Vinyl Chloride-Vinyl Acetate Copolymer: Material Safety Data Sheet

Identification

Product Name: Vinyl Chloride-Vinyl Acetate Copolymer
Chemical Family: Thermoplastic polymer
SYNONYMS: Poly(vinyl chloride-co-vinyl acetate), PVC-VA
Recommended Use: Industrial uses, such as coatings, adhesives, and film formulations
Manufacturer: Supplier information required for each batch
Emergency Telephone: Refer to company emergency contact line
Product Form: Solid, granules or powder
CAS Numbers: 9003-22-9 (main polymer component)

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous under OSHA HazCom Regulations
Physical Hazards: Dust particles may form explosive mixtures in air; electrostatic charge can develop during handling
Health Hazards: Inhalation of dust may cause irritation to respiratory tract; eye and skin contact may cause mild mechanical irritation
Environmental Hazards: Large spills may present potential risks to aquatic environments
Warning Signs: Avoid breathing dust or fumes generated from processing
Label Elements: Observe local regulations for required symbols and signal words

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Component: Vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer (CAS: 9003-22-9)
Content: >98% by weight
Residual Monomers: Trace amounts of vinyl chloride and vinyl acetate monomers possible (<1%)
Additives: Plasticizers, stabilizers, or processing aids may be present depending on manufacturer, less than 2%
Impurities: Unreacted intermediates at trace levels only

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air; seek medical attention if persistent cough or discomfort develops
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing; wash skin with soap and water; consult doctor if irritation occurs
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes; remove contact lenses if present and easy; seek medical advice for persistent redness or pain
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water; do not induce vomiting; seek medical attention if symptoms develop
Most Important Symptoms: Mechanical eye and respiratory irritation, skin abrasion
Notes to Physician: Symptomatic treatment advised

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide
Specific Hazards: Combustion may produce hydrogen chloride, phosgene, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide
Protective Equipment: Firefighters need self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Firefighting Instructions: Avoid inhalation of fumes and smoke; cool containers with water spray
Explosion Hazard: Dust may form explosive mixtures with air if fines accumulate

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear protective equipment to prevent contact with skin, eyes, and respiratory tract
Environmental Precautions: Prevent release into drains and watercourses; avoid dust formation
Methods for Cleanup: Sweep or vacuum up without creating dust; place in containers for recycling or disposal
Spill Reporting: Notify appropriate authorities if significant quantities enter the environment

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling: Use with adequate ventilation; prevent dust generation; avoid static discharge sources
Personal Hygiene: Wash thoroughly after handling; do not eat, drink, or smoke in work areas
Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and incompatible chemicals
Container Materials: Use containers designed to prevent moisture and contamination
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, acids, alkalis

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation or process enclosure to prevent airborne dust
Respiratory Protection: Dust masks or respirators if airborne concentration exceeds recommended exposure limits
Skin Protection: Gloves made of rubber, nitrile, or PVC; long sleeves and pants
Eye Protection: Safety glasses or goggles with side shields
Work Practices: Regularly clean workspaces; avoid static buildup
Occupational Exposure Limits: Observe workplace exposure standards for residual monomers (OSHA PEL for vinyl chloride: 1 ppm TWA)

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White to off-white solid, available as powder or granules
Odor: Odorless or faint, plastic-like
pH: Not applicable
Melting Point/Range: Softening temperature varies (typically 60°C to 140°C, depending on grade)
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes before boiling)
Flash Point: Not determined for solid material
Auto-ignition Temperature: Above 400°C
Burning Rate: Will burn, supports combustion with difficulty
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at ambient conditions
Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in some organic solvents
Density: Approximately 1.3 – 1.5 g/cm³
Vapor Density: Not applicable
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not available for copolymer
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal processing and storage conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Extreme heat, flame, sources of ignition, static discharge
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, bases, strong oxidizing agents
Decomposition Products: Hydrogen chloride, carbon oxides, phosgene possible under burning or extreme heating
Polymerization: No hazardous polymerization expected

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Low toxicity for copolymer; no known systemic effects from handling as supplied
Chronic Effects: Prolonged inhalation of dust may irritate airways
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: May cause mild, mechanical irritation upon contact
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: May cause redness or discomfort
Sensitization: No known skin or respiratory sensitization
Carcinogenicity: Main copolymer is not listed as carcinogenic; trace vinyl chloride monomer may present very slight risk (IARC Group 1 for vinyl chloride as monomer, not for copolymer)
Mutagenicity: Not classified as mutagenic
Reproductive Toxicity: Not a known reproductive hazard
Target Organs: No data for target organ toxicity of copolymer

Ecological Information

Persistence and Degradability: Slowly biodegradable in environment; persistent in soil and sediment
Bioaccumulation Potential: Not expected to bioaccumulate
Mobility in Soil: Relatively low mobility due to granular or powder form; may settle in aquatic systems
Aquatic Toxicity: No acute toxicity identified in standard aquatic models; could cause physical harm if large quantities enter waterways
Other Harmful Effects: Breakdown products may be hazardous if copolymer burns during waste treatment

Disposal Considerations

Waste Handling: Collect material for reuse or recycling whenever feasible; avoid discharge to water or drains
Disposal Methods: Dispose of through licensed waste contractor; incineration or landfill according to local, regional, national, and international regulations
Contaminated Packaging: Clean before reuse or dispose of as waste material
Regulatory Hazards: Not specifically regulated as hazardous waste under US RCRA; local regulations may vary

Transport Information

UN Number: Not classified as a dangerous good for transport
UN Proper Shipping Name: Not applicable
Transport Hazard Class: Not regulated
Packing Group: Not applicable
Environmental Hazards: None identified under transport regulations
Special Precautions: Avoid generating dust during transport and loading; keep containers closed and dry

Regulatory Information

OSHA Status: Not considered hazardous under OSHA 29 CFR 1910
TSCA Inventory: Main component listed as a chemical substance
SARA Title III: Does not contain reportable Section 313 ingredients in significant quantity
California Proposition 65: Vinyl chloride monomer is a listed substance; residual levels often fall below regulatory thresholds but end-user confirmation recommended
International Regulations: Meets labeling and communication standards for Europe (REACH), Canada (WHMIS), Asia-Pacific, and other relevant regions
Labeling Requirements: May require identification of low levels of residual monomers to comply with workplace communication rules