ICSC 1488 - POLYETHYLENE

POLYETHYLENE	ICSC: 1488 (October 2004)
HDPE LDPE Ethene, homopolymer Ethylene polymers PE

CAS #: 9002-88-4

	ACUTE HAZARDS	PREVENTION	FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE & EXPLOSION	Combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire. Finely dispersed particles form explosive mixtures in air.	NO open flames. Closed system, dust explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Prevent deposition of dust.	Use water spray, powder, foam, carbon dioxide.


	SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID
Inhalation	Cough.	Avoid inhalation of dust.	Fresh air, rest.
Skin			Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap.
Eyes		Wear safety goggles.	First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.
Ingestion		Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL	CLASSIFICATION & LABELLING
Sweep spilled substance into covered suitable, labelled containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Personal protection: particulate filter respirator adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance.	According to UN GHS Criteria Transportation UN Classification
STORAGE
Separated from incompatible materials. See Chemical Dangers.
PACKAGING

POLYETHYLENE

ICSC: 1488

PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION
Physical State; Appearance WHITE SOLID IN VARIOUS FORMS. Physical dangers Dust explosion possible if in powder or granular form, mixed with air. Chemical dangers Decomposes on heating. This produces toxic and irritating fumes. This generates fire and explosion hazard. Reacts violently with fluorine. Reacts with strong acids and strong oxidants.	Formula: (C₂H₄)n Molecular mass: variable (polymer) Melting point: 85-140°C See Notes. Density: 0.91-0.96 g/cm³ See Notes. Flash point: 341°C See Notes. Auto-ignition temperature: 330-410°C See Notes.

PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION

Physical State; Appearance
WHITE SOLID IN VARIOUS FORMS.

Physical dangers
Dust explosion possible if in powder or granular form, mixed with air.

Chemical dangers
Decomposes on heating. This produces toxic and irritating fumes. This generates fire and explosion hazard. Reacts violently with fluorine. Reacts with strong acids and strong oxidants.

Formula: (C₂H₄)n
Molecular mass: variable (polymer)
Melting point: 85-140°C
See Notes.
Density: 0.91-0.96 g/cm³
See Notes.
Flash point: 341°C
See Notes.
Auto-ignition temperature: 330-410°C
See Notes.

EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS
Routes of exposure Effects of short-term exposure	Inhalation risk A nuisance-causing concentration of airborne particles can be reached quickly, especially if powdered. Effects of long-term or repeated exposure

EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS

Routes of exposure

Effects of short-term exposure

Inhalation risk
A nuisance-causing concentration of airborne particles can be reached quickly, especially if powdered.

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS

ENVIRONMENT

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

EC Classification

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    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations