SIGMA-ALDRICH
Material Safety Data Sheet
Date Printed: 05/MAY/2005
Date Updated: 10/JAN/2005
Version 1.7
According to 91/155/EEC
Classified as Hazardous according to the criteria of EU Annex 1 and
NOHSC.
1 - Product and Company Information
Product Name PARAFORMALDEHYDE
Product Number 76240
Company Sigma-Aldrich Pty, Ltd
Unit 2, 14 Anella Avenue
Castle Hill NSW 1765
Technical Phone # +61 2 9841 0555
Fax +61 2 9841 0500
Emergency Phone # +61 2 9841 0566
2 - Composition/Information on Ingredients
Product Name CAS # EC no Annex I
Index Number
PARAFORMALDEHYDE 30525-89-4 200-001-8 None
Formula (C1H2O)n
Synonyms Aldacide * Flo-Mor * Formagene * Paraform *
Polymerized formaldehyde
3 - Hazards Identification
SPECIAL INDICATION OF HAZARDS TO HUMANS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Harmful by inhalation and if swallowed. Irritating to respiratory
system and skin. Limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect. Risk
of serious damage to eyes. May cause sensitization by skin contact.
4 - First Aid Measures
AFTER INHALATION
If inhaled, remove to fresh air. If not breathing give
artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen.
AFTER SKIN CONTACT
In case of skin contact, flush with copious amounts of water for
at least 15 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing and shoes.
Call a physician.
AFTER EYE CONTACT
In case of contact with eyes, flush with copious amounts of
water for at least 15 minutes. Assure adequate flushing by
separating the eyelids with fingers. Call a physician.
AFTER INGESTION
If swallowed, wash out mouth with water provided person is
conscious. Call a physician immediately.
5 - Fire Fighting Measures
EXPLOSION DATA
Dust Potential: This material, like most materials in powder
form, is capable of creating a dust explosion.
EXTINGUISHING MEDIA
Suitable: Water spray. Carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, or
appropriate foam.
SPECIAL RISKS
Specific Hazard(s): Flammable solid. Emits toxic fumes under
fire conditions.
SPECIAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT FOR FIREFIGHTERS
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing
to prevent contact with skin and eyes.
6 - Accidental Release Measures
PERSONAL PRECAUTION PROCEDURES TO BE FOLLOWED IN CASE OF LEAK OR SPILL
Evacuate area. Shut off all sources of ignition. Use nonsparking
tools.
PROCEDURE(S) OF PERSONAL PRECAUTION(S)
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus, rubber boots, and heavy
rubber gloves.
METHODS FOR CLEANING UP
Avoid raising dust. Sweep up, place in a bag and hold for waste
disposal. Ventilate area and wash spill site after material
pickup is complete.
7 - Handling and Storage
HANDLING
Directions for Safe Handling: Avoid breathing dust. Avoid
contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Avoid prolonged or
repeated exposure.
STORAGE
Conditions of Storage: Keep container closed. Keep away from
heat, sparks, and open flame.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Handle and store under inert gas. Moisture
sensitive.
8 - Exposure Controls / Personal Protection
ENGINEERING CONTROLS
Safety shower and eye bath. Use nonsparking tools. Use only in a
chemical fume hood.
GENERAL HYGIENE MEASURES
Wash thoroughly after handling.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Respiratory Protection: Government approved respirator.
Hand Protection: Compatible chemical-resistant gloves.
Eye Protection: Chemical safety goggles.
9 - Physical and Chemical Properties
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Appearance Physical State: Solid
Odor: Pungent
Property Value At Temperature or Pressure
pH 4 - 5.5
BP/BP Range N/A
MP/MP Range 163 - 165 藲C
Flash Point 70 藲C Method: closed cup
Flammability N/A
Autoignition Temp 370 藲C
Oxidizing Properties N/A
Explosive Properties N/A
Explosion Limits N/A
Vapor Pressure N/A
SG/Density 0.88 g/cm3
Partition Coefficient N/A
Viscosity N/A
Vapor Density N/A
Saturated Vapor Conc. N/A
Evaporation Rate N/A
Bulk Density 500 - 800 kg/l
Decomposition Temp. N/A
Solvent Content N/A
Water Content N/A
Surface Tension N/A
Conductivity N/A
Miscellaneous Data N/A
Solubility Solubility in Water:Insoluble.
10 - Stability and Reactivity
STABILITY
Stable: Unstable.
Conditions to Avoid: Moisture.
Materials to Avoid: Brass, Steel Copper, Copper alloys, Acid
anhydrides, Strong oxidizing agents, Strong reducing agents
Paraformaldehyde is incompatible with isocyanates, oxides, and
bronze.
HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, Carbon dioxide,
Formaldehyde.
