IPCS INCHEM Home
POLYETHYLENE ICSC: 1488
Date of Peer Review: October 2004

 Ethene, homopolymer
Ethylene polymers
PE
HDPE
LDPE
CAS # 9002-88-4 (C2H4)n
RTECS # TQ3325000 Molecular mass: Polymer, variable molecular mass
UN #
EC #
TYPES OF HAZARD / EXPOSURE ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS PREVENTION FIRST AID / FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.
NO open flames.
Powder, water spray, foam, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION Finely dispersed particles form explosive mixtures in air.
Prevent deposition of dust; closed system, dust explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting.

EXPOSURE


Inhalation Cough.
Avoid inhalation of dust.
Fresh air, rest.
Skin

Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap.
Eyes
Safety goggles.
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
Ingestion
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL PACKAGING & LABELLING
Sweep spilled substance into suitable and labelled containers; if appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Personal protection: P1 filter respirator for inert particles.
EU Classification
UN Classification

EMERGENCY RESPONSE SAFE STORAGE

Separated from incompatible materials. See Chemical Dangers.
IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety 		Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS, CEC 2004

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK
POLYETHYLENE ICSC: 1488
IMPORTANT DATA
PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
WHITE SOLID IN VARIOUS FORMS

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
Dust explosion possible if in powder or granular form, mixed with air.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance decomposes on heating producing toxic fumes and irritating fumes, causing fire and explosion hazard. Reacts violently with fluorine. Reacts with strong acids, strong oxidants.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV not established. MAK not established.
 		INHALATION RISK:
A nuisance-causing concentration of airborne particles can be reached quickly especially if powdered.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Melting point: (see Notes) 85-140°C
Density: (see Notes) 0.91-0.96 g/cm³
 		Flash point: (see Notes) 341°C
Auto-ignition temperature: (see Notes) 330-410°C
ENVIRONMENTAL DATA

NOTES
LDPE means Polyethylene with low density; HDPE means Polyethylene with high density. Physicochemical properties vary depending upon the molecular mass. Thermal degradation starts at 290°C. The PE products are available in large selection of various forms, due to additives used in the manufacture.The additives can influence the physical and toxicological properties of this substance.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


LEGAL NOTICE Neither the CEC nor the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information
© IPCS, CEC 2004 



    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations