International Chemical Safety Cards

METHACRYLIC ACID

ICSC: 0917

METHACRYLIC ACID
2-Methylpropenoic acid
alpha-Methylacrylic acid
C₄H₆O₂/CH₂=C(CH₃)COOH
Molecular mass: 86.09
CAS # 79-41-4
RTECS # OZ2975000
ICSC # 0917
UN # 2531 (inhibited)
EC # 607-088-00-5

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID/ FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE	Combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.	NO open flames.	AFFF, alcohol-resistant foam, powder, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION	Above 77°C explosive vapour/air mixtures may be formed.	Above 77°C use a closed system, ventilation.	In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.

EXPOSURE		AVOID ALL CONTACT!
INHALATION	Cough. Burning sensation. Shortness of breath. Laboured breathing.	Ventilation (not if powder), local exhaust, or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Refer for medical attention.
SKIN	Redness. Skin burns. Pain. Blisters.	Protective clothing.	First rinse with plenty of water, then remove contaminated clothes and rinse again.
EYES	Redness. Pain. Loss of vision. Severe deep burns.	Face shield.	First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
INGESTION	Abdominal cramps. Abdominal pain. Burning sensation. Weakness.	Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.	Rinse mouth. Rest. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Collect leaking liquid in sealable plastic containers. Cautiously neutralize remainder with aqueous sodium carbonate or lime. Then wash away with plenty of water. Do NOT absorb in saw-dust or other combustible absorbents. (Extra personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus).

Separated from strong oxidants, food and feedstuffs. Cool. Keep in the dark. Keep in a well-ventilated room. Store only if stabilized.

Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
C symbol
R: 34
S: (1/2-)15-26-45
Note: D
UN Hazard Class: 8
UN Packing Group: III

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

ICSC: 0917

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

METHACRYLIC ACID

ICSC: 0917

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PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS LIQUID OR COLOURLESS CRYSTALS , WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
The vapours are uninhibited and may polymerize causing blockage of vents.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance will polymerize readily due to heating or under the presence of light, oxidizing agents such as peroxides, or in the presence of traces of hydrochloric acid, with fire or explosion hazard. Attacks metals.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
TLV: 20 ppm; 70 mg/m³ (ACGIH 1995-1996).

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

INHALATION RISK:
A harmful contamination of the air will be reached rather slowly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance is corrosive to the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion. Inhalation of the vapour may cause lung oedema (see Notes).

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point: 159-163°C
Melting point: 16°C
Relative density (water = 1): 1.02
Solubility in water: moderate
Vapour pressure, Pa at 25°C: 130

Relative vapour density (air = 1): 2.97
Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.00
Flash point: 77°C o.c., 68°C c.c.
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 1.6-8.8
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 0.93

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA

N O T E S

The symptoms of lung oedema often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation are therefore essential. Immediate administration of an appropriate spray, by a doctor or a person authorized by him/her, should be considered. An added stabilizer or inhibitor can influence the toxicological properties of this substance, consult an expert.

Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-195
NFPA Code: H3; F2; R2;

IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE:

Neither the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use.