PARAFORMALDEHYDE

International Chemical Safety Cards

PARAFORMALDEHYDE

ICSC: 0767

PARAFORMALDEHYDE
Polyoxymethylene
Paraform/formagen
(CH₂O)n / HO(CH₂O)nH
CAS # 30525-89-4
RTECS # RV0540000
ICSC # 0767
UN # 2213

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID/ FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE	Combustible.	NO open flames.	Powder, alcohol-resistant foam, water spray, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION	Above 71°C explosive vapour/air mixtures may be formed. Finely dispersed particles form explosive mixtures in air.	Above 71°C use a closed system, ventilation. Prevent deposition of dust; closed system, dust explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting.	In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.

EXPOSURE		PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST! STRICT HYGIENE!
INHALATION	Cough. Sore throat.	Local exhaust or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.
SKIN	Redness.	Protective gloves. Protective clothing.	Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention.
EYES	Redness. Pain.	Safety goggles, or eye protection in combination with breathing protection if powder.	First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
INGESTION		Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.	Rinse mouth. Induce vomiting (ONLY IN CONSCIOUS PERSONS!). Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Sweep spilled substance into containers; if appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Wash away remainder with plenty of water (extra personal protection: A/P2 filter respirator for organic vapour and harmful dust).

Separated from strong oxidants, strong bases, strong acids. Cool. Dry. Keep in a well-ventilated room.

Airtight.
UN Hazard Class: 4.1
UN Packing Group: III

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

ICSC: 0767

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS CEC 1993

International Chemical Safety Cards

PARAFORMALDEHYDE

ICSC: 0767

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PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
WHITE SOLID IN VARIOUS FORMS , WITH PUNGENT ODOUR.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
Dust explosion possible if in powder or granular form, mixed with air.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance decomposes on heating or on contact with oxidants, acids and bases producing flammable formaldehyde.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
TLV not established.

ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a nuisance-causing concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance irritates the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
Repeated or prolonged contact may cause skin sensitization.

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Melting point (decomposes): 120-180°C
Relative density (water = 1): 1.46
Solubility in water: slow in cold water, evolution of formaldehyde
Vapour pressure, kPa at 25°C: <0.2

Flash point: 71°C c.c.
Auto-ignition temperature: 300°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 7.0-73.0