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SECTION 1. CHEMICAL IDENTIFICATION

CHEMINFO Record Number: 242
CCOHS Chemical Name: Methyl methacrylate

Synonyms:
Methacrylic acid, methyl ester
Methyl alpha-methyl acrylate
Methyl 2-methyl-2-propenoate
Methyl 2-methyl propenoate
2-Methyl 2-propenoic acid, methyl ester
2-Methyl propenoic acid, methyl ester
Methylpropylene-2-carboxylate
MMA

Chemical Name French: Méthacrylate de méthyle
Chemical Name Spanish: Metacrilato de metilo

Trade Name(s):
Pegalan

CAS Registry Number: 80-62-6
UN/NA Number(s): 1247
RTECS Number(s): OZ5075000
EU EINECS/ELINCS Number: 201-297-1
Chemical Family: Aliphatic carboxylic acid ester / unsaturated aliphatic carboxylic acid ester / monounsaturated aliphatic monocarboxylic acid ester / alkyl alkenoate / methacrylic acid ester / methacrylate / methyl ester
Molecular Formula: C5-H8-O2
Structural Formula: CH2=C(CH3)-C(=O)-O-CH3

SECTION 2. DESCRIPTION

Appearance and Odour:
Clear, colourless liquid with a fragrant, fruity or pungent, acrid odour.(64)

Odour Threshold:
0.049 ppm (0.2 mg/m3) (detection); 0.34 ppm (1.4 mg/m3) (recognition) (69)

Warning Properties:
GOOD - TLV is more than 10 times the odour threshold.

Composition/Purity:
Normally contains trace amounts of an inhibitor such as hydroquinone (25-100 ppm), hydroquinone monomethyl ether (2-100 ppm) or 2,4-dimethyl-6- tert-butylphenol (10-30 ppm) to prevent polymerization. Typical impurities include methacrylic acid, acetone, methanol, methyl acetate, methacrylonitrile, ethyl acrylate, and/or butanols.(9)

Uses and Occurrences:
Used as a monomer for manufacture of acrylic sheets and resins; surface coating resins; homo- and copolymers for injection moulding and extrusion compounds; impact modifiers; emulsion polymers; acrylic plastics (Lucite, Plexiglass, etc.); polyester modifiers; higher methacrylate esters; adhesives; dental and medical polymers/cements; polymer concrete and embedding materials.(9,18)

SECTION 3. HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW:
Clear, colourless liquid with a pungent, fruity or pungent, acrid odour. FLAMMABLE LIQUID AND VAPOUR. Vapour is heavier than air and may spread long distances. Distant ignition and flashback are possible. Liquid can float on water and may travel to distant locations and/or spread fire. Confined space hazard. DANGEROUSLY REACTIVE. Vapour or uninhibited liquid may polymerize explosively, if heated or exposed to sunlight (ultraviolet light), ionizing radiation, or incompatible materials. Closed containers may rupture violently when heated. Irritating to the eyes, nose, throat and respiratory tract. Central nervous system (CNS) depressant. High vapour concentrations may cause headache, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion and incoordination. Very high concentrations may cause loss of consciousness and death. SKIN SENSITIZER. May cause severe allergic skin reaction.


POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

Effects of Short-Term (Acute) Exposure

Inhalation:
Methyl methacrylate (MMA) is extremely volatile and can easily form high vapour concentration at room temperatures. Low concentrations are probably irritating to the nose, throat and respiratory tract. Higher concentrations can probably cause symptoms of central nervous system (CNS) depression, such as headache, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, and confusion. Very high concentrations may cause loss of consciousness and possibly death. Due to its irritating nature, MMA may cause a potentially fatal accumulation of fluid in the lungs. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, pain in the chest and difficulty breathing. Symptoms may not develop for up to 24 hours after exposure.
There are no confirmed reports of health effects developing in workers after short-term inhalation exposure to MMA. One report describes irritation (nature unspecified) upon exposure to 170-250 ppm.(13) There are insufficient details available to evaluate several Soviet reports.(9) Cardiovascular effects have been reported by individuals exposed to MMA as a component of bone cement used during surgical procedures.(9) These reports are not relevant to occupational exposures.

