International Chemical Safety Cards

DIMETHYL SULPHOXIDE ICSC: 0459
DIMETHYL SULPHOXIDE
Methyl sulphoxide
DMSO
C2H6O-S
Molecular mass: 78.1
CAS # 67-68-5
RTECS # PV6210000
ICSC # 0459
TYPES OF
HAZARD/
EXPOSURE 		ACUTE HAZARDS/
SYMPTOMS 		PREVENTION FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Combustible.
NO open flames.
Powder, water spray, foam, carbon dioxide (see Notes).
EXPLOSION Above 89░C explosive vapour/air mixtures may be formed.
Above 89░C use a closed system, ventilation, and explosion-proof electrical equipment.
In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.
EXPOSURE
PREVENT GENERATION OF MISTS! STRICT HYGIENE!

  • INHALATION
    		• Headache, nausea, unconsciousness, vomiting.
    		Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.
    		Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration if indicated. Refer for medical attention.
  • SKIN
    		• May accelerate skin absorption of other materials. MAY BE ABSORBED! Dry skin (see Notes). Can result in systemic effects - garlic-like breath and colour vision disturbances as well as effects noted by ingestion (further see Inhalation).
    		Protective gloves.
    		Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap. Refer for medical attention.
  • EYES
    		• Redness, blurred vision.
    		Safety goggles.
    		First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
  • INGESTION
    		• Drowsiness, nausea, vomiting.
    		Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.
    		Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer for medical attention.
    SPILLAGE DISPOSAL STORAGE PACKAGING & LABELLING
    Ventilation. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent and remove to safe place. Special attention to avoid skin absorption (extra personal protection: A/P2 filter respirator for organic vapour and harmful dust).
    		Separated from strong oxidants. Cool. Keep in the dark. Keep in a well-ventilated room.

    SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK
    ICSC: 0459 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS CEC 1993

    International Chemical Safety Cards

    DIMETHYL SULPHOXIDE ICSC: 0459

    I
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    D
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    A
    PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
     COLOURLESS HYGROSCOPIC LIQUID.

    PHYSICAL DANGERS:
     The vapour is heavier than air and may travel along the ground; distant ignition possible.

    CHEMICAL DANGERS:
     The substance decomposes on heating above 150░C or on burning producing toxic fumes. Reacts violently with strong oxidants such as perchlorates.

    OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
     TLV not established.


    		ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
     The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol, through the skin and by ingestion. Also as a vapour!

    INHALATION RISK:
     No indication can be given about the rate in which a harmful concentration in the air is reached on evaporation of this substance at 20░C.

    EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
     The substance irritates the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. Exposure to high concentrations of the substance could cause lowering of consciousness.

    EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
     Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis. Repeated or prolonged contact may cause skin sensitization. The substance may have effects on the liver , resulting in impaired liver function.
    PHYSICAL
    PROPERTIES
    Boiling point: 189░C
    Melting point: 18.5░C
    Relative density (water = 1): 1.1014
    Solubility in water: Miscible
    Vapour pressure, Pa at 20░C: 59.4
    		 Relative vapour density (air = 1): 2.7
    Flash point: 89░C (c.c.)░C
    Auto-ignition temperature: 215░C
    Explosive limits, vol% in air: 2.6-42.0
    Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: -1.35 (calculated)
    ENVIRONMENTAL
    DATA
    NOTES
    Special attention needed when toxic materials present in DMSO because of enhanced skin absorption.
    NFPA Code: H 1; F 1; R 0;
    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


    ICSC: 0459 DIMETHYL SULPHOXIDE
    © IPCS, CEC, 1993
    IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use.