Label abbreviations descriptions

BIS(CHLOROMETHYL) ETHER‡

Chemical Identification
CAS # 542-88-1
Formula

C₂H₄Cl₂O
Synonyms

BCME; bis-CME; chloromethyl ether; dichlorodimethyl ether; dichloromethyl ether; oxybis(chloromethane)

Physical Properties
Physical description Colorless liquid with a suffocating odor.
Boiling point 223°F Molecular weight 115
Freezing point/melting point -43°F Vapor pressure 30 mmHg at 72°F
Flash point <66°F Vapor density
Specific gravity 1.32 Ionization potential
Lower explosive limit (LEL) Upper explosive limit (UEL)
NFPA health rating 4 NFPA fire rating 3
NFPA reactivity rating 1 NFPA special instruction
Vapor hazard ratio (VHR)
Historical exceedance percentage
Target organs

Monitoring Methods Used by OSHA
Analyte code (IMIS no.) 2630
Sampling group
Sampler/Sampling media Midget fritted glass bubbler (MFGB) containing 10 mL (Derivatizing reagent: 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol/Sodium methoxide) [Infrequently Requested Method - OSHA staff please contact SLTC before sampling 801-233-5100]
Sampling time*
Sampling volume (TWA)*

50 L
Sampling flow rate (TWA)*

0.5 L/min
Sampling volume (STEL/Peak/C)*
Sampling flow rate (STEL/Peak/C)*
Analytical method instruments GC-ECD
Method reference OSHA 10 (fully validated)
Notes

Derivatizing reagent: 16 grams of 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol and 4.4 grams of Sodium Methoxide dissolved in 1 Liter of Methanol.

OSHA personnel may obtain sampling solution from the SLTC.

 
Special requirements

* All sampling instructions above are recommended guidelines for OSHA Compliance Safety and Health Officers (CSHOs), please see the corresponding OSHA method reference for complete details.

Bulk/Wipe Method
Wipe Sampler/Sampling media
Bulk Method

On-Site Screening Techniques
Device
Model/Type
Sampling information
(see manufacturer instructions)

Exposure Limits
OSHA PEL
8-hour TWA
(ST) STEL
(C) Ceiling
Peak
NIOSH REL
Up to 10-hour TWA
(ST) STEL
(C) Ceiling
ACGIH TLV©
8-hour TWA
(ST) STEL
(C) Ceiling
CAL/OSHA PEL
8-hour TWA
(ST) STEL
(C) Ceiling
Peak
PEL-TWA

Ca

 REL-TWA TLV-TWA PEL-TWA
PEL-STEL REL-STEL TLV-STEL PEL-STEL
PEL-C REL-C TLV-C PEL-C
Skin notation

N

 Skin notation

N

 Skin notation

N

 Skin notation

N
Notes:

See 29 CFR 1910.1003, 13 Carcinogens.

 Notes:

CARCINOGEN (Ca): REDUCE EXPOSURE TO LOWEST FEASIBLE CONCENTRATION. See Appendix A and Appendix B - 13 OSHA-regulated carcinogens.

 Notes:

Visit the ACGIH TLV site for specific data

 Notes:

See California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 5209. Carcinogens.
Health factors:  See NIH-NLM PubChem. IDLH
Carcinogenic classifications: IARC-1, NIOSH-Ca, NTP-K, OSHA-Ca, TLV-A1, EPA-A Notes:

Ca
AIHA emergency response planning guidelines - ERPG-1/ERPG-2/ERPG-3:

--/0.1 ppm/0.5 ppm

Additional Resources and Literature References

Last Updated Date : 05/03/2024