Skin Contact:
MMA is probably a mild to moderate skin irritant, based on animal information and limited human information. Mild redness was observed in approximately 16/50 volunteers, after a 48 hour exposure to cotton saturated with MMA.(3) MMA can be absorbed through the skin but no harmful effects would be expected by this route of exposure. Repeated or prolonged skin contact can cause allergic skin sensitization. See Effects of Long-Term (Chronic) Exposure for more information.

Eye Contact:
MMA is probably a mild to moderate eye irritant, based on animal information. There is no human information available.

Ingestion:
Based on animal evidence, ingestion of MMA is likely to produce signs and symptoms of CNS depression, as described in "Inhalation" above. There is no human information available. Ingestion is not a typical route of occupational exposure.

Effects of Long-Term (Chronic) Exposure

There have been numerous studies of workers occupationally exposed to MMA. All of the studies are limited by factors such as small study population size, probable/certain concurrent exposures to other chemicals or physical agents, the non-specific nature of symptoms, lack of information on lifestyle variables, lack of exposure data, and/or incomplete reporting. Two of the most consistent observations are pulmonary effects and mild central nervous system disturbances. Other observations have included cardiovascular effects, changes in hormones and blood chemistry, impaired olfactory function, liver, stomach and intestinal effects, and neurotoxic effects.(9,20-29,31,32) With the exception of the pulmonary and nervous system effects, it cannot be concluded that MMA caused any of these effects.
An increased number of deaths were not observed in 1561 men chronically exposed to extremely low levels (0.13-1.0 ppm) of MMA in 2 manufacturing facilities.(30)

Nervous System:
Based on human studies and supported by animal evidence, long-term exposure to MMA can probably cause mild central nervous system effects (e.g. headache, nausea, dizziness).

Lungs/Respiratory System:
Based on human studies and supported by animal evidence, long-term exposure to MMA can probably cause respiratory effects (e.g. coughing, mild airways obstruction and laryngitis).

Respiratory Sensitization:
There is insufficient information available to conclude that MMA is a respiratory sensitizer. There are only three reliable case reports of respiratory sensitization developing after occupational exposure to products containing MMA.(2,14,57) This is a very small number of cases compared to the total population exposed to MMA in the workplace. Sensitized people can experience symptoms of bronchial asthma such as wheezing, difficult breathing, sneezing and runny or blocked nose at low airborne concentrations that have no effect on unsensitized people.

Skin Sensitization:
MMA is a skin sensitizer. There are numerous reports of allergic skin sensitization developing in people occupationally exposed to products containing MMA or MMA itself. These findings are supported by positive patch testing results.(3,9,39-45,48) Once a person is sensitized to a material, contact with even a small amount causes outbreaks of dermatitis with symptoms such as skin redness, itching, rash and swelling. This can spread from the hands or arms to other parts of the body.

Carcinogenicity:

In general, human studies have not shown convincing evidence of an increased cancer risk from exposure to MMA.(9,30) One study showed increased colorectal cancer in a three groups exposed to MMA and ethyl acrylate and their volatile byproducts.(58) No conclusions can be drawn from this study due limitations such as the concurrent exposures. Negative results have been obtained in animal studies.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has concluded that this chemical is not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans (Group 3).

The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) has designated this chemical as not classifiable as a human carcinogen (A4).

The US National Toxicology Program (NTP) has not listed this chemical in its report on carcinogens.

Teratogenicity and Embryotoxicity:
There is no human information available. MMA has not caused teratogenic or embryotoxic effects in animals at exposures which were not maternally toxic.

Reproductive Toxicity:
There is no human information available. No effects have been observed in limited animal studies.

Mutagenicity:
The available information does not indicate that MMA is mutagenic. Mutagenicity was not observed in the lymphocytes of 31 workers exposed to MMA compared to workers who were not exposed. A slight increase in mutagenicity observed in a smaller group exposed to peak concentrations (114-400 ppm) cannot be evaluated due to the lack of control of other variables (e.g. other chemical exposures, alcohol consumption, smoking habits). One other study cannot be evaluated because the workers were exposed to 2 chemicals at the same time. MMA did not increase the frequency of sister chromatid exchanges in human lymphocyte cultures.(9,33) In vivo animal tests have been negative.

