Product Identification

Product Name

Polyoxymethylene

Synonyms

Formagen
Paraform
Polyoxymethylene

CAS

30525-89-4

Formula

(CH2O)n

Molecular Weight

30.01

EINECS

200-001-8

RTECS

RV0540000

RTECS Class

Agricultural Chemical and Pesticide; Mutagen; Primary Irritant

Merck

12,7158

Beilstein/Gmelin

102769

EC Class

harmful, irritant, carcinogenic, sensitizing

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance

A white solid with a light pungent odor. A linear polymer of formaldehyde of formula HO(CH2O)xH where x averages about 30.

Solubility in water

Decomposes

Melting Point

123

Boiling Point

135 - 136 (13 torr)

Vapor Pressure

11

Density

1.46 g/cm3 (20 C)

Heat Of Vaporization

Heat Of Combustion

-589 kJ/mol

Usage

Microbiocide, fungicide, insecticide.

First Aid Measures

Ingestion

Do NOT induce vomiting. If victim is conscious and alert, give 2-4 cupfuls of milk or water. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical aid immediately.

Inhalation

Get medical aid immediately. Remove from exposure to fresh air immediately. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. DO NOT use mouth-to-mouth respiration.

Skin

Get medical aid immediately. Immediately flush skin with plenty of soap and water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Remove contaminated clothing and shoes.

Eyes

Get medical aid immediately. Do NOT allow victim to rub or keep eyes closed. Extensive irrigation is required (at least 30 minutes).

Handling and Storage

Storage

Keep away from heat and flame. Keep from contact with oxidizing materials. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances. Keep containers tightly closed. Keep away from strong bases.

Handling

Wash thoroughly after handling. Wash hands before eating. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse. Use only in a well ventilated area. Minimize dust generation and accumulation. Do not get on skin or in eyes. Do not ingest or inhale.

Hazards Identification

Inhalation

May cause severe irritation of the upper respiratory tract with pain, burns, and inflammation. May cause anosmia (loss of smell). Inhalation of high concentrations may cause pulmonary edema. Harmful if inhaled.

Skin

May cause skin sensitization, an allergic reaction, which becomes evident upon re-exposure to this material. May cause hives. Causes severe skin irritation and possible burns. Contact with dust causes drying, cracking, and scaling of the skin.

Eyes

May result in corneal injury. Causes severe eye irritation and burns.

Ingestion

Symptoms may include: headache, excitement, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, stupor, and coma. May cause systemic toxicity with acidosis. May cause severe digestive tract irritation with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. May be harmful if swallowed.

Hazards

Changes to formaldehyde gas, which is highly flammable.

EC Risk Phrase

R 20/22 34 40 43

EC Safety Phrase

S 22 26 36/37/39 45

UN (DOT)

2213

Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Personal Protection

Eyes: Wear appropriate protective eyeglasses or chemical safety goggles as described by OSHA's eye and face protection regulations in 29 CFR 1910.133 or European Standard EN166. Skin: Wear appropriate protective gloves to prevent skin exposure. Clothing: Wear appropriate protective clothing to prevent skin exposure.

Respirators

A respiratory protection program that meets OSHA's 29 CFR 1910.134 and ANSI Z88.2 requirements or European Standard EN 149 must be followed whenever workplace conditions warrant a respirator's use.

Exposure Effects

Prolonged or repeated eye contact may cause conjunctivitis. Repeated inhalation may cause chronic bronchitis. Repeated exposure may cause sensitization dermatitis.

Exposure limit(s)

C 0.3 ppm TLV {C 0.37 mg/m3}

Poison Class

4 (Substances and products that must be considered harmful)

Fire Fighting Measures

Autoignition

300

Fire Fighting

Wear a self-contained breathing apparatus in pressure-demand, MSHA/NIOSH (approved or equivalent), and full protective gear. Dusts at sufficient concentrations can form explosive mixtures with air. Combustion generates toxic fumes. Flammable solid. May re-ignite after fire is extinguished. May burn rapidly with flare-burning effect. Extinguishing media: For large fires, use water spray, fog or regular foam. For small fires, use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, sand, earth, water spray or regular foam. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out.

Upper exp. limit

73

Lower exp. limit

7

Fire Potential

Moderately flammable. Requires moderate heating.

Accidental Release Measures

Small spills/leaks

Vacuum or sweep up material and place into a suitable disposal container. Avoid generating dusty conditions. Remove all sources of ignition. Provide ventilation. A vapor suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors.

Stability and Reactivity

Stability

Stable, however, can decompose above 260 C.

Incompatibilities

Strong oxidizing agents, strong bases, isocyanates, anhydrides, bronze, brass, copper, copper alloys, steel, strong reducing agents, acids.

Decomposition

Carbon monoxide, irritating and toxic fumes and gases, carbon dioxide, formaldehyde.

Combustion Products

When heated, it emits formaldehyde gas and carbon monoxide..

Transport Information

UN Number

2213

Hazard Class

4.1

Packing Group

III

HS Code

3808 40 90