Methylamine

Agent Name
Methylamine
CAS Number
74-89-5
Formula
C-H5-N
Major Category
Nitrogen Compounds
Methylamine formula graphical representation
Synonyms
Aminomethane; Anhydrous Methylamine; Carbinamine; MMA; Mercurialin; Methanamine; Methylamine; Methylaminen [Dutch]; Metilamine [Italian]; Metyloamina [Polish]; Monomethylamine; N-Methylamine; [ChemIDplus] UN1061; UN1235
Category
Amines, Aliphatic
Description
Colorless gas with a fish- or ammonia-like odor; Note: A liquid below 21 degrees F. Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas; [NIOSH]
Sources/Uses
Used in tanning, dyeing, and in organic synthesis; also used as a fuel additive; Methylamine is present in wine (5-6 ppm) and cigarette smoke; it is a major product of caffeine metabolism; [ACGIH] Used in paint removers and photographic developers; [Hawley]
Comments
Workers tolerate transient exposures to 10 ppm without irritation; Brief exposures at 20 to 100 ppm cause eye, nose, and throat irritation; [ACGIH] Liquid causes first degree burns on short exposure. [CHRIS] Corrosive to skin; [Quick CPC] Possible frostbite from contact with liquid; [NIOSH] Has potential to cause toxic pneumonitis after exposure to high concentrations from a spill or leak; [ICSC]
Biomedical References

Exposure Assessment

Skin Designation (ACGIH)
Insufficient data
TLV (ACGIH)
5 ppm
STEL (ACGIH)
15 ppm
PEL (OSHA)
10 ppm
MAK
5 ppm, Ceiling = 10 ppm
IDLH (NIOSH)
100 ppm
Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs
Human data: It has been reported that transient irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat has resulted from brief exposures to concentrations of 20 to 100 ppm; the odor was intolerable at 100 to 500 ppm [Clayton and Clayton 1981]. Inhalation of methylamine vapors (at concentrations greater than 100 ppm) has caused irritation of the nose and throat, followed by violent sneezing, burning sensation of the throat, coughing, constriction of the larynx and difficulty in breathing, pulmonary congestion, and edema of the lungs [Deichmann and Gerarde 1969].
Odor Threshold Low
0.0009 ppm
Odor Threshold High
4.68 ppm
Lethal Concentration
LC50 (rat) = 448 ppm/2.5H
Explanatory Notes
Detection odor threshold from AIHA (mean = 4.7 ppm); The Guide from the Emergency Response Guidebook is for "methylamine, anhydrous." Flash point = 32 deg F;
Reference Link #2
NFPA
burn readily
ERPG-1
10 ppm
ERPG-2
100 ppm
ERPG-3
500 ppm

Adverse Effects

Toxic Pneumonitis
Yes
Dermatotoxin
Skin burns

Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent

Activities

Activities with risk of exposure: