Vinylex Flexible PVC Resin

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

Emergency Overview If proper procedures for processing PVC compounds are not followed, processing vapors can be liberated at elevated temperatures. The presence of these vapors may result in exposure. Additionally, the composition of these 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 processing emissions during periods of elevated temperature. Eye: Vapors emitted during processing involving elevated temperatures may cause eye irritation. Dust resulting from the handling of powder may be irritating to the eyes. Skin Contact: Vapors emitted during processing 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 peller; no absorption is likely to occur in its initial form. Vapors emitted during processing involving elevated temperatures may absorb through the skin at low levels. Ingestion: Slightly toxic by ingestion. Dust may become airborne during handling, resulting in the potential for incidental ingestion. Vapors emitted during processing involving elevated temperature may be ingested at low levels. Adequate ventilation should be provided. Inhalation: Dust may become airborne during handling, resulting in potential inhalation exposure. Vapors emitted during processing involving elevated temperatures may be inhaled if not adequately ventilated.

2.1 Classification of the substance or mixture

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

Potential chronic health

Chronic exposure to vapors from heated or thermally decomposed plastics may cause an asthma- like syndrome due to the inhalation of processing vapors or fumes. The onset of irritation may be delayed for several hours. 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 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 additives used to make PVC compound may contain metals, which in some chemical forms are suspected or confirmed carcinogens. These metals, if present, are bound in the crystalline structure of the additive, and to the supplier’s best knowledge, do not present a significant health risk. Additionally, the low levels of additives used in PVC compounds are also bound in the polymer matrix and to the best of the supplier’s knowledge, do not present a significant health risk.