PVC Compounds

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

P R E C A U T I O N A R Y INFORMATION Caution: If proper procedures for processing PVC compounds are not followed, processing fumes and vapors can be liberated at elevated temperatures. The presence of these fumes or vapors may result in exposure. Additionally, the composition of these fumes or vapors may vary widely according to the individual processing procedures and materials used. Processors must determine for themselves the appropriate equipment and procedures for their use.

Principle Routes of Exposure

Inhalation of process emissions during periods of elevated temperature due to other than normal processing conditions. Eye: Vapors or fumes emitted, due to other than normal processing conditions, may cause eye irritation. Dust resulting from the handling of powder may be irritating to the eyes. Skin Contact: Vapors or fumes emitted during processes involving elevated temperatures may cause skin irritation. Dust resulting from the handling of powder may be irritating to the skin. Skin Absorption: This material is initially a dry solid pellet or powder; no absorption is likely to occur in its initial form. Vapors or fumes emitted during processes involving elevated temperatures may absorb through the skin at low levels. Ingestion: Slightly toxic by ingestion. Powder form may become airborne during handling, resulting in the potential for incidental ingestion. Vapors or fumes emitted during processes involving elevated temperature may be ingested at low levels. Adequate ventilation should be provided. Inhalation: Powder form may become airborne during handling, resulting in potential inhalation exposure. Vapors or fumes emitted during processes involving elevated temperatures may be inhaled if not adequately ventilated. (continued)

2.1 Classification of the substance or mixture

Acute Effects: Dust associated with the handling of PVC powder as well as fumes or vapors liberated from both PVC powder and pellets at high temperatures may be irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract if not adequately ventilated.

Potential chronic health

Chronic exposure to fumes and vapors from heated or thermally decomposed plastics may cause an asthma-like syndrome due to the inhalation of process vapors or fumes. The onset of irritation maybe delayed for several hours. Fumes or vapors may accumulate within the facility during normal operating procedures that involve elevated temperatures. Exposure to these elevated concentrations, if not adequately ventilated, may have significant health effects. Carcinogenic: IARC has determined that there is inadequate evidence of carcinogenicity of a polyvinyl chloride resin in both animals and humans. The overall evaluation of polyvinyl chloride is Group 3, meaning that it is not classifiable as a carcinogen (IARC Vol. 19, 1979). Polyvinyl chloride is not listed as a carcinogen by OSHA, NIOSH, NTP, IARC or EPA. Some pigments used to color PVC compounds may contain metals, which in some of their chemical forms are suspected or confirmed carcinogens. These metals are bound in the crystalline structure of the pigment, and to the best of the supplier’s knowledge, do not present a significant health risk. Additionally, the low levels of pigments used in PVC pellet compounds are also bound in the polymer matrix and to the best of our knowledge do not present a significant health risk.