What immediate health effects can be caused by exposure to methylene chloride?
Methylene chloride can affect the body if the vapor is inhaled, if the liquid touches the skin or eyes, or if it is swallowed. In the body, some methylene chloride is changed to carbon monoxide (a methylene chloride metabolite), which prevents the blood from carrying oxygen to the tissues. At moderate levels, methylene chloride can cause headaches, fatigue, difficulty walking, and dizziness. High levels can cause fainting and even death. Methylene chloride can irritate the lungs, causing a build-up of fluid in the lungs. It can also cause the heart to beat irregularly or to stop beating. Generally, the more serious the exposure, the more severe the symptoms. The fetus and neonates are particularly vulnerable to poisoning with carbon monoxide. Can methylene chloride poisoning be treated? If a person has inhaled or swallowed a large amount of methylene chloride, breathing 100% oxygen is helpful. These patients may need to be hospitalized. Most exposed patients get well. Are any future he
