Methanol is a toxic alcohol, which is used as solvent, pesticide and alternative fuel source in industry. It also happens naturally to humans, animals and plants. Fresh fruits and vegetables, fruit juice, fermented drinks and sugar-free soft drinks containing aspartame are the main sources of methanol for human body. Most methanol poisoning is caused by drinking drinks contaminated with methanol or products containing methanol. In industrial environment, inhalation of high concentration methanol vapor and absorption of methanol through the skin are as effective as oral toxicity. The peculiar irritating (alcohol) smell of methanol does not provide sufficient warning for low-level exposure.
Mode of transmission:
Indoor air: Methanol can be released into the indoor air as a liquid spray (aerosol).
Water: methanol can be used to pollute water.
Food: methanol can be used to pollute food.
Outdoor air: Methanol can be released into the outdoor air as a liquid spray (aerosol).
Agriculture: If methanol is released into the air in the form of liquid spray (aerosol), it may pollute agricultural products.
Exposure route: methanol can be absorbed by human body through inhalation, ingestion, skin contact or eye contact. Ingestion is an important route of exposure.
Chemical hazards:
Methanol reacts violently with strong oxidant, causing fire and explosion hazard.
Explosion hazard:
The mixture of methanol vapor and air is explosive.
Explosion (flammable) limit (LEL) in air, 6.0%; Upper limit of explosion (flammable) in air (UEL), 36%.
OAgent has the risk of steam explosion and poisoning in indoor, outdoor or sewage.
Discharge of water into the sewer may cause explosion hazard.
The container may explode when heated.
Fire information:
The agent is easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
Fire can produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
Vapors may move to the ignition source and flash back.
Or running to the sewer may cause fire hazard.
Note: The flash point of this preparation is very low. The use of water mist during fire fighting may be inefficient.
Initial isolation and protection distance:
If a tank, rail car or tank car is in fire, it shall be isolated for 0.5 miles (800 meters) from all directions; Also consider an initial evacuation of 0.5 miles (800 meters) in all directions.
This preparation is not listed in the DOT ERG 2004 initial isolation and protective action distance table.
In the orange border of the DOT ERG 2004 guideline, there are some public safety recommendations, that is, immediately isolate the methanol leakage or leakage area (guideline 131) at least 150 feet (50 meters) in all directions.
Physical hazards:
Ethanol vapor may be heavier than air. They will spread along the ground, gather and stay in poorly ventilated, low-lying or enclosed areas (such as sewers, basements and water tanks).
Hazardous concentrations may develop rapidly in closed, poorly ventilated or low-lying areas. Keep away from these areas. Keep upwind.
Liquid agent is lighter than water.
