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Methylene Chloride |
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Recognition |
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Methylene chloride is a solvent which is used in many
different types of work activities, such as paint stripping, polyurethane foam
manufacturing, cleaning, and degreasing. Employees exposed to methylene chloride are at increased risk of developing cancer, adverse effects on the heart, central nervous system and liver, and skin or eye
irritation. Exposure may occur through inhalation, by absorption through the skin, or through contact with the skin.
The following references aid in recognizing methylene chloride hazards in the
workplace.
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Report on Carcinogens (RoC). US Department of Health and Human
Services (DHHS), Public Health Services, National Toxicology Program.
- Dichloromethane.
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), International
Chemical Safety Cards (ICSC), (2000). Summarizes essential health and safety information on chemicals for their use at the "shop floor"
level by workers and employers in factories, agriculture, construction and other work places.
- Methylene
Chloride. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Current Intelligence Bulletin
No. 46, (1986, April 18).
Describes a study where mice that were exposed to methylene chloride in air, developed cancers (alveolar/bronchiolar carcinomas)
and tumors (alveolar/bronchiolar adenomas) of the lung, and cancers (hepatocellular carcinomas) of the liver.
- Occupational Health Guideline for Methylene Chloride.
US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication No. 81-123,
(1978, September), 271 KB
PDF, 6 pages.
A guideline regarding exposure limits, health hazards, chemical and physical properties,
monitoring and measuring procedures, personal protective equipment, and so forth.
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NIOSH Criteria Documents - Criteria for a Recommended Standard:
Occupational Exposure to Methylene Chloride. US Department of Health and Human
Services (DHHS), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication 76-138, (1976, March). Includes biological effects, exposure, and work practice information for methylene
chloride.
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