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Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)

Identification

Product Name: Low Density Polyethylene
Chemical Family: Polyolefin
Synonyms: LDPE, Polyethylene-LD, PE-LD
Manufacturer: Major petrochemical companies commonly produce LDPE
Chemical Formula: (C2H4)n
Relevant Uses: Packaging films, containers, bottles, laboratory equipment, tubing
Emergency Contact: Refer to local regulations for emergency numbers and safety contacts

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous
Main Hazards: Fumes released at high temperatures cause irritation to eyes, nose, throat; pellet or powder forms may create slipping risk
Physical Hazards: Slippery if spilled; static discharge possible during handling
Health Hazards: Minimal risk under normal conditions; inhalation of fumes can cause respiratory discomfort
Environmental Hazards: Non-biodegradable; long environmental persistence; potential marine microplastic hazard
Label Elements: No signal word or pictogram required; caution with molten material

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Polyethylene, low density
CAS Number: 9002-88-4
Purity: Over 98% LDPE
Additives: Typically includes antioxidants, stabilizers, possible slip or anti-block agents in trace amounts
Impurities: Negligible, generally below one percent by weight

First Aid Measures

Eye Contact: Rinse thoroughly with water for several minutes if dust or particles enter eyes; seek medical attention for persistent irritation
Skin Contact: Wash with mild soap and water; if molten material contacts skin, cool rapidly with cold water; do not peel solidified polymer from skin, get medical help
Inhalation: Move to area with fresh air; seek medical attention if symptoms develop during exposure to thermal decomposition fumes
Ingestion: Unlikely route due to polymer form; rinse mouth if small amount ingested; seek medical guidance for large quantity or symptoms
Most Important Symptoms: Irritation to nose, throat, eyes in case of fume exposure; burns from molten polymer

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Media: Avoid direct water jet as it may spread molten material
Special Hazards: Burning produces carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, aldehydes, possible hydrocarbons
Protective Equipment: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full turnout gear for large fires; avoid inhalation of combustion fumes
Advice for Firefighters: Cool containers exposed to flames with water; prevent runoff from entering drains

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Protection: Wear protective gloves, non-slip footwear; ensure adequate ventilation for spill involving fine dust or pellets
Environmental Precautions: Prevent material from entering drains or natural water sources, collect spilled material quickly, minimize release to environment
Cleaning Up: Sweep or vacuum up pellets and granules, wash affected area with water to reduce slip hazard, dispose of according to regulations

Handling and Storage

Handling: Ground equipment to avoid static discharge, use proper ventilation for processes generating dust or fumes, handle with care to avoid spilling
Storage: Store away from heat sources and direct sunlight, keep dry to prevent material degradation, avoid storage near oxidizing agents
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers like nitric acid, halogens, organic peroxides
Packaging Materials: Use original or compatible containers; comply with local transport and storage rules

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No established limits for LDPE itself; monitor for products of decomposition
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation for processes producing fumes or dust; static control measures
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Gloves, safety glasses or goggles, protective clothing for hot processing, thermal gloves for handling molten polymer, respiratory protection when venting is insufficient

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Translucent or white pellets, granules, or powder
Odor: Odorless at room temperature; burnt wax-like odor at elevated temperatures
pH: Not applicable
Melting Point: 105–115°C
Density: 0.91–0.94 g/cm³
Solubility in Water: Insoluble
Flash Point: Above 340°C
Flammability: Combustible solid
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at ambient temperature
Decomposition Temperature: >300°C
Other: Resistant to acids and bases; softens at moderate heat

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under standard conditions
Reactivity: Inert to most chemicals at standard temperature and pressure
Hazardous Reactions: Violent reaction with strong oxidizers, may degrade to small hydrocarbons at high temperatures
Conditions to Avoid: Open ignition sources, excessive heating, exposure to strong sunlight
Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, traces of aldehydes

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: No reported acute health effects in solid form
Chronic Effects: No known chronic health hazards expected through normal handling
Inhalation: Exposure to combustion fumes can cause respiratory discomfort, headache, or nausea
Skin Contact: Molten material causes thermal burns; otherwise non-irritant
Eye Contact: No adverse effects expected from solid; fume exposure causes irritation
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as carcinogen by IARC, NTP, or OSHA

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Not acutely toxic to aquatic or terrestrial species
Persistence: Very slow degradation in natural environments; persists for decades
Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate due to high molecular weight
Mobility in Soil: Insoluble; tends to remain as solid residue in soil and sediments
Additional Info: Can contribute to microplastic pollution, ingestion risk for wildlife

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Recycle wherever feasible; disposal in accordance with local, regional, or national regulations
Landfill: Acceptable for non-hazardous landfill as inert plastic waste
Incineration: Controlled incineration to avoid air pollution; employ flue gas cleaning
Do Not: Disperse in natural environment; illegal dumping strict penalties in many jurisdictions

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated for transport
Proper Shipping Name: Polyethylene, Low Density
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as dangerous
Packing Group: Not applicable
Environmental Hazards: Packing and containment should prevent environmental release
Transport Labeling: No special requirements under ADR/RID/IMDG/IATA

Regulatory Information

EU Regulations: Not classified as hazardous under Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP); included on EINECS (polymer exemption)
US Regulations: Not regulated as hazardous under OSHA, not listed on CERCLA, TSCA-listed
Canada: WHMIS not controlled
Additional Information: Restrictions on microplastics and marine litter under evolving global guidelines; always check local requirements for packaging, labeling, reporting