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Chemical Name: Polyvinyl Alcohol
Synonyms: PVA, PVOH, Poly(1-hydroxyethylene)
CAS Number: 9002-89-5
Recommended Use: Used in adhesives, coatings, textile sizing, paper manufacturing, film formation, and as a stabilizer or emulsifier.
Manufacturer Information: Manufacturer, supplier, or distributor details should be provided with physical address, contact number, and emergency contact for safety and regulatory questions.
Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS.
Health Hazards: Dust may irritate eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Ingesting large amounts could upset stomach.
Environmental Hazards: Generally not considered hazardous to the environment but can contribute to suspended solids in water.
Signal Word: None required.
Hazard Statements: May cause mechanical irritation. Avoid creating dust.
Precautionary Statements: Use in well-ventilated areas and minimize dust generation.
Chemical Identity: Polyvinyl Alcohol
Chemical Formula: (C2H4O)n
Concentration: 100% (can be found as solid or in solutions at different concentrations)
Impurities or Additives: Small traces of sodium acetate or sodium sulfate may remain from the manufacturing process. These are not expected to alter health or safety risks.
Inhalation: Move person into fresh air. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist or breathing difficulty develops.
Skin Contact: Wash gently with soap and water to remove any residue. Seek medical advice for persistent irritation.
Eye Contact: Rinse with clean water for several minutes, lifting upper and lower eyelids to ensure flushing. Get medical attention if discomfort continues.
Ingestion: Not expected to be acutely toxic. If large amounts are swallowed and discomfort occurs, rinse mouth and seek medical advice.
Most Important Symptoms: Dust can lead to mild irritation but not toxic effects.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide, or water spray. Water stream may scatter powder.
Unsuitable Media: Avoid high-pressure water jets, as they may spread the material.
Hazards from Combustion: Burning may release carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and traces of acetic acid or formaldehyde.
Protection for Firefighters: Wear full protective clothing, self-contained breathing apparatus, and avoid inhaling smoke or fumes. Cool containers with water spray.
Explosion Risk: Dust clouds can cause explosions if ignition sources are present.
Personal Precautions: Minimize dust generation, ventilate area, avoid breathing dust, use protective equipment.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent large quantities from entering drains, water courses, or soil.
Clean-Up Methods: Sweep or vacuum material and place in suitable container for reuse or disposal, wash area with water to remove residue. Use non-sparking equipment if dust is present.
Handling: Avoid creating dust. Use with adequate ventilation. Wear protective gloves and eye protection if direct contact may occur. Clean up spills promptly to prevent slipping.
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed containers in a dry, cool, well-ventilated place. Keep away from strong oxidizers and heat sources. Avoid moisture exposure to prevent clumping or degradation.
Incompatible Materials: Do not store near strong oxidizing agents or acids.
Other Precautions: Make sure containers are labeled and secured to prevent accidental leaks.
Occupational Exposure Limits: No established exposure limits for polyvinyl alcohol dust, but nuisance dust limits apply (total dust: 10 mg/m³, respirable dust: 3 mg/m³ as per OSHA/ACGIH guidelines).
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust or general ventilation to control dust levels.
Personal Protective Equipment: Gloves to prevent skin contact, goggles or safety glasses for eye protection, NIOSH-approved dust mask for respiratory protection in dusty areas.
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after handling, do not eat, drink, or smoke during use.
Appearance: White to slightly off-white powder or granules; sometimes supplied as clear or turbid aqueous solution.
Odor: Odorless or faint acetic smell.
Odor Threshold: Not applicable.
pH: 5 to 7 for a 4% solution, depending on grade.
Melting Point: Softens and decomposes around 200°C, no sharp melting.
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes before boiling).
Flash Point: Not combustible in solution; powder may combust at higher temperatures (estimated above 300°C).
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable.
Flammability: Powder form may be combustible; aqueous solution is not flammable.
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable.
Relative Density: 1.19 to 1.31 (solid at 20°C).
Solubility: Soluble in water (hot water increases solubility), insoluble in organic solvents.
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not available.
Auto-ignition Temperature: >360°C
Decomposition Temperature: >200°C
Viscosity: Varies depending on polymer grade and solution.
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal temperatures and conditions of use.
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Reacts with strong oxidizers, releasing heat.
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, direct sunlight, ignition sources, and strong oxidizing environments.
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong bases, oxidizing agents.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, traces of formaldehyde and acetic acid.
Likely Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin, eyes, ingestion.
Acute Toxicity: Low toxicity; studies indicate oral LD50 in rats >20,000 mg/kg.
Irritation: Dust may cause mild, reversible irritation of eyes, skin, or respiratory tract.
Sensitization: Not expected to cause sensitization.
Chronic Effects: No evidence linking to carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or reproductive toxicity.
Other Health Effects: Inhalation of excessive dust may aggravate existing respiratory issues, but no chronic health effects documented in occupational settings.
Ecotoxicity: Not expected to be hazardous to aquatic or terrestrial organisms at low concentrations.
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable by microorganisms; breaks down over weeks to months, especially when diluted in water.
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low potential for bioaccumulation due to water solubility and polymer structure.
Mobility in Soil: High mobility in water but binds to sediment over time.
Other Adverse Effects: Large discharges could increase oxygen demand in water bodies.
Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations. Can be landfilled or incinerated in suitable facilities.
Disposal of Product: Do not dump into natural waters or sewers. Dilute solutions may be flushed with plenty of water after checking local discharge limits.
Disposal of Packaging: Clean containers thoroughly before recycling or disposal. Dispose of as non-hazardous industrial waste unless contaminated.
Special Precautions: Avoid dusty conditions during disposal activities. Prevent large amounts from entering stormwater drains.
UN Number: Not regulated.
Proper Shipping Name: Not classified as hazardous for transport.
Transport Hazard Class: Not applicable.
Packing Group: Not applicable.
Environmental Hazards: Not categorized as a marine pollutant.
Special Precautions for User: Prevent container damage and spills. Keep dry during shipping.
Transport in Bulk: Suitable bulk containers for powders or liquids.
Safety, Health and Environmental Regulations: Polyvinyl alcohol is not listed as a hazardous substance under major chemical regulations, such as OSHA, TSCA (USA), REACH (EU), DSL (Canada), or WHMIS.
Labeling Requirements: No specific hazard symbols required. Good labelling practice calls for physical and chemical hazard warnings where relevant, such as dust generation.
Other Regulations: May be subject to regional workplace exposure limits for nuisance dust. Check local and national regulations for additional guidance on storage, disposal, and handling.
International Inventories: Listed on TSCA (USA), EINECS/ELINCS (EU), DSL (Canada), AICS (Australia), ENCS (Japan), and other chemical inventories worldwide.
