Material Safety Data Sheet: Polyethylene Oxide (PEO)

Identification

Product Name: Polyethylene Oxide
Chemical Formula: (C2H4O)n
Synonyms: Polyox, Polyethylene glycol dimethyl ether
CAS Number: 25322-68-3
Recommended Use: Thickener, binder, lubricant, water retention agent
Supplier Information: Contact information should include an emergency phone number and address

Hazard Identification

Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS
Label Elements: No pictogram, signal word, or hazard statement required
Hazard Statements: May cause dust irritation to eyes and respiratory system
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, wash hands after handling, use in well-ventilated areas
Other Hazards: Slippery when spilled, static charge may pose ignition risk for fine dust

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Polyethylene Oxide
CAS Number: 25322-68-3
Percentage: 98–100%
Impurities: Trace amounts of residual catalysts and process byproducts may be present at very low levels

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move the exposed person to fresh air, monitor breathing, offer symptomatic treatment
Skin Contact: Wash with plenty of soap and water, remove contaminated clothing
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, seek medical advice if irritation persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, seek medical assistance for large ingestion or persistent symptoms
Most Important Symptoms: Cough, sneezing, mild irritation to eyes and throat possible

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water mist, foam, dry powder, or carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Direct water jet may spread dust
Special Hazards: Decomposition in fire can generate carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and other toxic fumes
Advice for Firefighters: Wear full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus, control run-off to prevent environmental contamination

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Avoid breathing dust, ventilate area, use appropriate personal protective equipment
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains and waterways
Methods for Cleanup: Use clean-up methods that minimize dust generation, such as wet sweeping or vacuuming with equipment fitted with HEPA filters, collect material for re-use or disposal in labeled, sealed containers
Spill Response: Cordon off area to prevent slips, cover powder with damp cloth if needed to reduce risk of airborne dust

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use appropriate engineering controls to avoid dust build-up, ground equipment to prevent static discharge, wash hands and face after handling
Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry, and well-ventilated place away from incompatible materials, tightly close containers, avoid direct sunlight, keep away from sources of ignition
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, acids, and bases

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No established occupational exposure limits for PEO
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation or enclosed processes to keep airborne levels below recommended limits
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear dust-resistant safety goggles, gloves, appropriate respiratory protection if dusty conditions arise, long-sleeved work clothing recommended
Hygiene Measures: No eating, drinking, or smoking in the work area, wash thoroughly before breaks and after handling

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White to off-white powder or granular solid
Odor: Odorless
pH: Neutral (5–8) in water
Melting Point: Softens above 65°C, no sharp melting point
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes before boiling)
Solubility: Freely soluble in water, insoluble in most organic solvents
Density: About 1.2 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Other Data: Forms viscous solutions in water, can become sticky

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal storage and use conditions
Hazardous Reactions: Reacts with strong oxidizing agents
Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and low molecular weight hydrocarbons if burned
Conditions to Avoid: High temperatures, sparks, open flames, incompatible chemicals

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Considered to have low oral and dermal toxicity
Possible Effects of Overexposure: May lead to mild dust irritation of eyes, skin and respiratory tract
Skin Sensitization: No evidence of skin sensitizing effects in current studies
Long-term Exposure: No evidence of carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reproductive toxicity in available literature
Medical Conditions Aggravated by Exposure: Existing respiratory conditions may worsen with exposed dust

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Low toxicity to aquatic life, large releases may cause oxygen depletion in water
Mobility: High solubility in water, tends to disperse
Persistence and Degradability: Biodegradable by common environmental bacteria and fungi, rate depends on molecular weight and conditions
Bioaccumulation: Low likelihood of accumulation in organisms or the food chain

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations
Recommended Disposal: Small quantities may go to landfill or municipal waste, larger quantities through licensed chemical waste contractors
Container Disposal: Rinse empty containers and recycle or dispose of as permitted

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated as a hazardous material
UN Proper Shipping Name: Not regulated
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified
Packing Group: Not assigned
Environmental Hazards: Not designated as a marine pollutant
Special Precautions: Secure cargo to prevent spills and minimize dust generation during transit

Regulatory Information

US TSCA Inventory: Listed
EU REACH Registration: Exempt or registered depending on supply volume
OSHA Status: Not classified as hazardous
SARA Title III, Section 313: Not listed
Canadian DSL: Listed
Other Regulations: Check with relevant authorities for country-specific environmental, safety, and health requirements