PTFE Fine Powder

Classification (DPD)

Not a hazardous substance or preparation according to EC- directives 67/548/EEC or 1999/45/EC

CLP CLASSIFICATION

According to CLP no hazard category has been assigned

2.2 Label elements

CLP Label elements: No data available

2.3 Other hazards

As the material is an inert polymer thus no risk expected for the human health and environment in the normal use of the product. This assessment is based on information available for the components contained in the material. However, some risk may be expected at temperatures greater than 400°C (752°F) for emission of decomposed noxious compounds which are extremely corrosive and can cause severe burns not immediately visible. Eye Effects No effect are expected during normal use. Eye contact with thermally decomposed products causes pain, redness, tearing, irritation, burns and corneal abrasion. Potential effects on long exposure to human health The decomposed chemical products of the material are very dangerous in case of contact with skin and eyes or when inhaled. On inhalation the symptoms may not occur until several hours after the exposure. Skin Effects No effects are expected during normal use. Skin contact with thermally decomposed products can cause redness, itching, irritation, burns. Ingestion / Oral Effects No effects are expected during normal use. Inhalation Effects No effects expected during normal use. Inhalation of thermally decomposed products can cause headache, cough, chills and fever called polymer fume fever (symptoms are flue like condition with fever, chest pain or tightness, shortness of breath, cough, muscle aches etc). These symptoms generally disappear after 24-48 hours without further complication. Depending upon the finished product manufacturing condition, it is possible that small quantities of residual gases, including perfluoroisobutylene (PFIB), hexafluoropropylene (HFP), tetrafluoroethylene (TFE), and hydrogen fluoride (HF) may be trapped and slowly evolves from resins The Health hazards of the decomposition products are as follows : Hydrogen Fluoride (HF) Inhalation of hydrogen fluoride at higher concentrations may cause : symptoms of choking, coughing and severe eye, nose and throat irritation, possibly followed by fever, chills, difficulty in breathing, cyanosis and pulmonary edema. Hydrogen fluoride is corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract and may be absorbed through the skin in toxic amounts. It can cause delayed burns that may not be immediately visible or painful. Acute or chronic overexposure to hydrogen fluoride can injure the liver and kidneys. If a person is highly exposed to hydrogen fluoride, he should seek immediate medical attention. Carbonyl Fluoride (COF )2 The effects of overexposure to COF 2 may initially include : skin irritation with discomfort or rash; eye corrosion with corneal or conjunctival ulceration (destruction of the lens of the eye and surrounding tissues); irritation of the upper of respiratory passage; or temporary lung irritation effects with cough, discomfort, difficulty in breathing, or shortness breath. The effects of exposure may be delayed for several hours. If the effects observed include severe breathing difficulties, including congestion in the chest, seek immediate medical attention, including a period of observation. Tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) TFE is flammable, gaseous monomer that may cause acute effects when inhaled. Inhalation of TFE may cause irritation of the upper respiratory tract and eyes, mild central nervous system depression, nausea and vomiting, and dry cough. Massive inhalation of the gas may produce cardiac arrthythmia, cardiac arrest and death. Chronic overexposure may cause toxic effects, primarily to the kidney. Perfluorisobutylene (PFIB) The effects of inhalation exposure to PFIB have been studied in animals. Severe adverse effects occurred, including pulmonary edema, which can lead to death. Observed symptoms include wheezing, sneezing, difficulty in breathing, and abnormally deep or rapid breathing. Animals that survive for 24 hours after exposure apparently recovered with no after-effects. Little human exposure data available. Hexafluoropropylene (HFP) Hexafluoropropylene has a low toxicity after acute exposure. When administered for a long period it may cause toxic effects primarily to the kidney. Carbon Monoxide (CO) Carbon monoxide reduces the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood, resulting in a decreased capacity to exertion, increased load on the heart and with severe exposure, unconsciousness and death. 5. FIRST AID MEASURES Eye No effects are expected during normal use. In the case of contact with thermally degraded products, flush immediately and continuously with cold water and have eyes examined by medical personnel. Skin No effects are expected during normal use. In the case of contact with thermally degraded products, flush immediately and continuously with cold water and wash off the material by soap, give attention to flushing skin under nails. If required seek for medical advice. Ingestion Get medical attention if gastrointestinal symptoms develop. Inhalation No effects are expected during normal use. In the case of inhalation of thermally degraded product bring the patient to fresh air. A qualified individual should provide oxygen or artificial respiration if breathing problem appears. Get medical attention.

