Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) – Paraffin Wax

1. Identification

Product Name: Paraffin Wax
CAS Number: 8002-74-2
Synonyms: Fully Refined Wax, Petroleum Wax, Solid Mineral Wax
Use: Candle making, waterproofing, cosmetics, food packaging, electrical insulation, coating for produce, pharmaceuticals, paper coating, rubber, adhesives
Manufacturer Contact: [Provide actual manufacturer contact]
Emergency Phone: [Provide emergency phone number for user’s area]
Recommended Use Restrictions: Industrial and consumer settings under recommended conditions, away from naked flame and high heat sources

2. Hazard Identification

Hazard Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS for bulk solid form, but dust or fumes from hot processing can irritate airways
Physical Hazards: Solid at room temperature, can create a slip hazard if spilled
Health Hazards: Prolonged inhalation of fumes during melting or processing can cause headache, dizziness, nausea; direct skin contact with molten wax risks thermal burns
Environmental Hazards: Large spills to water may cause surface films, affect oxygen transfer, and harm small aquatic life
Pictograms: GHS07 (irritant symbol)
Signal Word: Warning (for heated vapors and molten material)
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing fumes, use adequate ventilation when melting, do not ingest, avoid contact with molten product

3. Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Paraffin Hydrocarbons
Concentration: 100% (or as stated, may vary with food, pharma, industrial grades)
CAS Number: 8002-74-2
Impurities: May contain trace aromatics and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, regulated in food/medical grades
Stabilizers/Additives: May include antioxidants, colors, or scents in commercial blends (identify by supplier’s details)

4. First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air if fumes cause discomfort; seek medical attention if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: If contact with molten wax, rapidly cool with cool water but avoid removing solidified wax, seek medical attention for burns
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy, continue rinsing, seek help if irritation continues
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; rinse mouth with water, seek medical attention if large amount swallowed
Most Important Symptoms: Fume inhalation causes respiratory distress, molten wax can cause severe burns, minimal risk from intact solid wax

5. Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide, sand or earth for large fires
Unsuitable Media: Do not use water on molten wax, may splatter and spread fire
Special Hazards: Burning wax gives off smoke, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, minor hydrocarbons
Firefighter PPE: Use self-contained breathing apparatus, full protective clothing
Special Procedures: Cool exposed containers with water spray well away from spill, avoid runoff water entering sewers or watercourses

6. Accidental Release Measures

Spill Response: Contain solid material, use non-sparking tools for removal, recover by shoveling or mechanical collection for reuse/disposal
For Molten Wax: Allow to cool and solidify, scrape up, wrap in plastic or metal containers for proper disposal
Personal Precautions: Wear gloves, goggles, avoid stepping on solid or sticky areas, ventilate area if fumes present
Environmental Measures: Prevent from entering drains, groundwater, or surface water, notify authorities if large spills threaten environment
Clean-up Methods: Large spills – contain and collect, small spills – absorb residues on sand or earth, dispose per regulations

7. Handling and Storage

Handling: Maintain good ventilation when melting or processing, avoid open flames, sparks, or static charges, keep containers closed, avoid frequent skin contact with molten material
Storage: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible chemicals like strong oxidizers, acids, and excessive heat sources
Special Precautions: Protect from physical damage, label clearly, minimize dust formation during handling to avoid explosion risk
Storage Temperature: Room temperature for finished blocks, avoid storing near sources of intense heat
Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizers (can increase fire risk), supports fire

8. Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL (particulate not otherwise regulated): 15 mg/m³ (total dust)
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation in areas where material is melted or large amounts handled
Personal Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves for molten wax, safety goggles or face shield, long sleeves and trousers, NIOSH-approved dust/fume mask where fumes may be generated
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands before eating or drinking, do not smoke when handling, remove contaminated clothing before entering eating areas
Environmental Controls: Prevent runoff to soil, drains, waterways using barriers or absorbent materials

9. Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White or pale yellow solid, translucent, odorless or faint petroleum odor
Physical State: Solid at ambient conditions, melts at 46–68°C (115–154°F) depending on grade
Boiling Point: Above 350°C (662°F), not usually reached in normal use
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in ether, benzene, some organics
Density: 0.88–0.94 g/cm³
Flash Point: Typically 199–221°C (390–430°F), varies by blend
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable (solid at room temperature)
Vapor Density: Not applicable
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not significant, hydrophobic
Odor Threshold: Very low, effectively odorless

10. Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal temperatures and conditions
Reactivity: Will burn if ignited, may emit smoke and gases at high temperatures
Hazardous Reactions: Reacts with strong oxidizers, possible exothermic reaction and fire
Hazardous Decomposition: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, small amounts of typical hydrocarbon combustion products
Conditions to Avoid: Open flames, sparks, excessive heat, contact with strong oxidants
Polymerization: Will not occur

11. Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Low oral and dermal toxicity, not considered acutely toxic
Skin Contact: Contact with solid product unlikely to cause problems, molten wax may cause burns
Inhalation: Fume inhalation during melting can cause irritation, dizziness, nausea, rare cases of chemical pneumonitis
Chronic Effects: Prolonged overexposure to fumes or oils may cause respiratory distress; repeated skin contact may result in dryness, mild irritation
Sensitization: Not known to cause skin or respiratory sensitization
Carcinogenicity: IARC classifies unrefined or mildly treated mineral oils as possibly carcinogenic; well-refined paraffin waxes are not
Reproductive Toxicity: No evidence of effects
Mutagenicity: No evidence found for paraffin wax
Medical Conditions Aggravated: Preexisting respiratory conditions may worsen if exposed to fumes

12. Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Relatively low aquatic toxicity, acts as floating layer, inhibits oxygen transfer, can harm aquatic insects, larvae if large amounts reach surface waters
Persistence and Degradability: Biodegrades slowly, persistent in environment
Bioaccumulation: Potential to bioaccumulate is low, but can build up in sediment
Mobility in Soil: Not mobile due to solid state and hydrophobic behavior
Other Harmful Effects: May cause fouling of feathers, fur, and gills if wildlife exposed to spills

13. Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Dispose in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations; reuse or recycle wherever possible; incinerate in approved facility or landfill in accordance with regulations
Packaging Disposal: Clean, dry containers can be recycled; contaminated packaging treated as chemical waste
Hazard Classification During Disposal: Not classified as hazardous, unless contaminated with dangerous substances
Do Not: Do not pour molten wax into drains or natural water sources, avoid landfill spills by using sealed containers

14. Transport Information

Proper Shipping Name: Paraffin Wax
UN Number: Not regulated for ground, sea, or air in solid form
Hazard Class: Not classified as dangerous goods for transport
Packing Group: Not assigned
Marine Pollutant: Not classified as marine pollutant, but large spills could impact aquatic surfaces
Special Transport Precautions: Secure packages to prevent shifting, melting, or spillage under temperature fluctuations

15. Regulatory Information

OSHA: Not considered hazardous under OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard
TSCA: Listed in U.S. Toxic Substances Control Act Inventory
DSL/NDSL (Canada): Listed
EINECS/ELINCS (Europe): Listed
EPA SARA Title III: Not subject to reporting under Sections 302/304/311/312/313
REACH Status: Registered, applicable for import/export in EU
Other Regulations: Compliant with limits on polyaromatic hydrocarbons in food and cosmetic use, cosmetic grade meets FDA guidelines