ICSC 1488 - POLYETHYLENE

[List of Chemicals] [Risk Notes] [Risk Phrases] [Safety Phrases] [Danger Symbols]

POLYETHYLENE

ICSC: 1488
_{October 2004}

Ethene, homopolymer
Ethylene polymers
PE
HDPE
LDPE

CAS No: 9002-88-4
RTECS No: TQ3325000

(C₂H₄)n
Molecular mass: Polymer, variable molecular mass

TYPES OF HAZARD / EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID / FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE	Combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.	NO open flames.	Powder, water spray, foam, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION	Finely dispersed particles form explosive mixtures in air.	Prevent deposition of dust; closed system, dust explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting.

EXPOSURE
Inhalation	Cough.	Avoid inhalation of dust.	Fresh air, rest.
Skin			Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap.
Eyes		Safety goggles.	First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
Ingestion		Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL	PACKAGING & LABELLING
Sweep spilled substance into suitable and labelled containers; if appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Personal protection: P1 filter respirator for inert particles.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE	SAFE STORAGE
	Separated from incompatible materials. See Chemical Dangers.

IMPORTANT DATA

Physical State; Appearance
WHITE SOLID IN VARIOUS FORMS

Physical dangers
Dust explosion possible if in powder or granular form, mixed with air.

Chemical dangers
The substance decomposes on heating producing toxic fumes and irritating fumes, causing fire and explosion hazard. Reacts violently with fluorine. Reacts with strong acids, strong oxidants.

Occupational exposure limits
TLV not established.
MAK not established.

Inhalation risk
A nuisance-causing concentration of airborne particles can be reached quickly especially if powdered.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES	ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
Melting point: (see Notes) 85-140°C Density: (see Notes) 0.91-0.96 g/cm³ Flash point: (see Notes) 341°C Auto-ignition temperature: (see Notes) 330-410°C

NOTES

LDPE means Polyethylene with low density; HDPE means Polyethylene with high density. Physicochemical properties vary depending upon the molecular mass.
Thermal degradation starts at 290°C.
The PE products are available in large selection of various forms, due to additives used in the manufacture.The additives can influence the physical and toxicological properties of this substance.

IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the European Commission
© IPCS 2004

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