Synonyms include methylene chloride, dichloromethane, dichloromethane, and methylene chloride.

Persons exposed only to methylene chloride vapor pose no risk of secondary contamination. People whose clothing or skin is contaminated with liquid methylene chlorides can cause secondary contamination through direct contact or through exhaust steam.

Odor is not a sufficient warning characteristic of dichloromethane

 Dichloromethane (dichloromethane sds) is a flammable liquid, but its vapor is flammable only at relatively high concentrations (14% to 22% in air).

 dichloromethane is easily absorbed after inhalation and ingestion. Skin absorption is slow, but may increase the burden on the whole body.

At room temperature, dichloromethane is a clear, colorless liquid with a pleasant odor. It is volatile and produces potentially toxic concentrations at room temperature. It is slightly soluble in water and miscible with most organic solvents.

Pathway of exposure

Inhalation is the most important exposure route, and dichloromethane vapor is easily absorbed from the lungs. Odor is not an appropriate warning characteristic for dichloromethane, and the odor threshold is 250 PPM, 10 times that of OSHA PEL (25ppm). Olfactory fatigue may also occur at high concentrations. Dichloromethane is heavier than air and can cause suffocation in enclosed, poorly ventilated or low-lying areas.

Children exposed to the same level of dichloromethane vapor as adults may receive a larger dose because their lungs have a larger surface area: weight ratio and an increased minute volume: weight ratio. In addition, they may be exposed to higher levels than adults in the same location because they are smaller and have higher levels of dichloromethane vapor closer to the ground.