Product name: Acrylic Polymer
Other names: Polyacrylic acid, Acrylate copolymers, Acrylic resin
Recommended usage: Paints and coatings, adhesives, sealants, plastics
Manufacturer: Check local supplier (typically BASF, Dow, Evonik, or Rohm & Haas)
Contact: Safety managers keep updated records, emergency numbers posted clearly
Classification: Not usually considered hazardous by OSHA, but some blends can irritate skin, eyes, and lungs
Signal word: Caution
Hazards: Fine powder can cause dust clouds, inhalation might cause coughing or breathing difficulty, swallowing uncured pellets might upset the stomach
Physical hazards: Static discharge risk, loose dust can ignite in confined spaces
Chemical ingredients: Crosslinked polyacrylic acid, acrylic acid (trace), methyl methacrylate copolymer
Percentages: Usually 98-100% acrylate repeat units, trace to 2% stabilizers or plasticizers
Impurities: Residual monomers considered minimal in finished dry powder, sometimes include residual surfactants
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, rinse mouth, get checked if trouble breathing persists
Skin contact: Wash with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, see a doctor if rash occurs
Eye contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water, hold eyelids open, keep rinsing at least 15 minutes
Ingestion: Rinse mouth out, do not induce vomiting, drink water, medical advice important if large amounts swallowed
Suitable extinguishers: Water spray, foam, CO2, dry powder
Hazards from fire: Burning produces smoke and acrid vapors, low-level carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide possible, some acrylics release methyl methacrylate
Protective actions: Full protective gear, self-contained breathing apparatus
Explosion risk: Dust can ignite if mixed with air and spark present
Spill precautions: Ventilate if inside, sweep up dry powder to avoid spreading dust, avoid breathing dust
Protection: Gloves, goggles, dust mask recommended, never use compressed air to clean
Cleanup: Use damp cloth or vacuum, avoid getting powder into drains, collect in proper waste container for disposal
Storage: Airtight drums or bags, away from sunlight and heat sources, label containers clearly
Handling tips: Minimize dust formation, use only in areas with good air movement, keep away from food and drinks, do not smoke while using
Temperature: Store between 5°C and 35°C, avoid freezing and overheating
Exposure limits: No specific OSHA PEL, keep below nuisance dust limits (generally 10 mg/m³)
Engineering controls: Local exhaust ventilation, process enclosures help avoid exposure
Personal protection: Goggles for eyes, gloves for skin, dust mask or respirator for fine powder, coveralls recommended
Hygiene: Wash hands after handling, change soiled clothing quickly, keep food/drink out of work areas
Form: White powder or beads, sometimes cloudy gel in water
Odor: Mild plastic or negligible
Melting point: Usually not applicable, softens or decomposes above 200°C
Solubility: Swells in water, not soluble in oils
Density: 1.1–1.2 g/cm³
pH (aqueous dispersion): Typically between 4.0 and 9.0, depends on grade
Chemical stability: Stable if kept cool and dry, reacts with strong acids/bases
Conditions to avoid: Heat, flames, sparks, strong oxidizers
Decomposition: Heat or fire produces acrylic monomers and fumes
Hazardous reactions: Mixing with incompatible chemicals can worsen fumes on burning
Acute effects: Dust can cause eye and lung irritation, sensitive skin can develop rash
Chronic effects: No major long-term risk established at normal use levels, but animal studies show high doses over time might affect liver or kidneys
Ingestion: Not expected to be toxic, can cause stomach ache or upset, very high exposure not well studied
Carcinogenicity: Finished polymers not listed as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, or OSHA; residual monomers present in trace amounts
Toxicity to aquatic life: Polymers generally show low toxicity, but large spills can cause fish to suffocate by clogging gills
Persistence: Not easily biodegradable, lasts long in environment as microplastics
Mobility: Floats when dry, swells and sinks in water, can collect in sediments
Bioaccumulation: Not expected to build up in food chains, but stays present in soil and water
Waste disposal: Collect powder and gels in solid form, deliver to licensed landfill or incinerator
Recycling: Not possible for most grades, some specialty manufacturers handle own waste
Drains: Avoid dumping to water courses or sewage
Packaging: Rinse empty containers before recycling, don't reuse for food or drink storage
UN/NA number: Not classified as dangerous good according to DOT, IATA, or IMDG
Shipping name: Acrylic Polymer Resin
Hazard class: Not regulated
Packing group: None
Labels: No hazard labels required for global shipping
Precaution: Secure containers to prevent leaks, keep dry
OSHA status: Meets polymer exemption criteria, not hazardous in final form
TSCA: All basic polymers registered
REACH: Most common grades listed in Annex IV, but speciality additives might require notification
Labelling: Most countries do not require GHS hazard label, but keep product name and batch information visible
State/local rules: Some US states require additional record-keeping; check for VOC (volatile organic compound) content in certain blends
