Table 2 Hazard Comparison: Methylene Chloride and Study Substitutes
From: Source reduction for prevention of methylene chloride hazards: cases from four industrial sectors
| Â | Physical Data | Acute Health | Chronic Health | Safety, Physical & Ergonomic | Environmental |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Methylene Chloride | Highly volatile, low odor threshold | Central nervous system suppression: headache, dizziness, nausea; dermatitis | Suspect carcinogen, heart problems, liver damage | None observed | Chlorine persistence, Hazardous Air Pollutant; hazardous waste |
Alkaline Cleaner | pH: 13-14. Packaged as liquid concentrate | Caustic irritation, Respiratory, skin, eyes | Skin defatting, tissue damage. | Electrical/hot water | Alkaline wastewater, oil and soil waste |
N-Methyl Pyrrolidone | Low volatility | Moderate eye and skin irritant | Reproductive toxin: fetal death and abnormalities in second generation of exposed female and male rats. Dermatitis. | None | Hazardous waste, Toxics Release Inventory reporting |
Freon 141b | High volatility | Skin and eye irritant. Central nervous system suppression: headache, dizziness, nausea; loss of concentration. Cardiac arrhythmia. | Cardiac arrhythmia; risk of heart attack. | None | Ozone-depleting HCFC (use banned as of 2003); hazardous waste |
Dibasic Esters | Low volatility at room temp.; used in heated process. | Respiratory, skin, eyes irritation; blurry vision | None reported | None expected | Moderately toxic to aquatic life |
Propylene Glycol | Low volatility at room temp.; used in heated process. | Respiratory and eye irritation at high temperatures | None reported | None expected | None reported |
Baking Soda Blast | Slightly basic. Fine powder. | None reported on Material Safety Data Sheets. Probably a mild respiratory irritant. | None reported | Electrical/hot water, noise, physiological load, awkward posture, force, vibration | Non-toxic |