Methanol, properties chemical hazards

CHEMICAL PROPERTIES stable at room temperature in sealed containers hazardous polymerization will not occur reacts slowly with water to form acetic acid and methanol can react with strong oxidizers nitrates, alkalies, and acids FP (-10°C, 14°F) LFL/UFL (3.1%, 16%) AT (454°C, 849°F) HC (-1.4610 x lO J/kmol) HF (-445.8 kJ/mol liquid at 25°C). 

CHEMICAL PROPERTIES stable under ordinary conditions of use and storage hazardous polymerization will not occur reacts slowly with water to form methanol and formic acid saponified by water or alkaline solutions can react vigorously with oxidizing mate-nals FP (-19°C, -2 F) LFL/UFL (5%, 23%) AT (456°C, 853°F) HF (-386.1 kJ/mol liquid at25°C) HC (-0.8924 x 10 J/kmol). 

An important corollary to this is that methanol is not a cumulative poison in the way of some others such as lead. It does not accumulate in the body. Quite the reverse, the body can deal perfectly well with frequent small exposures - indeed this occurs in nature. It should also be pointed out that methanol is not carcinogenic and has none of the insidious mutagenic properties of some other chemicals. Another important point about methanol safety is that it is much less harmful to the ecology than most other fuels. It quickly breaks down to carbon dioxide in the soil and when exposed to sunlight. It is used as a windshield wash in cars, where all of it is released to the environment, and this poses no hazards. 

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