Methylamine

Abstract

Methylamine (CAS No. 74-89-5) exists as a gas used as a chemical intermediate in the production of a wide variety of materials. The chemical is corrosive and the toxicity manifests as irritation at all potential sites of contact. Repeated exposure inhalation studies show that the upper respiratory tract, which is the site of contact, is a target for the toxicity of methylamine at relatively low (75ppm) concentrations. Higher concentrations are needed to involve a systemic response which includes damage to the liver. The genetic toxicity of methylamine has not been well studied and the fetus does not appear to be particularly sensitive although the studies conducted are of a screening nature. In human volunteers, the first signs of response to inhaled methylamine involve irritation and control levels in the workplace have been established on the basis of preventing irritation (and by extension all other untoward effects). The chemical does not appear to either persist or build up in the environment and the toxicity to aquatic organisms is low to moderate.