Dimethylethylamine (DMEA) - C4H11N
This page presents information about dimethylethylamine - or DMEA - (C4H11N): characteristics, effects on health, detection devices and systems - DMEA gas detector - and proper respiratory protective equipment (gas mask or powered air purifying respirator with ABEK gas filter).
Dimethylethylamine - DMEA (C4H11N) - properties
Usually known as DMEA, dimethylethylamine (C4H11N) is very present in foundries. This gas is used as a cross-linking agent for synthetic resins (phenoplasts, polyurethanes), which are essentially used in foundries core-making process. It is also a polymerization catalyst for polyamides.
| CAS | TWA (8 hours) | STEL (15 minutes) | LEL | IP | Density / Air | Filter / SCBA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 598-56-1 | 5 ppm | 25 ppm | 2.3 % | 7.74 eV | 0.675 | ABEK |
Dimethylethylamine - DMEA - effects on health
Dimethylethylamine (DMEA) is a highly flammable gas with explosive limits between 2.3 and 12% volume. While burning, this gas exhausts very toxic fumes that contain ammonia, nitrogen oxides and traces of cyanide. This is also a toxic gas, harmful when inhaled (H332) or ingested (H302). As it is very irritating, it might cause skin burns and severe eye damage.
Dimethylethylamine - DMEA effects on health (C4H11N)
DMEA gas detector - Dimethylethylamine (C4H11N)
Even if it is detectable through smell, only a DMEA gas detector can accurately measure concentrations of this gas. Two dimethylethylamine detection solutions are available: either in toxicity with a ppm measurement (not advised as this gas is toxic), or in explosive concentration with a LEL percentage monitoring (combustible gas detector).
Dimethylethylamine respiratory protection - DMEA (C4H11N)
As dimethylethylamine (DMEA) is irritant to the eyes, it is advised to use a full face mask for short interventions. A full PAPR solution can be used for longer applications. Both air filtering devices should be equipped with an ABEK filter. If concentrations exceed 60 times the OEL, a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) is required.