Here is some info for the person who posted about the mom with methane
exposure.

www.epa.gov/nerlcwww/depm.htm
New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services
HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE FACT SHEET
Common Name: METHANE
CAS Number: 74-82-8
DOT Number: UN 1971 (compressed gas)
UN 1972 (liquefied)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
HAZARD SUMMARY
* Methane can affect you when breathed in.
* Very high levels can cause suffocation from lack of
oxygen.
* Skin contact with liquid Methane can cause frostbite.
* Methane is a HIGHLY FLAMMABLE GAS and a
DANGEROUS FIRE and EXPLOSION HAZARD.
IDENTIFICATION
Methane is an odorless, colorless gas, or liquid under
pressure. It is used as a fuel and in the manufacture of
organic chemicals, Acetylene, Hydrogen Cyanide, and
Hydrogen.
REASON FOR CITATION
* Methane is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is
cited by ACGIH, DOT and NFPA.
* This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance
List because it is FLAMMABLE.
* Definitions are provided on page 5.
HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING
EXPOSED
The New Jersey Right to Know Act requires most employers
to label chemicals in the workplace and requires public
employers to provide their employees with information and
training concerning chemical hazards and controls. The
federal OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, 1910.1200,
requires private employers to provide similar training and
information to their employees.
* Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely
evaluated. This may include collecting personal and area
air samples. You can obtain copies of sampling results
from your employer. You have a legal right to this
information under OSHA 1910.20.
* If you think you are experiencing any work-related health
problems, see a doctor trained to recognize occupational
diseases. Take this Fact Sheet with you.
RTK Substance number: 1202
Date: February 1989 Revision: October 1996
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS
No exposure limits have been determined for Methane.
The health effects caused by exposure to Methane are much
less serious than its fire and explosion risk.
Large amounts of Methane will decrease the amount of
available oxygen. Oxygen content should be tested to ensure
that it is at least 19% by volume.
WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE
* Where possible, enclose operations and use local exhaust
ventilation at the site of chemical release. If local
exhaust ventilation or enclosure is not used, respirators
should be worn.
* Wear protective gloves and clothing to avoid contact with
cold, liquid Methane.
* Wear protective clothing made of material that does not
generate static electricity.
* Permanently installed analyzers can be used to monitor
for dangerous release of Methane gas.
* Post hazard and warning information in the work area. In
addition, as part of an ongoing education and training
effort, communicate all information on the health and
safety hazards of Methane to potentially exposed
workers.

             ***********************************************
The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html