Where It Comes From
Made for chloromethylation; can also form as a by-product when methanol, formaldehyde, and hydrogen chloride are used. Technical-grade CMME may contain bis(chloromethyl) ether (BCME) [1][2].
How You Are Exposed
Mainly by breathing contaminated workplace air; less often through skin/eye contact or spills. Public exposure is unlikely except near facilities or accidents [1][4].
Why It Matters
Causes severe irritation and lung injury; classified IARC Group 1 and NTP Known human carcinogen linked to lung and nasal cancers [2][3].
Who Is at Risk
Chemical manufacturing and lab workers in chloromethylation; maintenance/cleanup staff. Smokers with occupational exposure may face added risk [1].
How to Lower Your Exposure
If you don’t work with it, risk is low. Workplaces should substitute safer reagents, use closed systems/local exhaust, continuous monitoring, strict leak/spill controls, and appropriate PPE/respirators; follow community alerts near plants [1][4].
References
- [1]ATSDR. ToxFAQs: Bis(chloromethyl) ether and Chloromethyl methyl ether. https://wwwn.cdc.gov/TSP/ToxFAQs/ToxFAQsDetails.aspx?faqid=157&toxid=29
- [2]IARC Monographs, Vol. 71 (1999): Re-evaluation of Some Organic Chemicals. https://monographs.iarc.who.int/
- [3]NTP. Report on Carcinogens, 15th Ed.: BCME and technical-grade CMME. https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/whatwestudy/assessments/roc
- [4]CDC/NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards: Chloromethyl methyl ether. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/ (search “chloromethyl methyl ether”)