Skin contact with methyl bromide

Irritant dermatitis does not involve an immune response and is typically caused by contact with corrosive substances that exhibit extremes of pH, oxidizing capability, dehydrating action, or tendency to dissolve skin lipids. In extreme cases of exposure, skin cells are destroyed and a permanent scar results. This condition is known as a chemical burn. Exposure to concentrated sulfuric acid, which exhibits extreme acidity, or to concentrated nitric acid, which denatures skin protein, can cause bad chemical bums. The strong oxidant action of 30% hydrogen peroxide likewise causes a chemical bum. Other chemicals causing chemical bums include ammonia, quicklime (CaO), chlorine, ethylene oxide, hydrogen halides, methyl bromide, nitrogen oxides, elemental white phosporous, phenol, alkali metal hydroxides (NaOH, KOH), and toluene diisocyanate. 

Primary effects of methyl bromide are on the nervous system, lungs, nasal mucosa, kidneys, eyes, and skin. Neurologic symptoms include blurred vision, mental confusion, paresthesias, tremors, and speech defects. Severe exposure may result in narcosis, seizures, coma followed by respiratory paralysis, and circulatory failure. Contact with the skin and eyes can lead to irritation and burns. After an acute single, small with prompt recovery, no delayed or long-term effects are likely to occur. In larger exposures inhalation can cause injury to the nervous system, lungs, and throat. High doses can also injure the kidneys and liver. 

Methyl bromide (bromomelhane [CAS 74-83-9]) Causes severe Irritation and burns upon direct contact. Vapors irritating to the lung pulmonary edema may result. The CNS, liver, and kidneys are major target organs acute poisoning causes nausea, vomiting, delirium, and convulsions. Both inhalation and skin exposure may cause systemic toxicity. Chronic exposures associated with peripheral neuropathy in humans. Evidence for adverse effects on fetal development in test animals. Limited evidence of carcinogenicity in test animals (lARC 3). See also p 263, and chloropicrin in this table. 

Liquid methyl bromide in contact with the skin may cause superficial burns with blistering. 

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