Pure Form - Clear liquid. Odor - Unpleasant, acrid. When heated to decomposition, emits toxic fumes of phosgene. Methyl chloroformate is very irritating and corrosive to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Inhalation exposure for 10 minutes has caused human fatalities at concentrations of 190 ppm.
Caution is advised.
Signs and symptoms of acute exposure to methyl chloroformate may include irritation of the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes and may result in respiratory irritation and pulmonary edema. Although the onset of symptoms may be delayed, irritation of the lung and eyes may persist after cessation of exposure. After 2 to 3 breaths, initial irritation may be followed by massive upper and lower respiratory tract symptoms after 36 hours. Esophageal or GI tract irritation or burns may be seen. Chronic exposure may result in dermal hypersensitivity.