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Chemical Name: Hydroxyethylcellulose
Common Use: Thickener in paints, personal care products, cleaning solutions
Description: Off-white to light yellowish, odorless powder that dissolves easily in water
CAS Number: 9004-62-0
Odor: Mild, cellulose-like scent
Appearance: Fine granular or fibrous powder
Common Grades: Varying levels of viscosity for different industrial requirements
Classification: Not classified as hazardous under standard chemical safety laws
Primary Risks: Dust inhalation, eye and skin irritation
Combustibility: Powder form may increase fire risk when airborne dust accumulates
Potential Symptoms: Coughing, dry eyes, mild skin redness
Target Organs: Respiratory tract, skin, eyes with repeated exposure
Main Component: Hydroxyethylcellulose (polymer of cellulose with hydroxyethyl groups)
Impurities: Water, minor residual organic solvents from production process
CAS Registry for Main Component: 9004-62-0
Toxic Additives: Typically not present in standard production
Inhalation: Move to area with fresh air, deep breaths, rinse mouth if coughing persists
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes gently with water for several minutes; avoid rubbing
Skin Contact: Rinse exposed area with soap and warm water, dry gently
Ingestion: Rinse mouth and drink water; seek medical advice for discomfort
Medical Attention: Recommended for persistent symptoms or unusual reactions
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or water spray
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, minor aldehydes
Protective Equipment: Full protective gear, including self-contained breathing apparatus if smoke is present
Fire Behavior Notes: Powder can form explosive dust-air mixtures when dispersed
Special Tactics: Minimize dust disturbance; avoid water streams that can disperse powder
Personal Protection: Use dust masks or respirators, safety goggles, gloves
Spill Response: Sweep gently, avoid raising dust; use damp cloth where possible
Environmental Precautions: Prevent powder from entering drains or water courses
Clean-Up: Collect material in sealed bags for reuse or disposal
Safe Handling: Minimize airborne dust, work with good ventilation, use personal protective equipment
Protective Measures: Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly sealed containers within a dry, cool, ventilated area
Incompatible Substances: Strong oxidizers, open flames
Temperature Sensitivity: Prolonged high heat can degrade powder consistency
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation to reduce airborne particles
Respiratory Protection: Dust masks or NIOSH-approved respirators during bulk handling
Eye/Face Protection: Safety glasses or splash-proof goggles
Skin Protection: Lightweight chemical-resistant gloves
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after handling; launder work clothing regularly
Physical State: Fine powder or granules
Color: Off-white to beige
Odor: Slightly woody or neutral
Solubility in Water: Readily soluble, forms viscous solution
pH (1% Solution): Usually between 6.0 and 8.5
Boiling Point: Not applicable for polymeric materials
Decomposition Temperature: Above 200°C
Flash Point: Not easily flammable, but airborne dust can ignite
Bulk Density: Varies with grade, typically 0.35-0.55 g/cm³
Chemical Stability: Stable under most storage and use conditions
Reactivity: Low reactivity; susceptible to strong oxidizing agents
Hazardous Decomposition: Carbon oxides, minor irritant fumes above decomposition temperature
Polymerization Risk: Not a hazard with standard industrial use
Acute Toxicity: Low oral and dermal toxicity, not known to cause poisoning in typical workplace exposure
Irritation Risk: Can cause mild eye and skin irritation, especially in dust form
Sensitization: No strong evidence for skin or respiratory sensitization
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure to dust may lead to respiratory discomfort
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by IARC, NTP, or OSHA as a carcinogen
Bioaccumulation: Not expected, breaks down through biodegradation
Aquatic Toxicity: Minimal, low risk to aquatic life at typical discharge rates
Persistence: Biodegradable by natural processes
Environmental Fate: Does not create long-lasting residues, disperses in water and soil with low impact
Mobility: Dissolves and disperses in aquatic environments
Recommended Practices: Landfill or controlled incineration, following local regulations
Product Waste: Use up in industrial applications where possible
Packaging: Empty bags or containers can be recycled if uncontaminated, disposed of appropriately if stained
Special Instructions: Prevent powder from becoming wind-borne during disposal
UN Number: Not regulated as a hazardous material
Transport Mode: Shipped in sealed, labeled bags or drums
Special Requirements: Keep dry during transit, avoid puncture or spillage
International Guidelines: Not classified as dangerous under IMDG, IATA, or ADR
Global Chemical Inventories: Listed in several major regulatory inventories, including TSCA, REACH, and DSL
OSHA Status: Not considered hazardous under US workplace safety laws
Labeling: Eye and respiratory irritation warning where substantial dust may occur
Industry-Led Guidelines: Cosmetics, food, cleaning, and construction sectors maintain specific use standards
Additional Notes: Thorough training recommended for workers handling bulk quantities; review updates from local authorities for new restrictions or advisories
