Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

A compilation of information required under the OSHA Communication Standard on the identity of hazardous chemicals, health, and physical hazards, exposure limits, and precautions. Section 311 of SARA requires facilities to submit MSDSs under certain circumstances.

Methanol

(also methyl alcohol)

An alcohol that can be used as an alternative fuel or as a gasoline additive. It is less volatile than gasoline; when blended with gasoline it lowers the carbon monoxide emissions but increases hydrocarbon emissions. Used as pure fuel, its emissions are less ozone-forming than those from gasoline. Poisonous to humans and animals if ingested.

Methyl Alcohol

(See methanol above)

Mineral Acids

(See hydrochloric acid or phosphoric acid. Also sulfuric acid)

Mineral Spirits

(See kerosene)

miticide

Monoethanolamine

(See diethanolamine)

Morpholine

A highly toxic synthetic that can cause liver and kidney damage. While this ingredient is rare in consumer products, its extreme toxicity warrants its inclusion on this list.

Found in: Conventional all-purpose cleaners and abrasives, waxes, polishes, antiseptic products.

Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS)

A diagnostic label for people who suffer multi-system illnesses as a result of contact with, or proximity to, a variety of airborne agents and other substances.

Muriatic Acid

(See hydrochloric acid)

Mutagen

An agent that causes a permanent genetic change in a cell other than that which occurs during normal growth. Mutagenicity is the capacity of a chemical or physical agent to cause such permanent changes.