Toxicologically Synergistic Materials:
There is no information available.

Potential for Accumulation:
Probably does not accumulate. MMA is rapidly absorbed by the inhalation, oral and dermal routes of exposure and distributed throughout the body. It is metabolized to methanol and methacrylic acid, which is further metabolized and taken up in the normal biochemical pathways in the body. Elimination is mainly by exhalation of carbon dioxide (CO2). In a study with rats, 65% of the orally administered dose was eliminated as CO2 within 2 hours and 76-88% within 10 days. Smaller amounts were excreted as metabolites and unchanged MMA in the urine.(4,9)

Health Comments:
Inhibitors and other additives to MMA products may contribute to the overall hazard of the product. Refer to the manufacturer/supplier Material Safety Data Sheet for product specific information.

SECTION 4. FIRST AID MEASURES

Inhalation:
This chemical is very flammable and may be toxic. Take precautions to ensure your own safety before attempting rescue (e.g. wear appropriate protective equipment and remove any sources of ignition). Remove source of contamination or move victim to fresh air. If breathing has stopped, trained personnel should begin artificial respiration, or if the heart has stopped, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately (avoid mouth-to-mouth contact). If breathing is difficult, oxygen may be beneficial if administered by trained personnel, preferably on a doctor's advice. Obtain medical attention immediately.

Skin Contact:
Avoid direct contact. Wear chemical protective gloves, if necessary. As quickly as possible, remove contaminated clothing, shoes and leather goods (e.g. watchbands and belts). Quickly and gently blot or brush away excess chemical. Wash gently and thoroughly with water and non-abrasive soap for 20 minutes or until the chemical is removed. Obtain medical attention immediately. Completely decontaminate clothing, shoes and leather goods before re-use or discard.

Eye Contact:
Avoid direct contact. Wear chemical protective gloves, if necessary. Quickly and gently blot or brush away excess chemical. Immediately flush the contaminated eye(s) with lukewarm, gently flowing water for 20 minutes or until the chemical is removed, holding the eyelid(s) open. Take care not to rinse contaminated water into the non-affected eye. Obtain medical attention immediately.

Ingestion:
NEVER give anything by mouth if victim is rapidly losing consciousness, or is unconscious or convulsing. Have victim rinse mouth thoroughly with water. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Have victim drink 240 to 300 mL (8 to 10 oz.) of water. Obtain medical attention immediately.

First Aid Comments:
Provide general supportive measures (comfort, warmth, rest).
Consult a doctor and/or the nearest Poison Control Centre for all exposures except minor instances of inhalation or skin contact.
Some recommendations in the above sections may be considered medical acts in some jurisdictions. These recommendations should be reviewed with a doctor and appropriate delegation of authority obtained, as required.
All first aid procedures should be periodically reviewed by a doctor familiar with the material and its conditions of use in the workplace.


SECTION 5. FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES

Flash Point:
2 deg C (35.6 deg F) (closed cup) (9); 10 deg C (50 deg F) (open cup) (64)

Lower Flammable (Explosive) Limit (LFL/LEL):
1.7% (65); 2.1% (4,9,64)

Upper Flammable (Explosive) Limit (UFL/UEL):
8.2% (65); 12.5% (4,9,64)

Autoignition (Ignition) Temperature:
435 deg C (815 deg F) (66,67)

Sensitivity to Mechanical Impact:
Information not available

Sensitivity to Static Charge:
Probably will not accumulate static charge, since esters have high electrical conductivity. Vapours in the flammable range may be ignited by a static discharge of sufficient energy.

