International Chemical Safety Cards

POLYVINYL ALCOHOL

ICSC: 1489

Ethenol, homopolymer
(CH₂CHOH)n
Molecular mass: Polymer, variable molecular mass
ICSC # 1489
CAS # 9002-89-5
RTECS # TR8100000
October 27, 2004 Peer reviewed

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, alcohol-resistant foam, water spray, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION	Finely dispersed particles form explosive mixtures in air.	Prevent deposition of dust; closed system, dust explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Prevent build-up of electrostatic charges (e.g., by grounding).

EXPOSURE
•INHALATION	Cough.	Avoid inhalation of dust.	Fresh air, rest.
•SKIN		Protective gloves.	Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap.
•EYES	Redness.	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

Personal protection: P1 filter respirator for inert particles. Sweep spilled substance into suitable containers. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment.

Separated from strong oxidants, strong acids.

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SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

ICSC: 1489

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.

International Chemical Safety Cards

POLYVINYL ALCOHOL

ICSC: 1489

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PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS TO WHITE SOLID IN VARIOUS FORMS

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
Dust explosion possible if in powder or granular form, mixed with air. As a result of flow, agitation, etc., electrostatic charges can be generated.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance decomposes on heating and on burning producing toxic fumes . Reacts with oxidants , strong acids .

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV not established.
MAK not established.

ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:

INHALATION RISK:
No indication can be given about the rate in which a harmful concentration in the air is reached on evaporation of this substance at 20°C.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
May cause mechanical irritation .

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Melting point (decomposes): > 200°C
Density: 1.19-1.31
g/cm3

Solubility in water: good
Flash point:
79°C o.c.

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA

This substance may be hazardous in the environment; special attention should be given to fish.

N O T E S

Other melting points: 212-267°C

NFPA Code: H0; F2; R0;

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ICSC: 1489	POLYVINYL ALCOHOL
(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.