Is MCHM toxic?
According to these studies, pure MCHM is moderately toxic, and the effect focused on skin and eye irritation. Several recent investigations of The National Toxicology Program (NTP) are ongoing for more toxicological data for pure 4-MCHM.
What type of toxin is MCHM?
4-Methylcyclohexanemethanol (MCHM) is an alicyclic alcohol that commonly exists as a mixture of trans (shown) and cis isomers. It is a colorless liquid that smells like mint or licorice. It is toxic to animals and humans, if it is breathed, swallowed, or allowed to come into contact with skin.
How was the Elk River chemical spill cleaned up?
The spill was contained in the Elk River with absorbent booms. Soil around the tank was cleaned up and the water system piping was decontaminated.
Is MCHM corrosive?
MCMH can burn but only when concentrated and at relatively high temperatures above 112 degrees Celsius. It is not explosive. It is not corrosive (although it could cause problems for things like rubber seals in the water system).
What is MCHM used for?
4-methylcyclohexanemethanol (MCHM) is a chemical used to process coal. MCHM does not explode or catch fire. As a class of organic alcohols, it has an obvious odor and is reported to smell like licorice.
What is MCHM in water?
MCHM was the largest component of a mixture of chemicals that leaked from a corroded commercial storage tank upstream of the water supply for some 300,000 people. At the time of the spill, little was known about MCHM, an alicyclic alcohol used to process coal.
What is required for a toxic chemical spill?
Immediately flush the area with copious amounts of water for at least 15 minutes. If your eyes do not require flushing, attempt to protect the eyes from cross contamination. Seek medical attention after washing the affected area for 15 minutes and call 911 or go to the nearest emergency care facility.
What is crude MCHM?
Crude 4-methylcyclohexanemethanol (MCHM) is an industrial solvent used to clean coal. Approximately 10 000 gallons of a liquid mixture containing crude MCHM were accidently released into the Elk River in West Virginia in January 2014.
Is MCHM flammable?
No data available. Evaporation Rate: No data available. Flammability (solid, gas): No data available.
How do you manage a chemical spill?
When a chemical spill occurs, there are five steps to be taken: (a) control the source of the spill; (b) contain the spill; (c) isolate the area concerned (if appropriate); (d) contact the authorities (if appropriate); then (e) clean up the spill.
How do you clean up a hazardous spill?
Use the appropriate absorbent material for liquid spills (detailed in the following section). Slowly add absorbent material on and around the spill and allow the chemical to absorb. Apply enough absorbent to completely cover the spilled liquid. Sweep up the absorbed spill from the outside towards the middle.
What is the chemical PPH?
Glycol Ether PPH, also known as Propylene Glycol Phenyl Ether, is a slow evaporating glycol ether. The substance is a clear, slightly yellow liquid and it’s odor is low and faint. It is very hydrophobic, while it’s molecular weight is heavier than other similar solvents.
What are the medical treatment options for 4-methylcyclohexane methanol poisoning?
Medical treatment is usually symptom management and might include relieving respiratory distress with nebulizer breathing treatments and/or artificial respirator if indicated Administration of activated charcoal to avoid systemic absorption of the chemical into the body Who should administer First Aid for 4-Methylcyclohexane Methanol Poisoning?
What was the goal of the 2014 MCHM chemical spill case study?
The study goal was to identify key decisions and actions critical to incident investigations using the 2014 crude MCHM chemical spill in West Virginia USA as a case study. Environmental testing records, scientific reports, government documents, and communication records were reviewed.
What is the concentration of mmchc in CHDM?
USGS was the only organization to detect MMCHC in the liquid and confirm its presence with an analytical standard. CHDM was found at a much greater concentration (5.6%) when compared to the 1–2% reported on the crude MCHM SDS.
How is 4-MCHM treated in the water treatment facility?
KVWTP’s main treatment processes included oxidation with potassium permanganate and free chlorine, powdered activated carbon (PAC) dosing, sedimentation, and multimedia filtration with GAC filter caps. One month after the spill, 4-MCHM fate in the water treatment facility was investigated.