoms; keep at rest;
respiratory epithelium may result; administer oxygen if there is breathing
the consequence is exudative difficulty; refer to hospital or a doctor
pulmonary oedema, which may
be fatal
Liquid
SKIN: delayed skin burns and Measures effective against Wash skin thoroughly with a 2% solution
systemic absorption leading to respiratory exposure will be of sodium bicarbonate in water; remove
serious, possibly fatal, effects effective against skin exposure any contaminated clothing (using gloves);
on the nervous system, liver, send to a hospital or doctor; treat burns
kidneys, and heart; there may be conventionally; observe for systemic
convulsions, visual disturbance, effects
pain on voiding the bladder, pain
on swallowing, and vomiting
INGESTION: Severe, possibly Do not eat, drink, or smoke Do not induce vomiting; give nothing
delayed, effects on the mouth, where chemicals are handled by mouth; send patient immediately to
throat, and oesophagus would hospital or to a doctor for treatment
be expected with severe systemic
effects
7. CURRENT REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND STANDARDS
The information given in this section has been extracted from the
International Register of Potentially Toxic Chemicals (IRPTC) legal
file.
The reader should be aware that regulatory decisions about chemicals
taken in a certain country can only be fully understood in the
framework of the legislation of that country.a When no effective
date appears in the IRPTC legal file, the year of the reference from
which the data are taken is indicated by (r).
7.1 Exposure Limit Values
Some exposure limit values are given in the following table.
7.2 Specific Restrictions
In the USA, dimethyl sulfate is designated as a hazardous waste. Any
solid waste (except domestic waste) containing dimethyl sulfate is
subject to regulations as regards handling, transport, treatment,
storage, and disposal. Commercial dimethyl sulfate products are
designated toxic waste and subject to similar regulations.
7.3 Labelling, Packaging, and Transport
In the countries of the European Economic Community, dimethyl sulfate
is classified as very toxic and a possible carcinogen. The label on a
container must read:
Very toxic; may cause cancer; also toxic if swallowed; also very
toxic by inhalation; causes burns; avoid exposure - obtain
special instructions before use. In case of contact with eyes,
rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice.
Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. In case of
accident or if you feel unwell seek medical advice immediately
(show the label where possible).
In Czechoslovakia, dimethyl sulfate is subject to labelling
requirements. In Sweden, it is labelled as a carcinogen and a very
hazardous product with the symbol "T". In Japan, it is a designated
deleterious substance for labelling purposes. In the United Kingdom,
road tankers transporting dimethyl sulfate must be labelled "Toxic
Substance".
a The regulations and guidelines of all countries are subject to
change and should always be verified with the appropriate
regulatory authorities before application.
For transport, the United Nations classifies dimethyl sulfate as a
"poisonous substance", and for packing as a "very dangerous
substance". For marine transport, the International Maritime
Organization uses the same classifications.
EXPOSURE LIMIT VALUES
Medium Specification Country/ Exposure limit description Value Effective
organization date
AIR Occupational Australia Threshold limit value (TLV) 1985 (r)
- Time-weighted average (TWA) 5 mg/m3
(carcinogen)
(skin absorption)
Belgium Threshold limit value 1987 (r)
- Time-weighted average 0.5 mg/m3
(carcinogen)
(skin absorption)
Brazil Acceptable limit 0.4 mg/m3 1982 (r)
- 48 h/week (hazardous degree:
maximum)
Canada Threshold limit value 1980
- Time-weighted average 0.5 mg/m3
(carcinogen)
Czechoslovakia Maximum allowable concentration (MAC) 1985
- Time-weighted average 0.05 mg/m3
- Ceiling value (CLV) 0.1 mg/m3
Finland Maximum permissible concentration (MPC) 1985 (r)
- Time-weighted average 5 mg/m3
(carcinogen)
(skin absorption)
German Maximum allowable concentration 1985 (r)
Democratic - Time-weighted average 5 mg/m3
Republic - Short-term exposure limit (STEL) 5 mg/m3
(skin absorption)
EXPOSURE LIMIT VALUES (cont'd)
Medium Specification Country/ Exposure limit description Value Effective
organization date
AIR Occupational Germany, Technical reference concentration 1987 (r)
Federal - Time-weighted average; 1 year 0.1 mg/m3
Republic of - Carcinogenic working material proven (production)
in animal experiments. No maximum 0.2 mg/m3 (use)
work-site concentration established
(cutaneous absorption)
Hungary Maximum allowable concentration 1985 (r)
- Time-weighted average 5 mg/m3
- Short-term exposure limit 5 mg/m3
(30 minutes) (skin absorption)
(sensitizer)
Italy Threshold limit value (TLV) 1985(r)
- Time-weighted average 0.05 mg/m3
(carcinogen)
(skin absorption)
Japan Maximum allowable concentration 1986
- Time-weighted average 0.5 mg/m3
(carcinogen)
(skin absorption)
Netherlands Maximum limit 1987 (r)
- Ceiling value 0.5 mg/m3
(skin absorption)
Poland Maximum permissible concentration 1985 (r)
- Ceiling value 1 mg/m3
EXPOSURE LIMIT VALUES (cont'd)
Medium Specification Country/ Exposure limit description Value Effective
organization date
AIR Occupational Romania Maximum permissible concentration 1985 (r)
- Time-weighted average 3 mg/m3
- Ceiling value 8 mg/m3
(skin absorption)
Sweden No exposure limit established Carcinogenic 1985
substance
Switzerland Maximum work-site concentration 1987 (r)
- Time-weighted average 0.1 mg/m3
(carcinogen)
(skin absorption)
United Recommended limit 1987 (r)
Kingdom - Time-weighted average 0.5 mg/m3
- Short-term exposure limit 0.5 mg/m3
(10-minutes time-weighted average) (skin absorption)
USA Threshold limit value 1987
(ACGIH) - Time-weighted average 0.5 mg/m3
(suspected
carcinogen)
(skin absorption)
USA (OSHA) Permissible exposure limit (PEL) 1974
- Time-weighted average 5 mg/m3
(skin absorption)
USSR Maximum allowable concentration 1983
- Ceiling value 0.1 mg/m3
EXPOSURE LIMIT VALUES (cont'd)
Medium Specification Country/ Exposure limit description Value Effective
organization date
AIR Occupational Yugoslavia Maximum allowable concentration 1985 (r)
- Time-weighted average 5 mg/m3
(skin absorption)
BIBLIOGRAPHY
ACGIH (1986) Documentation of the threshold limit values and
biological exposure indices. Cincinnati, American Conference of
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See Also:
Toxicological Abbreviations
Dimethyl sulfate (EHC 48, 1985)
Dimethyl sulfate (ICSC)
Dimethyl Sulfate (IARC Summary & Evaluation, Volume 71, 1999)