Nitromethane

**Semantic type:** Hazardous or Poisonous Substance

**Definition:** A colorless, oily, highly flammable liquid with a strong, disagreeable odor that emits toxic fumes of nitrogen oxides upon decomposition. Nitromethane is used to make industrial antimicrobials and pharmaceuticals, and is also used as a soil fumigant and as a fuel in race car engines. Exposure to nitromethane irritates the skin and affects the central nervous system causing nausea, dizziness and narcosis. This substance is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen. (NCI05)

**Synonyms:** - Methane, Nitro- - NITROMETHANE - Nitrocarbol