Product Name: Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Chemical Family: Thermoplastic Polymer
Chemical Formula: (C2H3Cl)n
CAS Number: 9002-86-2
Use: Pipes, cables, flooring, tubing, packaging, profiles
Manufacturer/Supplier: Contact the specific producer or importer for local details
Emergency Contact: Refer to local and regional authorities or provided manufacturer number
Recommended Restrictions: Not suitable for food applications unless specified by grade
Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS for solid PVC; dusts and fumes generated during processing can present health concerns
Physical Hazards: May form explosive dust clouds if finely divided; burns produce toxic gases
Health Hazards: Dust irritation to eyes, skin, respiratory tract; thermal decomposition or burning releases hydrogen chloride, carbon monoxide, and phosgene
Environmental Hazards: Can persist in environment, does not degrade quickly
Label Elements: No symbol for solid product; warning for dust and vapors
Polyvinyl Chloride Resin: >85%
Additives: Variable amounts (<15%) including plasticizers (e.g., dioctyl phthalate), stabilizers (e.g., lead or calcium-zinc compounds), fillers (e.g., chalk, barite), lubricants, colorants
Hazardous Impurities: Residual vinyl chloride monomer (generally below detection for finished product)
Note: Exact composition depends on grade and use, check with supplier for specific formulations
Inhalation: Move exposed person to fresh air if dust or fume inhaled, seek medical attention if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, seek medical assistance if rash or irritation appears
Eye Contact: Flush with clean water for at least 15 minutes, do not rub, seek immediate medical care for irritation
Ingestion: Not expected under normal use; rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, obtain medical help
Specific Notes: Exposure to decomposition products like hydrogen chloride, carbon monoxide requires immediate medical attention and monitoring for delayed lung effects
Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide
Special Hazards: Intense heat releases toxic gases including hydrogen chloride, carbon monoxide, possibly phosgene
Advice for Firefighters: Self-contained breathing apparatus and full turnout gear essential
Additional Considerations: Runoff from firefighting can pollute waterways, prevent entry into drains
Combustion Products: Dense, black smoke and corrosive, toxic vapors
Personal Precautions: Don’t breathe dusts or fumes, avoid contact with skin and eyes, wear suitable PPE
Spillage Cleanup: Sweep or vacuum without generating dust; equipped vacuums with HEPA filters are best for cleanup
Environmental Precautions: Prevent from entering surface and ground water; report large spills to authorities
Non-emergency Personnel: Avoid contaminated area until properly cleaned
Handling: Avoid generating dust, use in well-ventilated areas, handle away from heat sources and open flame
Precautions: Avoid smoking in use area, wash hands before eating, drinking, or smoking
Storage: Store in cool, dry, ventilated areas away from incompatible materials like strong acids, oxidizers, and solvents, keep containers closed when not in use
Container Materials: Use dedicated bins or bags, avoid steel containers for long periods if not lined
Fire Prevention: Keep away from ignition sources; static electricity precautions necessary for fine powders
Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL for dust: 15 mg/m³ total dust, 5 mg/m³ respirable; ACGIH TLV (Vinyl chloride, monomer): 1 ppm TWA
Engineering Controls: Adequate local ventilation, process enclosures
Respiratory Protection: NIOSH-approved respirators for dusty conditions or if ventilation is poor
Eye Protection: Safety goggles or glasses with side shields
Skin Protection: Gloves (nitrile, neoprene), work clothing with long sleeves
Special Hygiene Practices: Wash hands and face after use, do not eat in processing zones, change contaminated clothing
Appearance: White to gray powder, granules or pellets; can be colored by pigment
Odor: Odorless
pH: Not applicable
Melting Point: 75-105°C (glass transition)
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Flash Point: Not easily ignited, decomposition above 180-200°C
Solubility in Water: Insoluble
Relative Density: 1.3 – 1.45 g/cm³
Partition Coefficient: Not applicable
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at ambient temperature
Auto-ignition Temperature: >450°C
Other Properties: Thermoplastic, can be rigid or flexible
Stability: Stable under normal storage and use conditions
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, alkalis, oxidizers, certain solvents like tetrachloroethylene
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, open flame, sparks, dust formation
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Hydrogen chloride, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, phosgene, dioxins (if burned inefficiently)
Polymerization: Not known to occur under normal processing
Acute Toxicity: Not considered acutely toxic in solid form; dusts may irritate respiratory tract
Chronic Toxicity: Some additives, such as organotin stabilizers or phthalate plasticizers, have associated health hazards; vinyl chloride monomer is a known human carcinogen
Sensitization: Repeated skin contact can cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals
Long-term Exposure: Prolonged exposure to vinyl chloride monomer or burning/smoking fumes increases risk of liver and lung damage
Other Information: No data on carcinogenicity for polymer itself; additives require specific risk review
Persistence: PVC persists in soil and water, breaks down very slowly over decades
Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate; some additives may
Mobility: Particle size determines water or wind mobility; large pieces settle, powders may disperse
Aquatic Toxicity: Finished product not acutely toxic to aquatic life, but breakdown products or leaching additives can present risks
Other Concerns: Microplastics concern in marine and soil environments from degraded fragments
Recommended Practices: Contain and properly dispose of all remnants to minimize environmental load
Disposal Methods: Recycling preferred where possible; landfilling allowed under local regulations
Incineration Risks: Only in modern, controlled combustion facilities due to toxic gas formation
Avoid: Burning in open air or uncontrolled sites, uncontrolled dumping
Disposal Containers: Use sealed, properly labeled bins or bags
Legal Requirements: Follow country or state regulations addressing hazardous additives or contaminated batches
UN Number: Not regulated as a hazardous material under UN Model Regulations for solid form
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified
Packing Group: Not classified
Special Precautions: Prevent dust spread during shipping, avoid exposure to moisture, direct sunlight, or high heat
Labeling: Standard commercial labels with composition data and handling advice
Bulk Transport: Dedicated, clean vehicles or containers to prevent contamination
Global Inventory Status: Listed on TSCA (US), EINECS (EU), DSL (Canada), and most other major inventories
Workplace Safety: Subject to OSHA, NIOSH, and regional occupational standards regulating dust and vinyl chloride monomer
Environmental Restrictions: EU REACH regulates several additives; strict limits on lead, cadmium, certain phthalates
Consumer Protection: Children’s products, food contact or medical use must meet additional national requirements
Hazard Communication: Employers required to provide training and access to this MSDS
Labeling Laws: Must include substance name, hazard warnings (if any), emergency procedures