Instru-Trays

2.1 Classification of the substance or mixture

Marlex ® Polypropylene polymers and copolymers plus additives Control as Particulate Not Otherwise Classified (PNOC) or Regulated: OSHA PEL ACGIH TLV Respirable fraction 5 mg/m3 3 mg/m3 Total dust 15mg/m3 10 mg/m3 Based on the information presently available, this product does not meet any of the hazard definitions of 29 CFR Section 1910.1200. Adverse environmental and human health effects: Acute effect of overexposure: Eye: Dust may cause mechanical irritation. Processing off gas vapors may cause irritation. Skin: Essentially non-irritating. Inhalation: Dust may produce mechanical irritation to the mucous membranes of the nose, throat, and upper respiratory tract. Processing off gas vapors may cause irritation to the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract. Ingestion: Essentially non-toxic and inert. Subchronic and chronic effects of overexposure: Subchronic animal feeding studies have demonstrated no adverse effects with diet containing 5% or less polymer.

Other Health Effects

Long term exposure to high dust concentrations may cause non-debilitating lung changes. Thermal decomposition studies on polypropylene indicate that aldehydes (formaldehyde, acrolein, acetaldehyde, propionaldehyde, butyraldehyde, benzaldehyde); ketones (acetone, methyl ethyl ketone), and organic acids (formic acid, acetic acid) may be released during processing. These substances may be irritation to the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, mouth, throat, and lungs. Irritant effects should be transitory and can be eliminated with adequate ventilation. Formaldehyde, which may be produced during thermal processing, is covered by the Formaldehyde Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1048. Exposure to carbon monoxide, a combustion product of polypropylene, can result in carboxyhemoglobinemia. Carboxyhemoglobinemia is frequently misdiagnosed as the flu. Chronic exposure to carbon monoxide causes fatigue, poor memory, loss of sensation in fingers, visual disturbances, and insomnia. Subpopulations sensitive to the inhalation of carbon monoxide exist. Carbon monoxide displaces oxygen in the bloodstream and therefore, can adversely affect people with pre-existing heart disease, pregnant women, and smokers. Molten polymer may cause severe thermal burns. The interior of molten masses may remain hot for some time because of low thermal conductivity of the polymer. Use care when disposing of or handling such masses.