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Product Name: Methylcellulose
Chemical Family: Cellulose derivative
Chemical Formula: C6H7O2(OH)x(OCH3)y
CAS Number: 9004-67-5
Synonyms: MC, Hypromellose, Cellulose, methyl ether
Recommended Use: Thickener, binder, emulsifier in various industrial and consumer applications
Supplier: Information available from distributor or manufacturer
Emergency Contact: Refer to local or national poison center or regulatory authority
Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS with normal handling
Signal Word: None
Hazard Statements: May cause slight mechanical eye irritation, possible slight respiratory tract irritation if dust is generated
Pictograms: None required
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, wash hands after handling, use in a well-ventilated area
Other Hazards: Dust may form explosive mixture with air under certain conditions
Substance/Mixture: Substance
Chemical Name: Methylcellulose
Concentration: 100%
Impurities: Minimal impurities, levels not considered to pose health risks under anticipated conditions of use
CAS Number: 9004-67-5
Eye Contact: Rinse with plenty of water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if easy to do, seek medical attention if irritation develops or persists
Skin Contact: Wash area with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, consult physician if irritation occurs
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, seek medical advice if respiratory symptoms appear
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, drink water to dilute, contact medical professional in case of discomfort or if large quantities are swallowed
Notes for Physician: Symptomatic treatment, no specific antidote required
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide
Special Hazards: Dust can form explosive mixtures with air, thermal decomposition may release carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing
Specific Methods: Use water to cool containers, avoid raising dust, prevent spread of dust cloud
Combustion Products: Carbon oxides, methyl ethers
Personal Precautions: Minimize dust generation, avoid inhalation and contact with skin or eyes, wear suitable PPE including dust mask, gloves, and eye protection
Environmental Precautions: Prevent bulk material from entering waterways, contain spills to prevent dispersal
Methods for Cleaning Up: Sweep or vacuum up material, use tools or equipment to minimize dust, place in closed containers for proper disposal, ventilate the area after cleanup
Reference to Other Sections: For disposal, see Section 13
Handling: Use local exhaust or dust extraction, handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene, avoid generation and inhalation of dust, wash thoroughly after use
Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from sources of ignition, direct sunlight, and moisture, keep container tightly closed, keep away from strong oxidizers
Specific End Uses: Refer to product literature for applications
Control Parameters: Occupational exposure limits for nuisance dust: OSHA PEL 15 mg/m³ total dust; ACGIH TLV 10 mg/m³ for inhalable particulates
Engineering Controls: Use process enclosures, local exhaust ventilation, or other engineering controls to keep airborne levels below recommended exposure limits
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
Respiratory Protection: Dust mask or respirator if dust is generated
Hand Protection: Protective gloves recommended
Eye Protection: Safety glasses or goggles
Skin and Body Protection: Wear long-sleeved clothing as appropriate
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before eating or drinking, do not eat or smoke while handling
Appearance: White to off-white powder or granules
Odor: Odorless
Odor Threshold: Not applicable
pH: 5.5–8.0 in 2% aqueous solution
Melting Point/Freezing Point: Decomposes at high temperature, not applicable
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Flash Point: Not determined
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Flammability: Not classified as flammable but may burn
Upper/Lower Flammability or Explosive Limits: Not determined
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Vapor Density: Not applicable
Relative Density: 1.2–1.3 (water=1)
Solubility: Swells and forms colloidal solutions in cold water, insoluble in hot water
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not determined
Auto-ignition Temperature: Approximately 450°C
Decomposition Temperature: Above 200°C
Viscosity: Varies depending on grade and concentration
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal usage and storage conditions
Reactivity: Not reactive under standard conditions
Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur
Conditions to Avoid: Extreme heat, open flame, strong oxidizing agents
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong oxidizers
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, formaldehyde in cases of incomplete combustion
Acute Toxicity: Low toxicity, not acutely toxic by oral, inhalation, or dermal routes based on animal studies
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Practically none under normal usage
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: May cause transient mechanical irritation
Respiratory Sensitization: Unlikely, but dust inhalation may cause minor irritation of respiratory tract
Skin Sensitization: Not reported
Germ Cell Mutagenicity: No evidence
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogen by IARC, NTP, ACGIH, or OSHA
Reproductive Toxicity: No evidence
STOT-Single Exposure: Possible minor respiratory tract irritation due to dust
STOT-Repeated Exposure: No significant effects
Aspiration Hazard: Not an aspiration hazard
Ecotoxicity: No significant toxicity reported for aquatic or terrestrial organisms, considered readily biodegradable
Persistence and Degradability: Biodegradable by natural processes
Bioaccumulative Potential: Not expected to bioaccumulate
Mobility in Soil: High solubility in water increases mobility, but rapid biodegradation limits effects
Other Adverse Effects: No evidence of significant risk to environment under normal usage
Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations, can go to landfill if not contaminated
Packaging Disposal: Rinse out containers, recycle or dispose of in compliance with local waste regulations
Precautions: Avoid entry into sewers or waterways as bulk material, seek advice from local authorities if large quantities are to be disposed
UN Number: Not regulated for transport
UN Proper Shipping Name: Not applicable
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified
Packing Group: Not required
Environmental Hazards: Not considered environmentally hazardous for transportation
Special Precautions: Avoid generation of dust during transportation, ensure containers remain tightly closed
Transport in Bulk: Not applicable
Safety, Health and Environmental Regulations: Not classified as hazardous under OSHA, EU REACH, or GHS
TSCA Inventory: Listed
EINECS / ELINCS Number: Listed
Canada DSL/NDSL: Listed
Other Regulations: Not subject to specific notification or labeling under major global chemical regulations
Chemical Safety Assessment: Not required for this substance, based on current regulations and available data
