West Ujimqin Banner, Xilingol League, Inner Mongolia, China sales9@boxa-chemical.com 1531585804@qq.com
Follow us:



Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) – Polystyrene (PS)

Identification

Chemical Name: Polystyrene
Synonyms: PS, Thermoplastic Polystyrene, Styrene Polymer
Chemical Formula: (C8H8)n
CAS Number: 9003-53-6
Recommended Use: Food packaging, household goods, construction insulation, consumer electronics casings, disposable cutlery
Manufacturer Information: Name, address, and contact number of supplier must be listed on packaging or can be provided by distributor
Emergency Contact: National fire emergency services, manufacturer’s emergency hotline, nearest local emergency response agencies

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous according to most criteria, but dust can irritate eyes, skin, and respiratory tract
Physical Hazards: Flammable in finely divided powder or if exposed to open flame
Health Hazards: Exposure may aggravate individuals with pre-existing disease of lungs or respiratory tract
Environmental Hazards: Long lifecycle, potential to accumulate in waterways, animals may ingest debris
Label Elements: No pictogram mandated under GHS, but tags should warn about combustion and dust inhalation
Precautionary Statements: Avoid contact with naked flames, dust clouds; use well-ventilated spaces; keep away from children
Hazard Statement Codes: H335 (may cause respiratory irritation in dust form), H228 (combustible dust hazard)

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Main Component: Polystyrene homopolymer
Percentage: Typically greater than 95%
Minor Components: Residual styrene monomer (<0.1%), colorants, additives, antistatic agents, flame retardants
Impurities: Trace manufacturing residues — consult batch SDS for specific lot analysis
Mixture Type: Typically regarded as a single polymer compound in finished goods, minor variation possible depending on application
Hazardous Ingredients: Styrene monomer (CAS 100-42-5), only present at extremely low levels

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove affected person to fresh air quickly and keep comfortable for breathing; if symptoms (such as coughing, sneezing, irritation) persist, consult a healthcare professional
Eye Contact: Flush immediately with plenty of clean water for a minimum of 10 minutes, remove any contact lenses, avoid rubbing. If irritation or redness develops, seek medical evaluation
Skin Contact: Wash the area thoroughly with mild soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing and shoes. Seek medical advice if persistent rash or sensitivity develops
Ingestion: Swallowing solid pellets or dust is unlikely to be harmful in small quantities but could cause mechanical blockage — seek immediate help if choking occurs. Medical advice needed for larger amounts or industrial contamination
Note for Physicians: Treatment is symptomatic; polystyrene is not metabolically active but attention should focus on removing dust, preventing chemical or thermal burns, and monitoring respiration

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, carbon dioxide, or dry powder extinguishers
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Avoid high-pressure water jets that could spread molten or burning plastic
Special Hazards: In fire conditions, toxic vapors such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and volatile organic compounds may form; thick black smoke may be generated
Protective Equipment: Firefighters need a full set of chemical protective clothing, positive-pressure self-contained breathing apparatus
Additional Precautions: Isolate the fire area; try to move unaffected polystyrene from the site; cool containers exposed to flames with spray water to prevent explosion due to vapor pressure build-up

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use protective gloves, safety goggles, and appropriate dust mask for cleanup, ensure good ventilation in work area
Spill Cleanup Methods: For spills of pellets or beads, collect by sweeping or vacuuming into appropriate containers; for dust, gently moisten to reduce airborne particles before collection
Environmental Precautions: Prevent material from entering drains, rivers, or marine environments
Waste Disposal: Place recovered product into sealable packaging for recycling or proper disposal as per facility guidelines
Reporting: Notify regulatory authorities in case of major spill, especially near water bodies or sensitive habitats

Handling and Storage

Handling Precautions: Avoid inhaling dust or fine particles; wear gloves and safety glasses to prevent skin and eye contact. Static electricity can build up; ground equipment and use antistatic measures
Safe Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated rooms away from direct sunlight, heat, and ignition sources. Keep away from oxidizers, strong acids, and open flames
Packaging Materials: Use containers made of compatible plastics or steel, marked with correct labeling
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before breaks, eating, drinking, and after handling the product. Do not smoke or use open flame near storage areas

