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Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

Identification

Product Name: High Density Polyethylene
Chemical Formula: (C2H4)n
Common Trade Names: HDPE, Polyethylene High Density
Recommended Uses: Packaging containers, pipes, plastic bottles, geomembranes, toys
Manufacturer Contact Information: Address and phone of supplier or producer
Emergency Contact: Number for chemical emergencies, as outlined by supplier
Synonyms: Polyethylene resin, HD Polythene

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS regulations
Physical State: Solid at ambient temperature
Main Hazards: Can form explosive dust-air mixtures if finely divided; welding, cutting, or process heat may release fumes
Label Elements: No pictogram, no signal word
Potential Health Effects: Contact with hot material may cause thermal burns, inhalation of fumes from melted or overheated product irritates respiratory tract
Environmental Hazard: Persistent in environment, risk to wildlife from ingestion or entanglement

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Identity: Polyethylene, high density
CAS Number: 9002-88-4
Purity: Typically >99% HDPE resin
Additives: May contain small quantities of processing aids, pigments, stabilizers (exact formulation depends on grade and application)

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove to fresh air if exposed to fumes from overheating; seek medical attention if symptoms develop
Skin Contact: Cool affected area with water, do not attempt to remove solidified polymer from skin; seek medical help for burns
Eye Contact: Rinse with clean water if particles enter eyes; obtain medical attention for discomfort
Ingestion: Not regarded as hazardous by ingestion, but seek medical advice if symptoms occur

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Avoid direct stream of water as it may spread molten material
Fire Hazards: Burns rapidly with a high heat release; melting product may flow and spread fire
Hazardous Combustion Products: May produce carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear full protective clothing, including self-contained breathing apparatus

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use gloves to avoid contact with molten polymer, avoid creating dust
Environmental Precautions: Prevent pellets, granules or powder from reaching drains, waterways, or soil
Cleanup Methods: Sweep up spilled material for recycling or disposal; avoid dust generation; ventilate if in enclosed area
Disposal of Cleanup Materials: Place in suitable containers for disposal or recycling as appropriate

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling: Avoid breathing dust or processing fumes, wash hands after handling, use mechanical ventilation where heated
Storage Conditions: Store away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and incompatible materials
Packaging Materials: Store in bags, bulk containers, or silos suitable for plastics
Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizing agents can trigger reactions with HDPE

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No exposure limits established for HDPE as a solid
Engineering Controls: Provide adequate ventilation in areas where dust or processing fumes may develop
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety glasses to prevent eye contact with dust, heat-resistant gloves when handling hot material, respiratory protection if threshold limit for nuisance dust or fumes is exceeded
General Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling; remove contaminated clothing before eating, drinking, or smoking

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White or colored granules, film, or powder
Odor: Odorless or faint hydrocarbon odor
pH: Not applicable (insoluble in water)
Melting Point: 120–140°C (248–284°F)
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Flash Point: >340°C (644°F)
Flammability: Combustible solid
Auto-ignition Temperature: >340°C (644°F)
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in hydrocarbons at elevated temperatures
Density: 0.94–0.97 g/cm³
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not applicable
Viscosity: Not applicable (solid form)

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions and storage
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, ignition sources, strong oxidizers
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents (such as chlorine, peroxides)
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, potentially other toxic gases if burned
Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur under normal processing

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: No acute toxicity expected from solid HDPE
Inhalation: Fumes from heating or processing can produce irritation, headaches, or respiratory symptoms
Skin Contact: Prolonged exposure to dust can cause dryness or minor irritation; burns possible from molten polymer
Eye Contact: Dust may cause mechanical irritation; fumes may irritate eyes
Sensitization: Not expected to cause sensitization
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as a carcinogen by OSHA, IARC, or NTP
Other Chronic Effects: No evidence of target organ effects from exposure to solid or unheated product

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Not considered acutely toxic, but physical form can pose threat to aquatic and terrestrial organisms via ingestion or entanglement
Degradability: Degrades very slowly; persists in environment
Mobility: In pellet or fragment form, can migrate in environment
Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate as a polymer
Other Effects: Can contribute to microplastic pollution if broken down into small particles

Disposal Considerations

Waste Methods: Recycle if facilities are available; otherwise, dispose at authorized landfill, incinerator, or as per local regulations
Environmental Precautions: Do not release pellets, powder, or fragments into natural water bodies or sewage systems
Contaminated Packaging: Clean and recycle if possible, or dispose in accordance with local regulations

Transport Information

UN Number: Not classified as dangerous for transport
UN Proper Shipping Name: Not regulated
Transport Hazard Class: Not applicable
Packing Group: Not applicable
Special Precautions for User: Avoid generating dust in transit, ensure secure containment to prevent environmental contamination

Regulatory Information

Safety, Health, and Environmental Regulations: Not regulated as hazardous under OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
Global Inventories: Listed on TSCA, REACH, EINECS, DSL, AICS, and other national inventories
Labeling: No specific labeling required for the solid polymer under most regulatory frameworks
Restrictions: Dispose and process according to local, national, or regional requirements for plastics
SARA/Title III: Not subject to reporting under SARA Section 313
California Proposition 65: HDPE itself not listed, but processing emissions may include trace amounts of listed chemicals