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Chemical safety

Dichloromethane: hazards and COSHH prompts

A synthesis and chromatography staple with a carcinogenicity classification and tight exposure limits.

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Always work from your own safety data sheet. Classification varies with grade, concentration and supplier. Use this page to orient yourself, then assess the task you are actually doing, at the scale you are actually doing it.

Hazard classification

CAS
75-09-2
Formula
CH2Cl2
Molecular weight
84.93
Signal word
Warning

GHS pictograms

Health hazardExclamation mark

Hazard statements

  • H302Harmful if swallowed
  • H315Causes skin irritation
  • H319Causes serious eye irritation
  • H332Harmful if inhaled
  • H335May cause respiratory irritation
  • H336May cause drowsiness or dizziness
  • H341Suspected of causing genetic defects
  • H350May cause cancer
  • H351Suspected of causing cancer
  • H361Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child
  • H370Causes damage to organs
  • H372Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure
  • H373May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure
  • H402Harmful to aquatic life [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]
  • H412Harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects
Precautionary statements (25)
  • P203Obtain, read and follow all safety instructions before use.
  • P260Do not breathe dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P261Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P264Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
  • P264+P265Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Do not touch eyes.
  • P270Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
  • P271Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
  • P273Avoid release to the environment.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P301+P317IF SWALLOWED: Get medical help.
  • P302+P352IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water.
  • P304+P340IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
  • P305+P351+P338IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
  • P308+P316IF exposed or concerned: Get emergency medical help immediately.
  • P317Get medical help.
  • P318If exposed or concerned, get medical advice.
  • P319Get medical help if you feel unwell.
  • P321Specific treatment — see the safety data sheet.
  • P330Rinse mouth.
  • P332+P317If skin irritation occurs: Get medical help.
  • P337+P317If eye irritation persists: Get medical help.
  • P362+P364Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse.
  • P403+P233Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.
  • P405Store locked up.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local, regional and national regulations.

Classification data from PubChem CID 6344 , retrieved automatically and refreshed weekly. PubChem aggregates from multiple suppliers; entries can differ from the SDS for your grade.

What your COSHH assessment has to answer

Based on the hazard classes above. These are prompts, not answers — the right control depends on your task, your quantities and your room.

Because it is acutely toxic

  • Which exposure route is credible for your task — inhalation, skin, or both?
  • Is containment engineered (fume hood, cabinet) rather than relying on PPE?
  • What is the first-aid response, and is the material for it actually at the point of use?
  • Is lone working with this restricted?

Because it burns or irritates skin and eyes

  • Is eye protection specified for the actual task, including splash risk when pouring?
  • Are the gloves rated for this substance and this contact time?
  • Where is the nearest eyewash, and when was it last flushed and checked?

Because it is a carcinogen, mutagen or reproductive hazard

  • Has substitution been considered, and is the reason for not substituting recorded?
  • Is exposure reduced as low as reasonably practicable, not merely below a limit?
  • Are new and expectant mothers specifically considered?
  • Is health surveillance or exposure monitoring expected for this work?

Because it can damage organs

  • Is the exposure repeated or long-term rather than one-off?
  • Is there an exposure limit to design the controls around?
  • Are users told what early symptoms look like and who to report them to?

Because it is hazardous to the environment

  • Is drain disposal ruled out, and does everyone know that?
  • Is the waste container labelled at the point of generation?
  • Is the disposal contractor's consignment paperwork in order?

Others in solvents

Acetone

The default glassware-rinsing solvent — and one of the most common flammable liquids on a lab bench.

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Methanol

An HPLC and cleaning workhorse that is far more acutely toxic than its familiarity suggests.

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Ethanol

Used everywhere from surface disinfection to precipitation, and stocked in quantities that add up quickly.

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