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INTRODUCTION

1.1.1
HAZARDOUS AND TOXICOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF METHANOL & DME

Methanol is highly inflammable and also toxic to human beings. The fire and explosion data
for methanol is shown in Table 3A. These data was adopted from the data sheet compiled by
ScienceLab.com, Inc. [163].

TABLE 3A

Fire and Explosion Characteristics of Methanol [164]
S.
No Property Observations & Attributes
1 Flammability Flammable
2 Auto Ignition Temp. C 464
0
3 Flash Point C Close Cup: 12, Open Cup: 16
0
4 Flammable limits % 6: Lower and 36.5: Upper
5 Products of combustion Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and water
6 Fire hazards in presence of Highly inflammable in presence of open flame and sparks but
various substances
non-flammable due to shock
Explosion hazard in presence of
7 various substances -- As above-

8 Firefighting media & instructions Small fire: Dry Chemical powder
Large fire: Alcohol foam, water spray or fog
Explosive in the form of vapour when exposed to heat or flame.

9 Special remarks of fire hazards Vapour may travel considerable distance to source ignition and
flash back, when heated to decomposition, it emits acrid smoke and
irritating fumes, may burn with near invisible flame.

10 Special remarks on explosion Forms an explosive mixture with air, explosive when mixed with
chloroform + sodium methoxide and diethyl zinc. It boils violently
hazard and explodes.

The toxicological & ecological information on Methanol is summarized below. These data was
adopted from Methanol Safety Data Sheet prepared by Methanex Corporation. [164]

Potential Health Effects
Inhalation: Causes mild central nervous system (CNS) depression with nausea, headache,
vomiting, dizziness, incoordination and an appearance of drunkenness. Metabolic acidosis and
severe visual effects can occur following an 8-24 hour latent period. Coma and death, usually
due to respiratory failure, may occur if medical treatment is not received. Visual effects may
include reduced reactivity and/or increased sensitivity to light, blurred, double and/or snowy
vision, and blindness.
Eye Contact: Moderate eye irritant.
Skin Contact: In general, primary alcohols such as methanol are not considered to be irritant to the
skin. Repeated or prolonged exposure to methanol may cause dry, itchy, scaling skin (dermatitis).
Skin Absorption: Can be absorbed through the skin and cause harmful effects as described
in “Inhalation” above.

18 Methanol and DME Production: Survey and Roadmap | 2017