Hazardous Decomposition Products Formed Upon Contact with Water:
Decomposition by acids, alkalies, and hot water with liberation of
formaldehyde
HAZARDOUS POLYMERIZATION
Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur
11 - Toxicological Information
RTECS NUMBER: RV0540000
ACUTE TOXICITY
LD50
Oral
Rat
592 mg/kg
LD50
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Oral
Rat
800 mg/kg
LC50
Inhalation
Rat
1,070 mg/m3
4H
Remarks: Sense Organs and Special Senses (Nose, Eye, Ear, and
Taste):Eye:Lacrimation. Lungs, Thorax, or Respiration:Dyspnea.
Gastrointestinal:Changes in structure or function of salivary
glands.
LDLO
Skin
Rat
10000 mg/kg
IRRITATION DATA
Eyes
Rabbit
Remarks: Severe irritation effect
Skin
Rabbit
Remarks: No irritation effect
Skin
Rabbit
500 mg
24H
Remarks: Severe irritation effect
Eyes
Rabbit
100 mg
Remarks: Severe irritation effect
SENSITIZATION
Skin: May cause allergic skin reaction.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF EXPOSURE
Symptoms of exposure may include burning sensation, coughing,
wheezing, laryngitis, shortness of breath, headache, nausea, and
vomiting. Exposure can cause: Drying, cracking, or irritation of
the skin. Pulmonary edema. Effects may be delayed. Pronounced
irreversible ocular damage, eye burns.
ROUTE OF EXPOSURE
Skin Contact: Causes skin irritation.
Skin Absorption: May be harmful if absorbed through the skin.
Eye Contact: Causes severe eye irritation.
Inhalation: Harmful if inhaled. Material is irritating to mucous
membranes and upper respiratory tract.
Ingestion: Harmful if swallowed. Ingestion can cause immediate
burning pain in the mouth, throat, abdomen; severe swelling of
the larynx and skeletal paralysis affecting the ability to
breathe, circulatory shock and convulsions.
TARGET ORGAN INFORMATION
Eyes. Kidneys. Liver. Heart.
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CHRONIC EXPOSURE - CARCINOGEN
Result: This product is or contains a component that has been
reported to be probably carcinogenic based on its IARC, OSHA,
ACGIH, NTP, or EPA classification. Formaldehyde, the
decomposition product of paraformaldehyde, has been listed as a
carcinogen by NTP and IARC.
CHRONIC EXPOSURE - MUTAGEN
Rat
2200 NG/PLATE
Cell Type: Embryo
Morphological transformation.
12 - Ecological Information
ECOTOXICOLOGICAL EFFECTS
Test Type: LC50 Fish
Time: 96 h
Value: > 10 mg/l
Test Type: EC50 Daphnia
Species: Daphnia magna
Time: 24 h
Value: 42 mg/l
ADDITIONAL ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
BOD5: 37 %
13 - Disposal Considerations
SUBSTANCE DISPOSAL
Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose
of this material. Burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with an
afterburner and scrubber but exert extra care in igniting as this
material is highly flammable. Observe all federal, state, and
local environmental regulations.
14 - Transport Information
RID/ADR
UN#: 2213
Class: 4.1
PG: III
Proper Shipping Name: Paraformaldehyde
IMDG
UN#: 2213
Class: 4.1
PG: III
Proper Shipping Name: Paraformaldehyde
Marine Pollutant: No
Severe Marine Pollutant: No
IATA
UN#: 2213
Class: 4.1
PG: III
Proper Shipping Name: Paraformaldehyde
Inhalation Packing Group I: No
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15 - Regulatory Information
CLASSIFICATION AND LABELING ACCORDING TO EU DIRECTIVES
INDICATION OF DANGER: Xn
Harmful.
R-PHRASES: 20/22 37/38 40 41 43
Harmful by inhalation and if swallowed. Irritating to
respiratory system and skin. Limited evidence of a carcinogenic
effect. Risk of serious damage to eyes. May cause sensitization
by skin contact.
S-PHRASES: 26 36/37/39 45
In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of
water and seek medical advice. Wear suitable protective
clothing, gloves, and eye/face protection. In case of accident
or if you feel unwell, seek medical advice immediately (show
the label where possible).
COUNTRY SPECIFIC INFORMATION
Germany
WGK: 2
SWITZERLAND
SWISS POISON CLASS: 4
16 - Other Information
WARRANTY
The above information is believed to be correct but does not
purport to be all inclusive and shall be used only as a guide. The
information in this document is based on the present state of our
knowledge and is applicable to the product with regard to
appropriate safety precautions. It does not represent any
guarantee of the properties of the product. Sigma-Aldrich Inc.,
shall not be held liable for any damage resulting from handling or
from contact with the above product. See reverse side of invoice
or packing slip for additional terms and conditions of sale.
Copyright 2005 Sigma-Aldrich Co. License granted to make unlimited
paper copies for internal use only.
DISCLAIMER
For R&D use only. Not for drug, household or other uses.
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