Methylene chloride (dichloromethane, DCM) is a volatile, colorless liquid with a chloroform-like odor. It has a wide variety of industrial uses, many of which are based on its solvent properties, including paint stripping, pharmaceutical manufacturing, metal cleaning and degreasing, film base production, agricultural fumigation, and plastics manufacturing. It is not known to occur naturally. Methylene chloride is metabolized to carbon monoxide in vivo and may produce phosgene, chlorine, or hydrogen chloride upon combustion.

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   Mechanism of toxicity

   
   
   
   
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      Solvent effects. Like other hydrocarbons, DCM is an irritant to mucous membranes, defats the skin epithelium, and may sensitize the myocardium to the dysrhythmogenic effects of catecholamines.

      
      
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      Anesthetic effects. Like other halogenated hydrocarbons, DCM can cause CNS depression and general anesthesia.

      
      
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      Carbon monoxide (CO) is generated in vivo during metabolism by mixed-function oxidases (CYP2E1) in the liver. Elevated carboxyhemoglobin (CO-Hgb) levels may be delayed and prolonged, with CO-Hgb levels as high as 50% reported (see also “Carbon Monoxide”).

      
      
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      Methylene chloride is a suspected human carcinogen (IARC Group 2B [See IARC Group 2]).

   
   
   
   
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   Toxic dose. Toxicity may occur after inhalation or ingestion.

   
   
   
   
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      Inhalation.

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