Combustion and Thermal Decomposition Products:
Methacrylic acid fumes and other compounds.(64)

Fire Hazard Summary:
Flammable liquid. Can release vapours that form explosive mixtures with air, at or above, 2 deg C. Hazardous polymerization may occur under fire conditions. Methyl methacrylate vapours are uninhibited, may polymerize explosively in a fire and may form polymers in vents and flame arresters, resulting in blockage of vents.(65) Vapour is heaver than air and may travel a considerable distance to a source of ignition and flash back to a leak or open container. Vapour can accumulate in confined spaces, resulting in a toxicity, flammability and explosion hazard. Liquid floats on water and may travel to a source of ignition and spread fire. During a fire, irritating/toxic gases may be generated. Closed containers may rupture violently when heated.

Extinguishing Media:
Use water spray, dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide, alcohol foam, polymer foam. Water may be ineffective because it will not cool methyl methacrylate below its flash point. Fire fighting foams are the extinguishing agent of choice for most flammable liquid fires.(9,68)

Fire Fighting Instructions:
Evacuate area and fight fire from a safe distance or protected location. Approach fire from upwind to avoid hazardous vapours and toxic decomposition products.
Stop leak before attempting to stop the fire. If the leak cannot be stopped, and if there is no risk to the surrounding area, let the fire burn itself out. If the flames are extinguished without stopping the leak, vapours could form explosive mixtures with air and reignite.
Water can extinguish the fire if used under favourable conditions and when hose streams are applied by experienced firefighters trained in fighting all types of flammable liquid fires.
Isolate materials not yet involved in the fire and move containers from the fire area, if this can be done without risk, and protect personnel. Otherwise, fire-exposed containers, tanks or pipelines should be cooled by application of hose streams and this should begin as soon as possible (within the first several minutes) and should concentrate on any unwetted portions of the container. Otherwise, the heat generated by the fire will cause their contents to polymerize. If this is not possible, use unmanned monitor nozzles and immediately evacuate the area.
If a leak or spill has not ignited, use water spray in large quantities to disperse the vapours, to protect personnel attempting to stop a leak. Water spray can be used to dilute spills to nonflammable mixtures and to flush spills away from ignition sources. Solid streams of water may be ineffective and spread material. For a massive fire in a large area, use unmanned hose holder or monitor nozzles; if this is not possible withdraw from fire area and allow fire to burn. Stay away from ends of tanks. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety device or any discolouration of tank due to fire.

Protection of Fire Fighters:
Do not enter without wearing specialized protective equipment suitable for the situation. Firefighter's normal protective clothing (Bunker Gear) will not provide adequate protection. Chemical resistant clothing (e.g. chemical splash suit) and positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (NIOSH approved or equivalent) may be necessary.


NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION (NFPA) HAZARD IDENTIFICATION

NFPA - Health: 2 - Intense or continued (but not chronic) exposure could cause temporary incapacitation or possible residual injury.
NFPA - Flammability: 3 - Liquids and solids that can be ignited under almost all ambient temperature conditions.
NFPA - Instability: 2 - Undergoes violent chemical change at elevated temperatures and pressures, or reacts violently with water, or may form explosive mixtures with water.

SECTION 9. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Molecular Weight: 100.12

Conversion Factor:
1 ppm = 4.09 mg/m3; 1 mg/m3 = 0.245 ppm at 25 deg C (calculated)

Physical State: Liquid
Melting Point: -48 deg C (-54.4 deg F) (9,66,67)
Boiling Point: 100-101 deg C (212-214 deg F) (9,33)
Relative Density (Specific Gravity): 0.944 at 20 deg C (water = 1) (9,33)
Solubility in Water: Slightly soluble (1.5 g/100 mL at 20 deg C) (4,64,67)
Solubility in Other Liquids: Very soluble in ethanol, diethyl ether and acetone; soluble in chloroform, methyl ethyl ketone and tetrahydrofuran.(4,9,18)
Coefficient of Oil/Water Distribution (Partition Coefficient): Log Poct = 1.38 (4,9,18)
pH Value: Not applicable
Viscosity-Dynamic: 0.58-0.63 mPa.s (0.58-0.63 centipoises) at 20 deg C (9); 0.53 mPa.s (0.53 centipoises) at 24 deg C (67)
Surface Tension: 28 mN/m (28 dynes/cm) at 20 deg C (18)
Vapour Density: 3.5 (air = 1) (9,68)
Vapour Pressure: 3.87 kPa (29 mm Hg) at 20 deg C (4,67,68)
Saturation Vapour Concentration: 38000 ppm (3.8%) at 20 deg C (calculated)
Evaporation Rate: 3.1 (butyl acetate = 1) (18)

SECTION 10. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY

Stability:
Liquid stable in the presence of an inhibitor. Vapour may polymerize explosively.