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Levels: Short-term exposure should stay below published guidelines for nuisance dust (typically 10 mg/m3 total, 3 mg/m3 respirable)
Engineering Controls: Provide extraction ventilation at handling or processing points; use closed processes where possible
Personal Protective Equipment: Respiratory: Approved dust mask or respirator if airborne particles are expected. Eye: Chemical safety goggles. Skin: Chemical-resistant gloves, protective workwear
Environmental Exposure Controls: Install waste filters to prevent dust emissions, collect and recycle spilled materials promptly

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Transparent, milky white, or colored solid in pellets, beads, or molded objects
Odor: Faint to none in solid state, possible light aromatic odor if heated
Melting Point: 210–249°C
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes before boiling)
Density: Approximately 1.05 g/cm3
Solubility (Water): Insoluble
Solubility (Other): Soluble in aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons
Vapor Pressure: Negligible under normal conditions
Flash Point: Above 345°C
Auto-ignition Temperature: Around 427°C
Explosion Limits: Not applicable (dust explosion possible)
pH: Not applicable

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal storage and use conditions
Reactivity: No significant reactivity with most materials at room temperature
Conditions to Avoid: High temperatures, open flames, welding, static discharge
Materials to Avoid: Strong oxidizing agents, concentrated acids, halogenated hydrocarbons
Hazardous Decomposition: May emit carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and styrene vapors under excessive heat or combustion
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Not prone to hazardous polymerization under ambient conditions

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Not classified as acutely toxic; ingestion or inhalation of large amounts of dust may cause physical discomfort or obstruction
Skin and Eye Contact: Dust or fragments may cause irritation; molten polystyrene can cause severe burns
Chronic Effects: No known chronic health effects for polymer; long-term inhalation of dust could aggravate respiratory issues
Carcinogenicity: Classified as not carcinogenic by IARC or OSHA for the finished polymer; unreacted styrene monomer identified as a possible human carcinogen by IARC
Mutagenicity: No evidence of mutagenic effects in polymer form
Reproductive Toxicity: Polystyrene not linked to reproductive harm in current scientific literature

Ecological Information

Persistence and Degradability: Resists breakdown in natural environments, expected to persist for decades to centuries
Bioaccumulation Potential: Not expected to bioaccumulate in living organisms, but can be physically ingested by aquatic and terrestrial animals
Mobility in Soil: Pellets and fragments may migrate and accumulate in waterways or soil depending on environmental conditions
Aquatic Toxicity: Low acute toxicity to aquatic organisms, but poses risk due to physical ingestion by wildlife
Additional Environmental Hazards: May contribute to widespread microplastic pollution when fragmented; avoid environmental release by strict containment and proper disposal methods

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Prefer recycling through appropriate plastic collection programs to reduce landfill burden
Incineration: Controlled energy recovery may be suitable in facilities equipped to scrub exhaust and meet emissions standards
Landfill Disposal: If no recycling feasible, landfill as non-hazardous solid waste. Avoid open burning
Container Handling: Rinse containers thoroughly, puncture to prevent reuse, label according to regulations before disposal
Special Precautions: Never dispose in environment, natural water, or drains

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated for transport as a hazardous substance
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified under ADR/RID/IMDG/IATA
Packing Group: Not applicable
Transport Labels: Mark with standard product identification and producer contact details
Special Measures: Secure against movement; protect from heat, sunlight, and sources of ignition during transit. Ensure packaging prevents dust generation
Environmental Transport Concerns: Prevent spillage; do not transport with strong acids, oxidizers, or foodstuffs if unsealed

Regulatory Information

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration): Not listed as hazardous; monitor workplace exposure to dust
TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act): Polystyrene is listed and regulated in the United States
EU Regulation (REACH): Exempt as polymer; monomers and additives may be registered separately
California Proposition 65: Finished polystyrene not listed; residual styrene monomer presence may require notice
Labeling Requirements: Conform to applicable regulations in country of use
Other Regulations: Check local and state regulations for handling, use, emissions, and waste management
SARA Title III (EPCRA): Not subject to reporting; notify if large accidental release endangers public health