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NIOSH

PALMITIC ACID

ICSC: 0530

Hexadecanoic acid
1-Pentadecanecarboxylic acid
Cetylic acid
C16H32O2
Molecular mass: 256.5
ICSC # 0530 		CAS # 57-10-3
RTECS # RT4550000
November 04, 1997 Validated

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE

ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS

PREVENTION

FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING

FIRE Combustible.
NO open flames.
Powder, water spray, foam, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION


EXPOSURE
PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST!

•INHALATION
Local exhaust or breathing protection.
Fresh air, rest.
•SKIN


•EYES
Safety spectacles.
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

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Sweep spilled substance into containers; if appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting.
Separated from bases, oxidants and reducing agents. Well closed.

ICSC: 0530 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

PALMITIC ACID

ICSC: 0530

I

M

P

O

R

T

A

N

T


D

A

T

A

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS OR WHITE CRYSTALS.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
Dust explosion possible if in powder or granular form, mixed with air.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
Reacts with bases, oxidants and reducing agents.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV not established.
MAK: IIb (not established but data is available) (DFG 2006).


ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a nuisance-causing concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly by dispersing.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:


EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point: 351-352°C
Melting point: 63°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.85
Solubility in water: none
Vapour pressure, Pa at 154°C: 133
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 5.31

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA


N O T E S

Health effects of exposure to the substance have not been investigated.
Card has been partially updated in August 2007: see Occupational Exposure Limits.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION



ICSC: 0530 PALMITIC ACID
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.
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