Chemical Name: Polypropylene
Synonyms: PP, Propene polymer
Chemical Formula: (C3H6)n
Manufacturer: Multiple globally recognized polymer resin providers
Product Use: Injection molding, packaging, fibers, automotive parts, containers, pipes
Contact Information: Reach manufacturers directly for emergencies or product queries
CAS Number: 9003-07-0
Hazard Classification: Non-hazardous solid under normal conditions
Potential Health Effects: Overheating may release fumes that irritate respiratory system; heated material can cause thermal burns
Physical Hazards: Dust from pellets or granules can be a slipping hazard on hard surfaces
GHS Label Elements: Not classified for health, environmental or physical hazards
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust or decomposed fumes, avoid contact with hot molten polymer
Main Routes of Exposure: Inhalation of dust/fumes, skin contact with molten form
Polypropylene Resin: 97–100% (by weight)
Additives: May contain small amounts of stabilizers, antioxidants, antistatic agents, pigments depending on manufacturer and grade
Hazardous Impurities: No regulated hazardous ingredients above 1% typically present
Monomer Residue: Trace propylene monomer; well below established safety limits
Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air, seek medical attention if symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath persist after exposure to thermal decomposition fumes
Skin Contact: If molten material contacts skin, cool rapidly with water and do not attempt to remove polymer; seek medical help for thermal burns
Eye Contact: Rinse thoroughly with water for several minutes if dust or particles enter eyes; remove contact lenses if easy to do; consult physician if irritation continues
Ingestion: Unlikely due to physical form, but if swallowed, seek medical advice
Self-Protection of First-Aiders: Avoid direct contact with molten product; wear gloves and eye/face protection if needed
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Foam, water spray (fog), dry chemical, or carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Direct water jet may spread burning product
Special Hazards: Burning polypropylene can release carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, soot, and under limited oxygen, low concentrations of hazardous organic compounds
Protective Equipment and Precautions for Firefighters: Use self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear to guard against hazardous gases and thermal exposure
Combustion Products: Dense black smoke, irritant and toxic fumes
Advice for Firefighters: Cool containers with water spray if exposed to fire, prevent run-off from entering drains
Personal Precautions: Prevent slips and falls; sweep up granules or pellets immediately
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains, watercourses, or soil
Methods for Clean-Up: Use broom, vacuum, or shovel to collect spilled material; place in appropriate container for recycling or disposal
Special Handling of Contaminated Material: Avoid dust generation; ventilate area if fumes from heated product are present
Safe Handling: Transfer and process at recommended temperatures to avoid thermal degradation, use local ventilation at points where fumes may form
Protective Measures: Use normal industrial hygiene practices, avoid inhalation of dust or decomposition fumes
Conditions for Safe Storage: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or sources of ignition
Incompatible Substances: Store away from strong oxidizing agents and sources of intense heat
Packaging Materials: Polyethylene or polypropylene-lined sacks and bins preferred to prevent contamination or static discharge
Exposure Limits: No specific limits for PP, though monitor total particulates as per workplace regulations
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust at points where dust or thermal decomposition may occur
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety glasses, heat-resistant gloves, protective footwear
Respiratory Protection: Use approved dust mask if airborne dust exceeds limits; in molten processing, adequate ventilation is vital
General Hygiene: Wash hands after handling, before eating or drinking; remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse
Physical State: Solid pellets, granules, powder or fibers
Color: White, translucent or colored
Odor: Odorless in solid state
pH: Not applicable
Melting Point: 130°C – 171°C
Boiling Point: Not established (thermally degrades prior to boiling)
Flash Point: Above 300°C
Ignition Temperature: ~ 330°C
Relative Density: 0.89–0.92 g/cm³
Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in hot aromatic hydrocarbons
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Partition Coefficient: Not applicable due to solid nature
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and processing conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Prolonged overheating, ignition sources
Materials to Avoid: Strong oxidizers (such as peroxides, nitric acid)
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Under fire or improper processing: carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons
Hazardous Polymerization: Does not occur under normal handling
Acute Toxicity: Polypropylene itself shows very low toxicity, not absorbed through skin or GI tract in significant amounts
Skin Irritation: Not a skin irritant in solid state, but can cause thermal burns in molten state
Eye Irritation: Mechanical irritation possible with dust or fibers
Chronic Effects: No evidence of carcinogenicity in animal or human studies
Sensitization: No known skin or respiratory sensitization effects
Mutagenicity: No evidence for mutagenic effects
Ecotoxicity: Not toxic to aquatic or terrestrial life in bulk solid form, but fragments or microparticles can pose risks to wildlife through physical obstruction or ingestion
Persistence and Degradability: Highly persistent, not readily biodegradable; accumulates in the environment if not recycled
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low potential for bioaccumulation in biological systems
Mobility in Soil: Remains in solid phase, not mobile in subsurface environment
Other Adverse Effects: Can contribute to microplastic pollution if released into waterways
Waste Disposal Methods: Send to recycling facilities if possible to reduce plastic waste stream; otherwise, landfill or controlled incineration in accordance with local regulations
Precautions: Do not litter; avoid release to environment
Regulatory Codes: Comply with local and national regulations for polymer waste
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse and recycle or dispose according to local waste management authority instructions
UN Number: Not classified as dangerous for transport
Transport Hazard Class: Not regulated
Packing Group: Not applicable
Environmental Hazards: Not considered hazardous for transportation
Special Precautions: Prevent spillage of pellets or powder, which may lead to slip hazards or contamination of waterways
OSHA Status: Not regulated as hazardous substance in US
TSCA Status: Listed
REACH Registration: Registered for import and manufacturing in EU
Canadian WHMIS: Not controlled
International Inventories: Polypropylene included in all major chemical inventories
Labeling Requirements: No specific hazard labeling required unless product is processed with hazardous additives
Restrictions: National and local regulations require labeling for recycled content or in blends for specialized uses