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NIOSH

STEARIC ACID

ICSC: 0568

Octadecanoic acid
1-Heptadecanecarboxylic acid
Cetylacetic acid
CH3(CH2)16COOH / C18H36O2
Molecular mass: 284.5
ICSC # 0568 		CAS # 57-11-4
RTECS # WI2800000
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.
Fresh air, rest.
•SKIN
Protective gloves.
Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap.
•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.
Rinse mouth.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Sweep spilled substance into containers; if appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting.
Well closed.

ICSC: 0568 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.

STEARIC ACID

ICSC: 0568

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PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
WHITE CRYSTALS OR POWDER , WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

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

CHEMICAL DANGERS:


OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: (as stearates) 10 mg/m3; A4 (not classifiable as a human carcinogen); (ACGIH 2005).
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 aerosols.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:


EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point (decomposes): 376°C
Melting point: 69-72°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.94-0.83
Solubility in water: none
Vapour pressure, Pa at 174°C: 133
Flash point: 196°C
Auto-ignition temperature: 395°C

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA


N O T E S

Health effects of exposure to the substance have not been investigated.
NFPA Code: H1; F1; R0;
Card has been partially updated in August 2007: see Occupational Exposure Limits.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION



ICSC: 0568 STEARIC 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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