Hazardous Polymerization:
Can self-polymerize and may become explosive. Polymerizes readily and explosively if the inhibitor is depleted, if exposed to heat, sunlight (ultraviolet light), ionizing radiation or incompatible materials or if in the vapour phase.(4,64,70) Autoxidation leads to formation of a polymeric peroxide or polyperoxide, which is unstable and explodes above 40 deg C.(70)

Incompatibility - Materials to Avoid:

NOTE: Chemical reactions that could result in a hazardous situation (e.g. generation of flammable or toxic chemicals, fire or detonation) are listed here. Many of these reactions can be done safely if specific control measures (e.g. cooling of the reaction) are in place. Although not intended to be complete, an overview of important reactions involving common chemicals is provided to assist in the development of safe work practices.


STRONG OXIDIZING AGENTS (e.g. peroxides, nitrates), STRONG ALKALIS, STRONG ACIDS, AZO-COMPOUNDS or CATALYTIC METALS (e.g. copper or iron), REDUCING AGENTS, AMINES, HALOGENS - can cause explosive polymerization.(9,18,64,68,70)
PROPIONALDEHYDE - can cause rapid exothermic reaction and explosion.(70)

Hazardous Decomposition Products:
None reported

Conditions to Avoid:
Heat, sparks, open flames, other ignition sources, ultraviolet light, low inhibitor concentration, oxygen-free atmospheres, oxygen depletion, corrosion of storage containers.

Corrosivity to Metals:
Not corrosive to steel, stainless steel or aluminum.(64)

Stability and Reactivity Comments:
The presence of oxygen is required for the inhibitors to work effectively.(9,66)

SECTION 11. TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION

LC50 (rat): 7093 ppm (4-hour exposure) (5)
LC50 (mouse): 3205 ppm (13080 mg/m3) (4-hour exposure); cited as 18500 mg/m3 (2-hour exposure) (6, unconfirmed)

LD50 (oral, rat): 7940 mg/kg (cited as 8.41 cc/kg) (1)
LD50 (oral, mouse): 3625 mg/kg (8)

LD50 (dermal, rabbit): greater than 7550 mg/kg (cited as 8.0 mL/kg) (34)

Eye Irritation:

MMA is a moderate to severe eye irritant.

Application of three drops of methyl methacrylate (MMA) caused immediate inflammation and swelling in rabbits. After 24 hours, swelling of the lids and inflammation were observed in 4/6 animals. After 72 hours, the eyes had returned to normal.(3) Two other studies have shown slight irritation following application of 0.1 mL of undiluted MMA.(9)

Skin Irritation:

There is insufficient information to conclude that MMA is a skin irritant. Unconfirmed studies have shown moderate to severe irritation.

Application of 0.5 mL of undiluted MMA, under cover, to 2 rabbits for 4 hours resulted in moderate irritation.(9, unconfirmed) Prolonged application (24 hours) of 200, 2000 or 5000 mg/kg to rabbits resulted in well-defined to severe redness and moderate to severe swelling.(9, unconfirmed) Other studies have shown no or mild irritation in rabbits.(1,3,9)

Effects of Short-Term (Acute) Exposure:

Inhalation:
One study has shown lung effects (e.g. fluid accumulation and bleeding) in rats following short-term inhalation exposure to a low concentration (100 ppm).(10) In other studies, short-term exposure to 710 to 16000 ppm has produced effects ranging from respiratory tract irritation, central nervous system (CNS) depression (e.g. reduced activity, respiratory depression, and unconsciousness) and lung damage to deaths in rats, mice, rabbits and guinea pigs.(1,7,9) Deaths have occurred with exposures to 4290 ppm and above for 2 to 5 hours.(1) No effects were observed in mice exposed to 4900 ppm (20 g/m3) for 1 hour.(9)

