Dichloromethane: Health effects
Description
Dichloromethane can affect you if breathed in and by passing through the skin. Exposure to high concentrations may cause unconsciousness and death. Exposure may irritate the lungs, which can cause a build up of fluid (pulmonary oedema). Lower doses may cause headaches, fatigue, and behaviour similar to being drunk. Dichloromethane exposure may cause the heart to beat irregularly or stop. Long term exposures at high levels may damage the liver and brain. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies dichloromethane as a 'possible human carcinogen'. Worksafe Australia categorises dichloromethane into Category 3, a 'suspected human carcinogen'. It is possible that there is no safe level of exposure to a carcinogen.
Entering the body
Dichloromethane will enter the body if we breathe in contaminated air. It can also pass through the skin.
Exposure
Workers in the industries that use or produce dichloromethane are at risk of exposure. Consumers can be exposed to dichloromethane by exposure to air from production and processing facilities using dichloromethane. Consumers may also be exposed to dichloromethane when using consumer products containing dichloromethane, especially if there is not good ventilation. Note above the large number of consumer products containing dichloromethane.
Health guidelines
According to Worksafe Australia it is allowable for workers to be exposed to 50 parts per million dichloromethane over an eight hour workshift. Worksafe Australia has determined that dichloromethane is a Category 3, suspected carcinogen. It is possible that there is no safe level of exposure to a carcinogen.
Australian Drinking Water Quality Guidelines (NHMRC and ARMCANZ, 1996):
0.004 mg/L (i.e. 0.000004 g/L).
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