Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) - Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Identification
Product Name: Polyvinyl Chloride
Chemical Formula: (C2H3Cl)n
CAS Number: 9002-86-2
Synonyms: PVC, Vinyl Chloride Polymer
Recommended Use: Manufacturing of pipes, insulation on wires and cables, bottles, packaging, construction materials
Supplier Details: Company contact, phone number, emergency contact (such as the CHEMTREC number commonly used in the industry), packaging information, address of manufacturer or distributor
Emergency Overview: White to grey, odorless solid; typically found in powder, pellet, or rigid sheet form; not volatile under standard conditions; non-flammable and stable in normal storage conditions
Hazard Identification
GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous according to OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200)
Potential Health Effects: Repeated inhalation of dust may irritate respiratory tract; contact with eyes or skin may cause mechanical irritation; ingestion is not a typical route of exposure but may cause stomach discomfort
Physical Hazards: Dust may form explosive mixtures with air if airborne at high concentrations; heated decomposition may produce toxic gases
Environmental Hazards: Not readily biodegradable; may cause environmental impact if released in significant quantities
Signal Word: None required under most regulations
Composition / Information on Ingredients
Main Ingredient: Polyvinyl chloride (>97%)
CAS Number: 9002-86-2
Possible Additives: Plasticizers (such as phthalates, up to 40% in flexible PVC), stabilizers (lead-based in older products or calcium/zinc-based in modern ones), lubricants, fillers (such as calcium carbonate), pigments
Impurities: Residual vinyl chloride monomer (usually <1 ppm), other proprietary additives depending on application
First Aid Measures
Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention for persistent symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing; mechanical irritation can be managed with topical creams if needed
Eye Contact: Rinse thoroughly with clean water for several minutes, lifting eyelids if necessary; consult physician for continued irritation
Ingestion: Rinse mouth; give small amounts of water to drink; do not induce vomiting unless directed by a medical professional; seek medical advice as a precaution
Fire-Fighting Measures
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, carbon dioxide, dry powder, foam
Unsuitable Media: Do not use direct water jet on molten material
Special Hazards: Decomposition may release hydrogen chloride, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, phosgene and other toxic chlorinated compounds
Protective Equipment: Full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighters; evacuate area if large fire occurs in storage
Accidental Release Measures
Personal Precautions: Avoid contact with eyes and skin; avoid breathing dust; provide adequate ventilation
Spill Cleanup Methods: Sweep up and place in suitable containers for recycling or disposal; minimize dust generation to prevent inhalation and risk of airborne explosion
Environmental Precautions: Prevent significant quantities from entering drains or waterways; inform local authorities if large spills threaten the ecosystem
Disposal of Collected Material: Refer to disposal considerations section
Handling and Storage
Handling: Avoid generating dust; wear protective gloves, eyewear, and respiratory protection when handling powders; do not eat, drink, or smoke in processing areas; ground equipment where dust is handled to reduce risk of static discharge
Storage: Store in well-ventilated, dry, cool area away from incompatible chemicals such as strong acids, alkalis, and oxidizing agents; keep containers tightly closed; avoid storage near heat sources or open flames; protect from direct sunlight and moisture; store away from food and animal feed
Exposure Controls and Personal Protection
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation for processes generating dust, enclosed handling systems recommended for powder; good general ventilation in storage and use areas
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety glasses or goggles; gloves made from impervious materials; dust mask or respirator if airborne particles are present above occupational exposure limits; clean protective clothing for regular manufacturing work
Occupational Exposure Limits: No exposure limit set for finished PVC; residual vinyl chloride monomer limited to <1 ppm (OSHA PEL for vinyl chloride: 1 ppm TWA)
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and face before breaks or eating; separate work clothing from personal clothing
Physical and Chemical Properties
Appearance: White to grey solid, may be in powder, pellet, or rigid form
Odor: Odorless
Molecular Weight: Varies depending on chain length, typically several hundred thousand
Melting Point: Decomposes before melting, around 140–160°C
Boiling Point: Not applicable (polymer is non-volatile)
Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in specific organic solvents at elevated temperatures
Density: 1.3–1.45 g/cm3
pH: Not applicable
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Flash Point: Not easily flammable
Auto-Ignition Temperature: Approximately 450°C
Explosive Properties: Dust explosion possible in high concentrations and ignition sources
Other Data: Stable under recommended storage and use conditions, poor conductor of heat and electricity
Stability and Reactivity
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal storage and handling conditions
Reactivity: Unreactive with most chemicals under standard use; decomposes at temperatures above 140°C
Hazardous Reactions: Reacts with strong acids, bases, and oxidizers, releasing gases such as hydrogen chloride
Decomposition Products: Hydrogen chloride gas, carbon monoxide, phosgene, dioxins (incomplete combustion or overheating)
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, open flame, strong oxidizers, incompatible substances as listed above
Toxicological Information
Acute Toxicity: No acute toxicity from finished PVC; vinyl chloride monomer is classified as a human carcinogen (IARC Group 1), but present only in trace, regulated amounts in finished material
Chronic Effects: Repeated inhalation of dust may cause respiratory discomfort; older PVC stabilized with certain compounds (e.g., lead, cadmium) may present toxicological hazards upon long-term exposure
Carcinogenicity: Finished material not classified as carcinogenic; trace monomer strictly regulated
Sensitization: No reports of sensitization through skin or respiratory tract from finished material
Other Effects: Additive leaching in contact with fatty foods or certain solvents may contribute to cumulative exposure over long periods
Ecological Information
Environmental Fate: Not biodegradable; persists in environment; breaks down physically to microplastics over time
Aquatic Toxicity: Not expected to be acutely toxic to aquatic organisms, but physical hazard due to accumulation
Mobility in Soil: Immobile; particles may persist, especially small fibers or microplastics
Bioaccumulation: Polymer itself not expected to bioaccumulate; some additives may persist and bioaccumulate if released from product
Other Issues: Can pose a choking hazard or blockages in animal digestive tracts if ingested; concern about dioxin formation from improper burning or incineration
Disposal Considerations
Waste Disposal: Dispose of in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations; landfilling permitted in most jurisdictions, but preferable to recycle where facilities exist
Incineration: Only with proper emission control technologies to limit dioxins and hydrogen chloride release; do not burn in open air or uncontrolled conditions
Special Handling: Avoid release of dust to environment; containers should be emptied as much as possible before disposal
Recycling: Increasingly encouraged through established programs; mechanical recycling widely practiced for clean, sorted scrap
Transport Information
Nominal Shipping Name: Not classified as a dangerous good under international transport regulations (IMDG, IATA, DOT)
Label Requirements: No special transport labeling required for the polymer; consult shipping guidelines for associated chemicals or additives
Packaging: Sacks, bulk containers, drums; keep sealed, dry, and out of direct sunlight during transport
Special Precautions: Avoid generating dust in confined spaces; verify compatibility of packaging materials; ensure containers are properly secured to prevent spillage
Regulatory Information
United States: OSHA Hazard Communication Standard lists finished PVC as non-hazardous; vinyl chloride monomer, if present above threshold, regulated as a carcinogen; TSCA-listed
European Union: REACH-registered, not classified as hazardous for finished product; strict limits on additives like phthalates, lead, cadmium
Global: Various local/national requirements for labeling, waste management, and air emissions for manufacturing and processing; ongoing regulatory updates for microplastics and additive management
Environmental: Potential restrictions in green procurement initiatives due to plastic waste and additive leaching concerns; increased demand for recycling and closed-loop systems
