What are the hazards of dichloromethane to human body

Dichloromethane is a colorless, transparent, volatile liquid with an ether-like smell and is non-flammable. It has a wide range of applications. It can be used to replace flammable materials in industry, to make movie films, and to make finished pharmaceutical products in medicine. Generally, any part of the body that comes into contact with the substance will produce various uncomfortable symptoms, such as accidental ingestion or inhalation into the respiratory tract. In severe cases, you need to go to the hospital for timely treatment.

Dichloromethane has an anesthetic effect, mainly damaging the central nervous system and respiratory system. The primary route of human exposure is by inhalation. It has been measured that in indoor production environments, high concentrations of methylene chloride are present when it is used as a paint remover. The general population is exposed to much lower doses through ambient air, drinking water and food. It is estimated that about 80% of the world's production of methylene chloride is released into the atmosphere, but the rapid rate of photodecomposition of this compound makes it unlikely to accumulate in the atmosphere. Its initial degradation products are phosgene and carbon monoxide, which are then converted into carbon dioxide and hydrochloric acid. When dichloromethane is present in surface water, most of it will evaporate. It is readily biodegradable in the presence of oxygen and bioaccumulation seems unlikely. However, its behavior in soil has yet to be determined.

Health hazards

acute:

1. Mild irritation of nose and throat.

2. Exposure to 500-1,000 ppm for 1-2 hours may cause mild depression of the central nervous system, such as dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, numbness of hands and feet, fatigue, inability to concentrate and decreased coordination.

3. Exposure to very high concentrations may cause loss of consciousness and death.

skin:

1. The liquid may irritate the skin.

2. If it gets into gloves, shoes or tight clothing, it may cause severe irritation.

Eyes: 1. Liquid and high concentration vapor may cause irritation.

2. The liquid may cause temporary irritation of the cornea.

Ingestion:

1. In animal experiments, dichloromethane is rapidly absorbed into the body and causes moderate toxicity, with symptoms similar to those of inhalation.

Chronic:

1. Inhalation: Very high concentrations may cause liver and kidney damage. There are also reports that repeated exposure to 500-3,600 ppm can cause brain damage.

2. 2. Carcinogenicity: Three studies have shown no signs of increased cancer in workers with long-term exposure, but IARC has classified it as a suspected carcinogen.

Adding first aid measures

Skin contact: Take off contaminated clothing and rinse skin thoroughly with soap and water.

Eye contact: Lift the eyelids and rinse with running water or saline. Seek medical attention.

Inhalation: Move quickly away from the scene to fresh air. Keep the airways open. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. If breathing stops, perform artificial respiration immediately. Seek medical attention.

Ingestion:

1. Do not give anything by mouth if the patient is about to lose consciousness, has lost consciousness, or is in convulsion.

2. Do not induce vomiting.

3. Give the patient 250 ml of water to dilute the stomach contents.

4. If the patient vomits spontaneously, let him lean forward to reduce the risk of aspiration and give him water repeatedly.