Product Name: Ethylene Vinyl Acetate
Chemical Formula: Variable (Co-polymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate)
Chemical Family: Polyolefin copolymer
CAS Number: 24937-78-8
Common Synonyms: EVA
Recommended Use: Used in foam, adhesives, wire and cable insulation, shoe soles, packaging films
Manufacturer/Supplier: Contact the supplier or manufacturer for specific contact details
Emergency Contact: Provided on product label or SDS from the supplier
Classification: Not considered hazardous under GHS criteria for bulk solid form
Appearance: Off-white to white translucent pellets or granules
Odor: Nearly odorless or slight waxy smell
Physical State: Solid
Potential Health Effects: Mechanical dust may irritate eyes and respiratory tract, especially in poorly ventilated areas or during processing
Hazard Statements: May form explosive dust-air mixtures. Fume inhalation during melt processing can cause respiratory discomfort
Skin Contact: Contact with hot material leads to burns. Prolonged or repeated contact with powder can dry the skin
Label Elements: Not usually required for solid material
Chemical Identity: Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Copolymer
CAS Number: 24937-78-8
Proportion: 100% (contains varying percentages of vinyl acetate, typically 5–40%)
Impurities/Additives: Grades may include very small amounts of slip agents, antioxidants, or processing aids depending on producer; check batch-specific product data for details
Inhalation: Remove to fresh air. If exposed to heated fumes, monitor for respiratory irritation. Seek medical attention for any breathing difficulty
Eye Contact: Rinse with plenty of water if dust or particles get into eyes. If irritation continues, obtain medical advice
Skin Contact: If skin is in contact with hot material, quickly immerse or flush with cool water. Do not attempt to remove solidified product from skin. Seek prompt medical care for burns
Ingestion: No expected acute hazards. Rinse mouth and drink water to remove particles. Get medical assistance if symptoms occur
Special Notes: Provide the MSDS or product container to medical personnel where possible
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide
Specific Hazards: Thermal decomposition and burning can release carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, acetic acid, or irritating fumes
Special Protective Equipment: Firefighters should use self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and full protective gear
Explosion Risks: Dust created by grinding or mechanical working can form explosive mixtures with air. Control dust and keep away from ignition sources
Fire-Fighting Tactics: Move material from fire area if safe; cool containers exposed to flames with water
Personal Precautions: Avoid creating airborne dust. Wear safety glasses and dust mask if material is generated as dust
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spilled product from entering drains, sewers, and natural waterways
Spill Response: Collect mechanically into containers for reuse or disposal. Sweep or vacuum the area to prevent slip hazard. Dispose of residue following local regulations
Cleanup Methods: Scoop up solid pellets or granules; vacuum or wet sweep fine particles for collection
Handling: Avoid temperatures close to melting point during storage or transport. Minimize dust generation through careful material handling. Use guarding on equipment to prevent entanglement
Storage: Store in closed containers in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Maintain good ventilation. Keep away from sources of ignition and strong oxidizers
Incompatible Materials: Prevent contact with strong acids, bases, and oxidizing compounds
Storage Life: Stable over several years when kept dry and protected from heat and UV light
Exposure Limits: OSHA or ACGIH exposure limits for EVA do not exist, but nuisance dust limits (15 mg/m³ for total dust, 5 mg/m³ respirable fraction) apply to workplace air
Engineering Controls: Use general or local exhaust ventilation to control dust and fumes during thermal processing or handling bulk powders
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety eyewear for pellet movement, face shield for melting operations. Gloves and long sleeves when handling heated material. Approved particulate respirator if dust concentrations are high. Wear heat-resistant gloves and clothing if handling molten copolymer
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after handling. Do not eat, drink, or smoke while working with this material
Physical Form: Solid pellets, beads, or granular material
Color: White to off-white, translucent
Odor: Neutral or faint waxy note
Melting Point: 60°C to 100°C (varies with composition)
Flash Point: Above 300°C
Flammability: Not classified as flammable in solid form, but dust and vapors from hot processing can ignite
Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in hot aromatic or halogenated solvents
Density: Typically 0.92–0.96 g/cm³
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Auto-Ignition Temperature: Above 350°C
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable; solid at room temperature
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended handling and storage conditions
Reactivity: Not reactive under normal circumstances
Hazardous Reactions: No dangerous reactions known under normal use
Decomposition Products: At high temperatures, can break down to release acetic acid vapors, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, traces of hydrocarbons
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, some acids and bases at elevated temperatures
Acute Toxicity: No acute health risks expected with normal use. Inhalation of volatiles from melting can lead to mild respiratory discomfort or headache
Skin Contact: No systemic toxicity, but contact with hot material leads to burns
Eye Contact: Dust or pellet in eye may cause irritation. Vapor from heated product can irritate eyes, nose, or throat
Chronic Effects: No known chronic effects from EVA exposure. Some additives may have separate toxicological profiles
Carcinogenicity: EVA copolymer not classified by IARC, NTP, or OSHA as a carcinogen
Mutagenicity, Reproductive Toxicity: Studies with EVA copolymers do not show evidence of mutagenicity or reproductive harm
Persistence and Degradability: EVA copolymers degrade slowly in the outdoor environment. Pellets can physically accumulate in waterways or soil
Bioaccumulative Potential: Not expected to bioaccumulate due to low solubility and environmental mobility
Aquatic Toxicity: Not acutely harmful to aquatic life. Large spills may present a physical hazard for small organisms
Mobility in Soil: Insoluble; particles may be transported by rain runoff or wind
Other Adverse Effects: No significant impact expected on ozone or atmospheric chemistry. Keep debris out of the natural environment
Waste Disposal: Dispose of spilled material, unused product, or packaging in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations
Recycling: Clean EVA scrap can be reprocessed. Investigate local recycling opportunities
Incineration: If disposal is by burning, use a facility equipped to handle plastic combustion products. Do not dispose of in open burning operations
Landfill: For bulk disposal, landfill is possible if permitted for plastics
Special Precautions: Prevent littering and pellet release to the environment
UN Number: Not regulated as dangerous goods by ADR/RID, IMDG, IATA
Transport Hazard Class: Non-hazardous for road, sea, and air transport
Packing Group: None assigned
Proper Shipping Name: Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Copolymer
Special Precautions for Transport: Protect bags or containers from mechanical damage and moisture
Environmental Hazards: Prevent spillage during loading and unloading
Chemical Inventory Status: EVA copolymers listed in TSCA, EINECS, DSL, AICS, NZIoC, ENCS, PICCS and other national inventories
OSHA Hazard(s): Not classified as hazardous under US OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
REACH Registration: Registered or exempt, confirm with supplier for up-to-date regulatory status
SARA Title III: Not listed as a hazardous substance or toxic chemical
Labeling Requirements: Not required for articles or consumer products in most jurisdictions, but may be labeled for processing dust/fume hazards
Product-Specific Regulations: Use and waste management may fall under local or state plastic regulation guidelines
