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POLYETHYLENEICSC: 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. 


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