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POLYETHYLENE

ICSC: 1488

Ethene, homopolymer
Ethylene polymers
PE
HDPE
LDPE
(C2H4)n
Molecular mass: Polymer, variable molecular mass
ICSC # 1488 		CAS # 9002-88-4
RTECS # TQ3325000
October 27, 2004 Validated

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

STORAGE

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.
Separated from incompatible materials . See Chemical Dangers.

ICSC: 1488 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.

POLYETHYLENE

ICSC: 1488

I

M

P

O

R

T

A

N

T


D

A

T

A

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.


ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:


INHALATION RISK:
A nuisance-causing concentration of airborne particles can be reached quickly especially if powdered.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:


EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

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

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA


N O T E S

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.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION



ICSC: 1488 POLYETHYLENE
(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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