Further information

In all cases of exposure to thermally degraded product, ask for immediate medical advice, mentioning that Hydrogen Fluoride may be one of the decomposition products. 6. FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES Flammable Properties Flash Ignition Temperature 530 - 550°C (986-1022°F) (Method ASTM D 1929) Self Ignition Temperature 530 - 560°C (986-1040°F) (Method ASTM D 1929) Fire or Explosion Hazards Although it is difficult to ignite the material and flame goes out when initiating source is removed but exposure to air can form explosive mixture. Explosion may occur in the presence of spark at certain concentrations. Fluoride gas will be released in thermal decomposition. When exposed to temperatures above 400°C (752°F) it can decompose to produce toxic and corrosive substances, including HF, CO and COF 2 As it does not burn without an external fuel source hence the use of airborne dispersion be avoided. Precautions to be taken in case of fire Wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear full turnout gear or Level A equipment to protect skin, eyes and respiratory system from contact with HF. Decontaminate personnel and equipment with water wash-down after fire and smoke exposure, as well as after salvage. Special Fire Fighting Procedures Move the container out of firing area. Extinguishing Medium Water mist, water spray, water stream, CO dry chemical foam, sand. 7. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES Sprill and Leak Response: In case of an accidental release, evacuate all personnel away from affected area. Protect people from entering into the hazardous area. Cut fire source. Personal Protective Equipment should have self- contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing. Avoid raising dust. If leakage is serious, area should be covered by canvas or plastic sheet. The waste will be collected and transported to waste treatment unit. 8. HANDLING AND STORAGE Handling Handling area should be well ventilated as packaged containers may contain significant concentrations of toxic gases. Operator must be trained and standard operation procedure must be followed. Suitable respiratory equipment is recommended. Smoking is strictly prohibited in working area as smoking while using this product can result in contamination of the tobacco and / or smoke and lead to polymer fume fever.

Storage

Store in dry, well ventilated areas below 19°C (66.2°F) temperature away from sources of fire and heat. Protect from contamination. 9. EXPOSURE CONTROLS / PERSONAL PROTECTION Exposure Guidelines Ingredient Authority Type Limit PTFE OSHA PEL for total dust 15mg/m3 PTFE OSHA PEL for respirable fraction 5mg/m3 PTFE OSHA TLV-TWA for Inhalable particulate 10mg/m3 PTFE OSHA TLV-TWA for respirable particulate 3mg/m3 OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration PEL Permissible Exposure Limits for Particulates not otherwise regulated TLV Threshold limiting value TWA Time-Weighted average Reference : Guide to the Safe handling of fluoropolymer resins, fourth edition by SPI. Engineering controls : Appropriate ventilation is recommended when material is heated. Use local exhaust to completely remove vapors and fumes. Respiratory Protection Self-contained breathing apparatus is required if concentration exceeds the exposure limit . Eye Protection Avoid eye contact . Use chemical safety goggles if necessary. Body Protection Avoid contact with molten material. Hand Protection Wear regular work gloves. Other Protection Keep good hygiene habit. 10. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES Appearance Solid pH Value Not Available Texture Granular, Powder Volatile Content Not Available Odor No Odor Melting Point Range 327-342⁰C (621-648°F) Color White Specific Gravity 2.14-2.20 Boiling Point Data Not Available Solubility Insoluble 11.STABILITY AND REACTIVITY Stability Stable at normal temperatures. Incompatibility It can react with finely divided metal powders such as aluminum, magnesium and with strong oxidizers like fluorine and fluorine chloride to produce fire and / or explosion. Conditions to avoid Do not overheat. Hazardous decomposition products may evolve when heated above 380°C (716°F). Hazardous Polymerization No hazardous polymerization. Decomposition Heating of the material in the temp. range of 380°C (716°F) to 400°C (752°F) releases decomposition products such as HF, COF 2 etc. For details Ref. MSDS-GFL clause 4, page no. 2 & 3.