Material Safety Data Sheet for Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO)

Identification

Product Name: Dimethyl Sulfoxide
Synonyms: Methyl sulfoxide
Chemical Formula: C2H6OS
CAS Number: 67-68-5
Recommended Use: Solvent for chemical reactions, pharmaceuticals, biological studies, and cryopreservation agent
Supplier: Information displayed on product packaging or shipping documentation
Emergency Phone Number: Refer to the supplier’s emergency contact details

GHS Classification: Skin irritation (Category 2); Eye irritation (Category 2A); Acute toxicity oral, dermal (Category 4)
Label Elements: Pictogram with exclamation mark, signal word “Warning”
Hazard Statements: Causes skin and serious eye irritation; harmful if swallowed or in contact with skin; may enhance skin absorption of other chemicals
Precautionary Statements: Wear protective gloves and eye protection; wash hands after handling; avoid release to environment
Other Hazards: Rapid absorption through skin possible; may aggravate underlying health conditions

General Advice: Remove person to fresh air; seek medical help as needed
Inhalation: Move to open space; provide oxygen if breathing is difficult; consult physician
Skin Contact: Take off contaminated clothes; rinse with running water for at least 15 minutes; get medical attention if irritation persists
Eye Contact: Flush with large amounts of water for several minutes, holding eyelids open; obtain medical care if irritation continues
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly with water; do not induce vomiting; seek immediate medical help
Symptoms: Redness, burning, stinging sensation, headache, dizziness in severe cases

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide
Specific Hazards: Can ignite at high temperatures; emits toxic gases (sulfur oxides, carbon oxides) when burned
Protective Equipment: Wear full firefighting gear including proper respiratory protection
Special Procedures: Cool containers exposed to fire with water spray; prevent runoff from fire control from entering drains

Personal Precautions: Evacuate area; avoid breathing vapors; wear gloves, goggles, and protective clothing
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into water sources or drains; contain spill as much as possible
Cleanup Methods: Absorb with inert material (sand, vermiculite); scoop up and transfer to a suitable waste container; ventilate area after cleanup
Decontamination: Wash spill area with water; dispose of materials according to local regulations

Handling: Use only in well-ventilated areas; avoid skin and eye contact; do not eat, drink, or smoke during handling
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed containers; keep in cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and incompatible materials (acids, oxidizers)
Special Requirements: Label containers clearly; inspect regularly for leaks

Occupational Exposure Limits: No threshold limit value established; minimize exposure where possible
Engineering Controls: Use fume hood or local exhaust ventilation; maintain eyewash stations and emergency showers nearby
Personal Protective Equipment: Use chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene preferred), goggles or face shield, protective lab coat or apron
Respiratory Protection: Use appropriate HEPA or organic vapor mask if vapors reach nuisance level or confirmed exposure
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling, remove contaminated clothing and launder before reuse

Chemical Stability: Stable under standard storage conditions
Reactivity: Reacts vigorously with strong oxidizers, acids, and some halogens
Hazardous Decomposition: Produces sulfur oxides and dimethyl sulfide with heat or fire
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, flame, sources of ignition, strong acids and oxidizing agents

Likely Routes of Exposure: Skin absorption, inhalation, ingestion, eye contact
Acute Effects: Skin and eye irritation, headache, possible gastrointestinal discomfort if ingested
Chronic Exposure: Prolonged or repeated contact may cause skin dryness, potential for enhanced absorption of other chemicals
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, or OSHA based on available data
Sensitization: Rare cases of allergic reaction documented
Other Effects: Unusual garlic taste or body odor can occur after exposure
LD50 Oral (Rat): Approx. 14,500 mg/kg

Aquatic Toxicity: Low toxicity to aquatic life; LC50 for fish (Fathead minnow, 96h) about 34,000 mg/L
Persistence: Readily biodegradable under environmental conditions
Bioaccumulation Potential: Not expected to bioaccumulate
Mobility in Soil: High mobility due to water solubility
Other Adverse Effects: Large spills may deplete oxygen levels as a result of biodegradation

Waste Disposal Methods: Follow all local and national regulations for chemical waste; incineration preferred in qualified facility
Container Disposal: Rinse empty containers and dispose as hazardous waste; do not reuse for other purposes
Precautions: Avoid entry into nearby water systems and sewers; do not evaporate to atmosphere without control

UN Number: Generally not regulated for transport, but check local requirements
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as dangerous according to international transport regulations
Packing Group: Not assigned
Proper Shipping Name: Dimethyl sulfoxide
Special Precautions: Secure containers during transport to prevent leaks; follow spill response protocol if container is damaged

US Regulations: Not listed as hazardous substance under CERCLA, SARA Title III, or RCRA
TSCA Inventory: Listed
OSHA Hazard Communication: Included as hazardous material due to potential for skin and eye irritation
International Inventories: Listed on Canada DSL, EINECS (EU), AICS (Australia), and other global chemical inventories
Labeling Requirements: Mark as irritant according to regional chemical safety rules
Workplace Restrictions: None specified, use standard chemical good practice