Material Safety Data Sheet: Vinyl Chloride-Vinyl Acetate Copolymer Resin

Identification

Product Name: Vinyl Chloride-Vinyl Acetate Copolymer Resin
Synonyms: VC/VA Copolymer, PVC-VA, VC-VAC Resin
Recommended Use: Plastics manufacturing, coatings, adhesives, films, sealants
Manufacturer: Provided by the supplier or contact point listed on product packaging
Emergency Contact: Refer to local distributor’s hotline or national chemical emergency number
Product Code: Printed on packaging or invoice
CAS Numbers: Vinyl chloride: 75-01-4; Vinyl acetate: 108-05-4
Relevant Identified Uses: Industrial and professional processing, not for consumer or food contact applications

Hazard Identification

Hazard Classification: Not classified as a dangerous substance under GHS for the copolymer form, but dust may cause mechanical irritation
Label Elements: No pictogram required for copolymer, although monomer vapors are very hazardous
Signal Word: None required for copolymer
Hazard Statements: May form combustible dust concentrations in air, resin dust may irritate eyes, skin, and respiratory system
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, use local exhaust, wash contact areas after handling

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Substance: Vinyl Chloride-Vinyl Acetate Copolymer
Chemical Nature: Copolymer blend
Components: - Vinyl chloride content (about 85-95%) - Vinyl acetate content (about 5-15%)
Impurities: Minimal to trace residual monomer depending on manufacturing controls
Additives: Can include stabilizers, plasticizers, anti-static agents (if specified for intended industrial use)
CAS Number Vinyl Chloride: 75-01-4
CAS Number Vinyl Acetate: 108-05-4

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move the exposed person to fresh air, support breathing if dust inhalation causes symptoms, seek medical help if discomfort persists
Eye Contact: Rinse carefully with plenty of clean, cool water for at least 15 minutes, remove contact lenses, continue to rinse if irritation remains
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash thoroughly with soap and water, seek medical advice if rash or irritation develops
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly, do not induce vomiting, give water to drink if conscious, seek medical attention for large amounts or symptoms
Note to Doctors: Treat symptomatically, monitor for respiratory distress, copolymer dust is non-toxic but may aggravate pre-existing conditions

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide, water spray
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Direct water jets may scatter dust
Specific Hazards: Decomposition produces hydrogen chloride, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, acetic acid fumes
Protective Equipment: Firefighters need self-contained breathing apparatus, chemical resistant clothing
Special Instructions: Keep runoff from entering drains and waterways, evacuate area of unnecessary personnel, be alert for re-ignition of dust or char

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Avoid creating and breathing dust clouds, ventilate area
Protective Equipment: Use respiratory protection for dust, safety goggles, gloves
Environmental Precautions: Do not flush into surface water, drain, or soil; prevent spread to municipal water system
Cleanup Methods: Sweep or vacuum up material with equipment fitted with dust filter, avoid generating airborne particles, transfer to a compatible, labeled container for recycling or disposal

Handling and Storage

Handling: Avoid dust formation, provide local exhaust in processing and weighing areas, use anti-static equipment, ground all equipment to prevent static discharge; avoid eating, drinking, and smoking in work area, wash hands after handling
Storage Conditions: Store in closed, labeled containers in cool, dry, ventilated area away from heat, flame, direct sunlight, strong acids, or oxidizing agents; keep out of reach of children and unauthorized staff
Packaging Materials: Use original packaging or containers made of resin-compatible plastics or steel

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: Not established for copolymer dust, but vinyl chloride monomer has strict legal limits (OSHA PEL: 1 ppm over 8 hours)
Engineering Controls: Use process enclosures, local exhaust ventilation, dust collection systems at points of emission
Personal Protective Equipment: - Eyes: Chemical goggles or safety glasses with side shields
- Skin: Chemical resistant gloves, long-sleeved clothing
- Respiratory: NIOSH-approved particulate respirators if dust levels exceed recommended limits
Hygienic Measures: Wash thoroughly after handling, do not eat, drink, or smoke in work areas, regularly clean working surfaces

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White or off-white free-flowing powder or pellet
Odor: Practically odorless, possible faint acetic or plastic odor in freshly manufactured material
pH: Not applicable (not soluble in water)
Melting Point: Softens at 130–170°C (depends on composition)
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes before boiling)
Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in some organic solvents such as methyl ethyl ketone, cyclohexanone
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Density: 1.2–1.4 g/cm³
Auto-ignition Temperature: Above 400°C
Flash Point: Not flammable as a solid, dust may be combustible
Explosive Properties: Finely divided dust presents a risk of dust explosion in certain concentrations with air

Stability and Reactivity

Reactivity: Stable under normal conditions of use and storage
Chemical Stability: Stable at room temperature, no significant degradation below 60°C
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Unlikely unless exposed to strong oxidizing agents, acids, or bases
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, open flame, sparks, formation of dust clouds
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, bases, oxidizing agents
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Hydrogen chloride, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, acetic acid fumes; risk increases above 220°C

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Low toxicity as a copolymer; dust may cause temporary mechanical irritation to eyes, skin, respiratory tract
Chronic Toxicity: No evidence of carcinogenicity for copolymer; residual monomer contamination is critical (vinyl chloride monomer is a known carcinogen)
Sensitization: No known sensitizing effects as copolymer
Irritation: Prolonged or repeated exposure to dust may worsen dryness or irritation in sensitive individuals
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact
Symptoms: Eye and respiratory irritation, coughing, skin dryness
Other Health Effects: Copolymer is considered inert but strict control and monitoring of residual monomer is essential for occupational health

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Non-toxic to aquatic and soil organisms in copolymer form, risk increases if residual monomers or additives are present
Persistence and Degradability: Not readily biodegradable; remains stable in environment for long periods
Bioaccumulative Potential: Not bioaccumulative as large copolymer molecules
Mobility in Soil: Low mobility due to insolubility in water
Other Adverse Effects: Unlikely at environmental concentrations except with careless large-scale release or improper disposal; microplastic pollution risk if not managed

Disposal Considerations

Product Disposal: Recycle if possible; dispose in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations; landfill in approved sites or incinerate at high temperature in chemical waste incinerator
Packaging Disposal: Empty containers should be triple-rinsed and recycled or landfilled according to type
Special Precautions: Do not burn in open containers, do not allow resin particles to enter stormwater drains, waterways, or open environment

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated as hazardous material for transport in resin form
Proper Shipping Name: Synthetic resin, not otherwise specified
Transport Hazard Class: Non-hazardous for DOT, ADR, IMDG, IATA
Packing Group: Not applicable
Environmental Hazards: Not a marine pollutant
Special Precautions for User: Prevent package damage and release of dust during transport, secure against mechanical shock and moisture

Regulatory Information

Safety, Health, and Environmental Regulations: Subject to local and national chemical regulations; vinyl chloride monomer content strictly governed worldwide (e.g., OSHA, TSCA, REACH, WHMIS); finished resin is not classified as hazardous under GHS criteria
Inventory Status: Listed in TSCA, EINECS, DSL, AICS, ENCS, PICCS chemical inventories for major markets
Labelling: Industrial use only, keep out of reach of children, consult safety data before handling
Other Relevant Information: Workers must receive training on safe handling and health risks specifically related to possible residual monomer content, emission controls, and dust management; regular workplace air and surface monitoring required by regulations in North America, Europe, and Asia