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Product Name: Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose HPMC
Chemical Formula: (C18H36O15)
CAS Number: 9004-65-3
Synonyms: Hypromellose, Cellulose, 2-hydroxypropyl methyl ether
Intended Use: Used in pharmaceuticals, construction, food, paints, cosmetics
Manufacturer: Listed on packaging and shipping documents
Emergency Contact: Provided by supplier
Classification: Not hazardous under GHS criteria
Label Elements: No pictogram or signal word required
Hazard Statement: Dust may cause mechanical irritation to eyes, nose, and throat; dust pattern can lead to respiratory discomfort
Precautionary Statement: Avoid breathing dust; avoid contact with eyes
Potential Health Effects: Mild respiratory irritation, slight temporary eye and skin discomfort possible
OSHA Status: Not listed as hazardous
Environmental Hazards: Low risk for aquatic life due to minimal solubility and degradability
Chemical Component: Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Concentration: >98% by weight
Impurities: Trace amount of sodium chloride, methanol evaporated during production, and water
Other Ingredients: None
Additives: No added stabilizers, dyes, or preservatives
Inhalation: Move subject to fresh air; seek medical attention for persistent discomfort
Skin Contact: Wash affected skin with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with clean water for several minutes; remove contact lenses if present; consult a doctor if irritation continues
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water; do not induce vomiting; seek medical advice if large amount ingested or if discomfort develops
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: None known
Specific Hazards: Dust may form combustible mixtures with air; burns vigorously but does not explode
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and minor aldehydes
Precautions: Avoid inhaling smoke or dust; wear self-contained breathing apparatus for large fires
Protective Equipment: Firefighters require appropriate gear and respiratory protection
Special Procedures: Move containers from fire area if possible; cool with water spray
Personal Precautions: Wear dust mask, protective gloves, goggles
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spill from entering drains or waterways
Methods for Clean-Up: Sweep up material and collect in suitable containers; use wet methods to reduce dust; avoid creating airborne dust
Disposal: Follow disposal considerations mentioned below
Reporting Requirements: No mandatory notifications required for small releases; report large spills per local rules
Handling: Use in areas with adequate ventilation; minimize dust generation; wear recommended protective equipment
Storage Conditions: Keep in tightly sealed containers; store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place
Incompatibility: Avoid strong oxidizing agents and sources of ignition
Storage Stability: Product remains stable under recommended storage conditions for several years
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after handling; do not eat, drink, or smoke in work area
Packaging: Use only original or approved containers suited for cellulose ethers
Engineering Controls: Apply local exhaust ventilation or process enclosure in high-dust operations
Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL for nuisance dust: 15 mg/m³ total dust, 5 mg/m³ respirable fraction
Personal Protective Equipment – Respiratory: Suitable dust mask or respirator in poorly ventilated areas
Personal Protective Equipment – Eyes: Safety glasses or chemical splash goggles
Personal Protective Equipment – Skin: Protective gloves and long-sleeve clothing
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands, face, and exposed skin thoroughly after handling; no eating or drinking during use
Appearance: White or off-white tasteless powder or granules
Odor: Odorless
pH (1% solution): 5.0–8.0
Melting Point / Freezing Point: Decomposes above 200°C
Boiling Point / Range: Not applicable (decomposes before boiling)
Flash Point: Not applicable (organic powder)
Evaporation Rate: Not relevant
Flammability: Not highly flammable, but dust can combust
Vapor Pressure: Not volatile
Solubility: Soluble in cold water, forms viscous solutions; insoluble in hot water, ethanol, and acetone
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not determined
Auto-ignition Temperature: >360°C
Decomposition Temperature: Above 200°C with release of irritating gases
Viscosity: Wide range, dependent on grade
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Hazardous Reactions: No significant hazardous reactivity expected
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers (may cause rapid oxidation), concentrated nitric acid, and strong acids
Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, low molecular weight organic compounds
Conditions to Avoid: Open flames, excessive heat, generation of dust clouds
Polymerization: Will not occur under normal conditions
Acute Toxicity – Oral: Low toxicity; LD50 (rat) > 5,000 mg/kg
Acute Toxicity – Inhalation: Dust may cause transient respiratory irritation
Skin Corrosion / Irritation: Not irritating in normal use
Serious Eye Damage / Irritation: Causes mild mechanical irritation through dust particles
Respiratory Sensitization: Not sensitizing
Skin Sensitization: No evidence of sensitization in animal studies
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogen by IARC, NTP, ACGIH, or OSHA
Reproductive Toxicity: No evidence from available data
Long-Term Effects: No chronic toxicity reported with normal industrial or consumer use
Ecotoxicity: Nontoxic to aquatic organisms at typical dilution levels; high concentrations may increase biological oxygen demand
Persistence and Degradability: Biodegradable through common soil and water microbial action
Bioaccumulation Potential: Not expected to bioaccumulate
Mobility in Soil: Limited; forms gels and binds to soils
Aquatic Toxicity: No risk of acute toxicity; disperses rapidly in water
Other Information: No evidence of environmental hazard in standard usage patterns
Waste Disposal Method: Follow local, regional, national, and international regulations
Unused Product: Landfill or incineration by an approved waste disposal contractor
Contaminated Packaging: Treat as uncontaminated product if thoroughly emptied
Special Precautions: Avoid generating airborne dust during disposal
Recycling: Not feasible due to material grade and end-use applications
UN Number: Not regulated
UN Proper Shipping Name: Not regulated; not considered hazardous for transport
Transportation Hazard Class: None assigned
Packing Group: Not applicable
Environmental Hazards: Not considered marine pollutant
Special Precautions for User: Prevent dust leaks during bulk transport; keep dry and away from incompatible substances
TSCA (USA): Listed
EU EINECS/ELINCS: Included
REACH Status: Exempt or registered, depending on usage amounts
Labeling Requirements: Not required under current OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
WHMIS (Canada): Not controlled
Other National Legislation: Conforms to major international safety standards for non-hazardous materials
Restrictions: Suitable for food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical applications, as regulated by FDA, EFSA, or local authorities
