title: Methylene chloride toxicity.
abstract: The effects of acute exposure to methylene chloride (dichloromethane) are due to its central nervous system depressant properties, which have resulted in fatalities. Manifestations of acute exposure include mental confusion, fatigue, lethargy, headache and chest pain. Metabolic conversion of methylene chloride to carbon monoxide may place persons with preexisting coronary artery disease at increased risk. Sequelae following chronic exposure are unknown, but data suggest serious long-term effects. The Environmental Protection Agency considers methylene chloride to be a probable human carcinogen.
authors: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Altanta, Georgia 30333, USA.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008752:Methylene Chloride / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D012042:Registries; D014481:United States
chemical_list: D008752:Methylene Chloride