Methyl Alcohol (Methanol)

Overview

CAS No. 67-56-1

Methyl alcohol (CH₃OH) is a colorless liquid with a strong odor. It is a poisonous substance that can be absorbed through the eyes, skin, lungs, and digestive system.  Overexposure can cause death. Workers may be harmed by exposure to methyl alcohol. The level of harm depends upon the dose, duration, and work being done.

Methyl alcohol is used in many industries. It is used in solvents, deicers, and the manufacturing of plastics, polyesters, and other chemicals. Some examples of workers at risk of being exposed to methyl alcohol include the following:

• Factory workers in plants that manufacture plastics
• Transportation workers exposed to the deicing of vehicles
• Workers who work in alternative fuel industries
• Workers exposed to certain solvents or cleaning agents

NIOSH recommends that employers use Hierarchy of Controls to prevent injuries. If you work in an industry that uses methyl alcohol, please read chemical labels and the accompanying Safety Data Sheet for hazard information. Visit NIOSH’s page on Managing Chemical Safety in the Workplace to learn more about controlling chemical workplace exposures.

The following resources provide information about occupational exposure to methyl alcohol. Useful search terms for methyl alcohol include “methanol,” “carbinol,” “columbian spirits,” “pyroligneous spirits,” “wood alcohol,” “wood naphtha,” and “wood spirits.”

NIOSH Chemical Resources

Related NIOSH Resources

• NIOSHTIC-2 search results on methyl alcohol—NIOSHTIC-2 is a searchable database of worker safety and health publications, documents, grant reports, and journal articles supported in whole or in part by NIOSH.
• NIOSH Worker Health Study Summaries—NIOSH conducts research to prevent illnesses and injuries in the workplace. The NIOSH Worker Notification Program notifies workers and other stakeholders about the findings of these research studies.
• Emergency Response Safety and Health Database (ERSH-DB) Systemic Agent: Methanol—ERSH-DB search results for methanol.

Selected Publications

• Criteria for a Recommended Standard: Occupational Exposure to Methyl Alcohol—DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 76-148. Presents a standard to prevent the adverse effects of exposure to methyl alcohol over a working lifetime.
• Occupational Safety and Health Guideline for Methyl Alcohol

Related Resources

• EPA Acute Exposure Guideline Levels (AEGLs): Methanol
• EPA Hazard Summary: Methanol
• EPA OPPT Chemical Fact Sheet: Methanol
• EPA Chemistry Dashboard: Methanol
• EPA Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS): Methanol
• OSHA Hazard Communication
• OSHA PEL Project: Methyl Alcohol
• OSHA Sampling Information: Methyl Alcohol
• NLM Medline Plus: Methanol Poisoning
• NLM TOXNET: Methanol
• NTP-CERHR Monograph (Reproductive Hazards): Methanol
• New Jersey Hazardous Substance Fact Sheets: Methyl Alcohol

International Resources

• European Chemicals Agency (ECHA): Methanol
• Gestis Substance Database
• International Chemical Safety Card: Methanol
• IPCS INCHEM 335: Methanol
• IPCS INCHEM Healthy and Safety Guide 105: Methanol
• IPCS INCHEM Environmental Health Criteria 196: Methanol
• OECD Global Portal to Information on Chemical Substances