POLYVINYL ALCOHOL (ICSC)

POLYVINYL ALCOHOL	ICSC: 1489

Date of Peer Review: October 2004

Ethenol, homopolymer

CAS #	9002-89-5	(CH₂CHOH-)n
RTECS #	TR8100000	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, alcohol-resistant foam, water spray, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION	Finely dispersed particles form explosive mixtures in air.	Prevent deposition of dust; closed system, dust explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Prevent build-up of electrostatic charges (e.g., by grounding).

EXPOSURE
Inhalation	Cough.	Avoid inhalation of dust.	Fresh air, rest.
Skin		Protective gloves.	Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap.
Eyes	Redness.	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

Personal protection: P1 filter respirator for inert particles. Sweep spilled substance into suitable containers. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment.

EU Classification
UN Classification

EMERGENCY RESPONSE

SAFE STORAGE

NFPA Code: H0; F2; R0;

Separated from strong oxidants, strong acids.

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 Š IPCS, CEC 2004

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

POLYVINYL ALCOHOL

ICSC: 1489

IMPORTANT DATA

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS TO WHITE SOLID IN VARIOUS FORMS

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
Dust explosion possible if in powder or granular form, mixed with air. As a result of flow, agitation, etc., electrostatic charges can be generated.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance decomposes on heating and on burning producing toxic fumes. Reacts with oxidants, strong acids.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV not established. MAK not established.

INHALATION RISK:
No indication can be given about the rate in which a harmful concentration in the air is reached on evaporation of this substance at 20°C.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
May cause mechanical irritation.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Melting point (decomposes): > 200°C
Density: 1.19-1.31 g/cmł
Solubility in water: good

Flash point: 79°C o.c.

ENVIRONMENTAL DATA

This substance may be hazardous in the environment; special attention should be given to fish.

NOTES

Other melting points: 212-267°C

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

Š IPCS, CEC 2004

    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations
       Polyvinyl alcohol (WHO Food Additives Series 52)