Skin Contact:
Extremely high dermal doses (18900 or 37800 mg/kg) have produced temporary signs of CNS depression in rabbits.(3) No signs of toxicity were observed in rabbits treated dermally with up to 5000 mg/kg, under cover, for 24 hours.(9)

Ingestion:
Symptoms of CNS depression (increased, then decreased, respiratory rate, motor weakness, loss of reflexes, coma and death) have been reported in rats and rabbits following ingestion of very high doses (6600-18900 mg/kg).(1,9) No adverse effects were observed in rats at doses up to 500 mg/kg.(9) At doses of 6-20% (approximately 300-1000 mg/kg), liver effects ranging from minor fatty changes to massive fatty infiltration were observed in mice.(36)

Effects of Long-Term (Chronic) Exposure:

Inhalation:
Dose-related nasal lesions (including tissue death) and lung damage (inflammation and fibrosis) have been consistently observed in rats and mice exposed by inhalation in long-term studies. In one study, rats exposed to 1000 ppm for 56 hours over 7 days showed adverse effects on the lungs (fibrosis and fluid accumulation). Decreased body, ovary, thyroid and adrenal gland, liver and kidney weights have also been observed. In one study, body, lung and spleen weights were decreased in male rats exposed to 116 ppm for 3 or 6 months. Deaths have occurred in rats and mice with exposures to 3000 or 5000 ppm for 14 weeks.(7,9,12,17,37,38) One study has shown dose-related changes in blood and liver enzyme levels with low exposures (2.4 or 4.8 ppm for 8 months).(35) The significance of these effects is not known.

Skin Contact:
A local neurotoxic effect was the only effect observed in male rats exposed dermally for 8 weeks.(16)

Ingestion:
Increased kidney weights were observed in female rats fed a high dose (775 mg/kg/day) for 2 years. No effects were seen in males fed up to 950/mg/kg/day or in females fed 3 or 25 mg/kg/day.(15) Behavioral effects and 3 deaths were observed in male rats administered 500 mg/kg daily for 21 days. Doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg had no effect on behaviour.(11)

Skin Sensitization:
Skin sensitization has been produced in guinea pigs, using standards tests, in numerous studies.(4,9,51,52,53)

Carcinogenicity:
Negative results were obtained in mice and male rats exposed by inhalation to 500 or 1000 ppm, and in female rats exposed to 250 or 500 ppm for 102 weeks.(17) Negative results were also obtained in rats following dermal application of MMA for 16 weeks (3 days/week).(9)

Teratogenicity, Embryotoxicity and/or Fetotoxicity:
Methyl methacrylate did not produce developmental effects in one well-conducted study. The other studies located have limitations, such as incomplete evaluation of maternal toxicity, incomplete reporting, and the use of very high exposure levels.
In a well-conducted study, rats were exposed to 0, 99, 304, 1178 or 2028 ppm methyl methacrylate (99.9% pure) on days 6-15 of pregnancy (6 h/d). Treatment-related reductions in maternal body weight and food consumption were noted at all exposure levels. No developmental effects were noted at any concentration.(60) Rats were exposed to 0, 100 or 1000 ppm methyl methacrylate (purity greater than 99%; 11 ppm hydroquinone) on days 6-15 of pregnancy (5 hr/d). In a second experiment, rats were exposed to 0, 25, 100 or 1000 ppm using the same exposure regime. In the first experiment, there was an increase in early resorptions and some signs of delayed ossification at 1000 ppm. The second experiment also showed an increase in early resorptions, but in this case the results were not statistically significant. Maternal body weight was slightly reduced at 1000 ppm in experiment 1 and at both 25 and 1000 ppm in experiment 2.(76) Statistical analysis of the data was not presented and reporting on maternal toxicity was incomplete. Mice were exposed to 0, 116 or 400 ppm methyl methacrylate (purity not specified) on days 4-13 (6 hr/d; 7 d/wk) of pregnancy. A slight, but significant, decrease in fetal weight was observed. Statistically, fewer corpora lutea were observed at 116 ppm, but not at 400 ppm. No other developmental effects were noted. Statistically significant weight loss occurred in the mothers on day 4 (the first day of exposure) in both 116 and 400 ppm exposure groups.(62,77) This study is limited by incomplete evaluation of maternal toxicity. Rats were exposed to 0 or 26800 ppm (cited as 110 mg/L) methyl methacrylate (inhibited with 10 ppm hydroquinone) for 17.2 or 54.2 min/d on days 6-15 of pregnancy. Exposure for 54.2 min/d caused an increase in early fetal deaths. For both exposure durations, a decrease in fetal weight and size, hematomas and delayed ossification were observed. Significant maternal toxicity (reduced body weight and food consumption) was observed in both groups, with deaths in the long exposure group.(59) Mice were exposed to 0 or 1330 ppm methyl methacrylate (97.4%; 2.6% n,n-dimethyl p-toluidine; 75 ppm hydroquinone) on days 6-15 of pregnancy (2 h/d). A slight increase in fetal weight was observed. No other developmental effects were noted.(61) Maternal toxicity was not evaluated. In a study reported by abstract, rats were exposed for 3 days (2 h/d) to 0, 125 or 1080 ppm (cited as 0.52 or 4.48 mg/L) on days 6-18 of pregnancy. The authors indicate that no maternal toxicity was observed and there was a statistically significant increase in the incidence of resorptions at 1080 ppm.(63) This study is limited by the unusual exposure regime and lack of detail on the number of animals/group.

Reproductive Toxicity:
No effects on fertility were noted in male mice exposed by inhalation to 100, 1000 or 9000 ppm MMA for 5 days and then mated for 8 weeks.(9) No conclusions can be drawn from one poorly reported study using female rats.(19)

Mutagenicity:
The available information does not indicate that MMA is mutagenic.
In vivo studies with rats and mice exposed by inhalation or ingestion have been negative.(9)
Positive results have been reported in gene mutation and chromosome damage assays using mouse lymphoma cells and in sister chromatid exchange and chromosome damage assays using Chinese Hamster Ovary cells, both with and without metabolic activation.(9,46,47,49) Positive and negative results have been obtained in Salmonella typhimurium.(9,50,54,55,56)


