CHLORINATED METHANES MARKET ANALYSIS

Market Challenges And Opportunities

Market Dynamics

Growth of the chlorinated methanes market is expected to be influenced by growth of the refrigeration industry, where methyl chloride is in demand for the production of HFC-32. In the past few years, demand for methyl chloride in the production of methyl chlorosilanes accounted for the vast majority of its total consumption, closely followed by methyl cellulose. Furthermore, growing application of methylene chloride as a solvent in industries such as pharmaceuticals, and in the production of polymers, fine chemicals, and aerosols among others. Chloroform has leading application in the production of HCFC-22, which is used as a refrigerant, and in the production of fluoropolymers such as ETFE, PTFE, PFA, and FEP. However, increasing regulations and legislation on the use of HCFC-22 as a refrigerant are expected to hamper growth of the global chlorinated methanes market. Although, demand for HFC-32 is expected to increase from end-use industries over the forecast period, which can create growth opportunities for production of methylene chloride.

There are a variety of health risks associated with exposure to chloromethane ranging from intoxication, respiratory illness, and drowsiness to paralysis, coma, and seizures. Among physical symptoms, ingestion can cause vomiting, nausea, and contact with the skin in the form of a refrigerated liquid can result in frostbite. Moreover, animal studies have demonstrated risk of birth defects in mice, although these findings haven’t been replicated in humans, there is still a risk of malformation of legs and pelvis in a human fetus due to prolonged exposure to chloromethane. These factors are expected to restrain demand for chlorinated methanes over the forecast period.