SECTION 16. OTHER INFORMATION

Selected Bibliography:
(1) Deichmann, W. Toxicity of methyl, ethyl and n-butyl methacrylate. Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology. Vol. 23, no. 7 (Sept. 1941). p. 343-351
(2) Savonius, B., et al. Occupational respiratory disease caused by acrylates. Clinical and Experimental Allergy. Vol. 23 (1993). p. 416-424
(3) Spealman, C.R., et al. Monomeric methyl methacrylate: studies on toxicity. Industrial Medicine. Vol. 14, no. 4 (Apr. 1945). p. 292-296
(4) Maclaine Pont, M.A. DEC and NEG basis for an occupational health standard: methyl methacrylate. Arbete och Halsa. No. 36, 1991
(5) Tansy, M.F., et al. LC50 value for rats acutely exposed to methyl methacrylate monomer vapor. Journal of Dental Research. Vol. 59, no. 6 (1980). p. 1074
(6) Izmerov, N.F., et al. Toxicometric parameters of industrial toxic chemicals under single exposure. Centre of International Projects, GKNT, 1982. p. 85
(7) National Toxicology Program. NTP technical report on the toxicology and carcinogenesis studies of methyl methacrylate (CAS no. 80-62-6) in F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice (inhalation studies). NTP Technical Report Series no. 314. US Department of Health and Human Services, Oct., 1986
(8) Klimkina, N.V., et al. Experimental substantiation of the maximum permissible concentration of methyl and butyl ethers of metacrylic acid in water bodies. Gigiena i Sanitariya. Vol. 41, no. 4 (1976). p. 8 (Russian with English abstract)
(9) Methyl methacrylate: CAS 80-62-6. Joint Assessment of Commodity Chemicals No. 30. European Centre for Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals, Feb., 1995
(10) Raje, R.R., et al. Methylmethacrylate: tissue distribution and pulmonary damage in rats following acute inhalation. Research Communications in Chemical Pathology and Pharmacology. Vol. 50, no. 1 (Oct. 1985). p. 151-154
(11) Husain, R., et al. Methyl methacrylate induced behavioural and neurochemical changes in rats. Archives of Toxicology. Vol. 58, no. 1 (Oct. 1985). p. 33-36
(12) Tansy, M.F. et al. Chronic biological effects of methyl methacrylate vapor: I. Body and tissue weights, blood chemistries, and intestinal transit in the rat. Environmental Research. Vol. 11, no. 1 (Feb. 1976). p. 66-77
(13) Methyl methacrylate. Annals of Allergy. Vol. 41 (Aug. 1978). [1] p.
(14) Pickering, C.A., et al. Occupational asthma due to methyl methacrylate in an orthopaedic theatre sister. British Medical Journal. Vol. 292, no. 6532 (May 1986). p. 1362-1363
(15) Borzelleca, J.F., et al. Studies on the chronic oral toxicity of monomeric ethyl acrylate and methyl methacrylate. Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology. Vol. 6, no. 1 (Jan. 1964). p. 29-36
(16) Verkkala, E., et al. Local neurotoxicity of methylmethacrylate monomer. Toxicology Letters. Vol. 18, no. 1/2 (Aug. 1983). p. 111-114
(17) Chan, P.C., et al. Two-year inhalation carcinogenesis studies of methyl methacrylate in rats and mice: inflammation and degeneration of nasal epithelium. Toxicology. Vol. 52, no. 3 (Nov. 1988). p. 237-252
(18) HSDB record for methyl methacrylate. Date of last update: 95-01-23
(19) Smirnova, E.S., et al. The effect of small concentrations of the methyl ester of methacrylic acid on the sexual functions of white rats. No citation. (English translation: NIOSHTIC Control no. 00103230)
(20) Seppalainen, A.M., et al. Local neurotoxicity of methyl methacrylate among dental technicians. American Journal of Industrial Medicine. Vol. 5 (1984). p. 471-477
(21) Rajaniemi, R. Clinical evaluation of occupational toxicity of methylmethacrylate monomer to dental technicians. Journal of the Society of Occupational Medicine. Vol. 36, no. 2 (Summer 1986). p. 56-59
(22) Rajaniemi, R., et al. Subjective symptoms among dental technicians exposed to the monomer methyl methacrylate. Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health. Vol. 11, no. 4 (Aug. 1985). p. 281-286
(23) Donaghy, M., et al. Generalized peripheral neuropathy in a dental technician exposed to methyl methacrylate monomer. Neurology. Vol. 41, no. 7 (July 1991). p. 1112-1116
(24) Marez, T., et al. Continuous ambulatory electrocardiography among workers exposed to methylmethacrylate. International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health. Vol. 64, no. 5 (Dec. 1992). p. 373-375
(25) Marez, T., et al. Bronchial symptoms and respiratory function in workers exposed to methylmethacrylate. British Journal of Industrial Medicine. Vol. 50, no. 10 (Oct. 1993). p. 894-897
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Information on chemicals reviewed in the CHEMINFO database is drawn from a number of publicly available sources. A list of general references used to compile CHEMINFO records is available in the database Help.


Review/Preparation Date: 1996-06-24

Revision Indicators:
TLV-TWA 2000-06-01
TLV Comments 2000-06-01
Emergency overview 2001-12-13
Short-term inhalation 2001-12-13
Long-term exposure 2001-12-13
WHMIS detailed classification 2001-12-13
WHMIS proposed classification 2001-12-13
Handling 2002-01-02
EU risks 2002-02-12
EU safety 2002-02-12
EU comments 2002-02-12
TDG 2002-05-29
US transport 2002-12-23
PEL transitional comments 2004-01-22
PEL-TWA final 2004-01-22
Resistance of materials for PPE 2004-04-08
Passive Sampling Devices 2005-03-13
Sampling/analysis 2005-03-13
Toxicological info 2005-09-27
Bibliography 2006-05-18



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