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Material Safety Data Sheet: Paraffin

Identification

Product Name: Paraffin Wax
Common Names: Paraffin, petroleum wax
Chemical Family: Hydrocarbons
CAS Number: 8002-74-2
Recommended Use: Candle making, waterproofing, polishing, cosmetics
Manufacturer: Listed on product label or shipping documents
Emergency Contact: Refer to supplier or local emergency services

Hazard Identification

Hazard Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS
Main Risks: Heated product can cause burns, may release fumes that irritate eyes, nose, or throat
Label Elements: No pictogram required, but containers show burn hazard icons
Precautionary Statements: Keep away from open flames, hot surfaces, and sources of ignition; avoid inhaling heated fumes; handle molten wax with PPE
Physical Hazards: Slippery when spilt, high-temperature combustion may generate harmful gases
Health Hazards: Inhalation of fumes at high temperatures sometimes causes headaches, dizziness, or irritation

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Paraffin Wax
Purity: Usually 95–100% saturated hydrocarbons
Impurities: Traces of oil, resin acids, or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons possible depending on source
Additives: Some blends contain dyes or fragrances (cosmetics or candle-grade); check product-specific documentation for foreign substances

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air, seek medical advice if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water; for burns from hot wax, do not remove solidified wax forcibly, cover loosely and consult a doctor
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes; remove contact lenses if present and easy; seek medical attention for redness or pain
Ingestion: Usually low toxicity, seek medical assistance if large amounts are swallowed or if discomfort arises
Most Important Symptoms: Burns from hot material, mild respiratory tract irritation from fumes; rare cases of nausea from accidental ingestion

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide, or sand
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Water jets (risk of spreading molten wax)
Specific Hazards: Melts and flows, increasing fire area; emits dense smoke, potentially harmful vapors like carbon monoxide
Special Protective Equipment: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and protective gear to avoid inhaling smoke or fumes
Fire Fighting Instructions: Fight fire from protected location, use caution with containers exposed to flames; cool containers with water spray until well after flames are out

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use gloves and non-slip footwear to prevent falls on spilled wax
Protective Equipment: Safety goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, if molten, wear heat-resistant PPE
Emergency Procedures: Evacuate non-essential personnel for major spills of hot wax
Containment: For liquid wax, use non-combustible absorbents like sand or earth
Clean-Up Methods: Allow wax to solidify, scrape up and collect in suitable containers for disposal; wash area with hot water and detergent
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains or sewers, notify authorities if large spills threaten waterways

Handling and Storage

Handling: Handle only with clean, oil/grease-free equipment, avoid skin or eye contact with molten wax
Ventilation: Use in well-ventilated areas to limit inhalation of fumes
Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry place away from heat or open flame, in sealed containers
Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizers, chlorinated solvents
Special Notes: Stack containers to avoid collapse; segregate from foodstuffs and personal items

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No established limits for paraffin wax itself, NIOSH recommends minimizing airborne particulates from heated wax
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation at melting pots, regular cleaning of work surfaces
Personal Protective Equipment: Heat-resistant gloves for handling hot wax, safety goggles to prevent splashes, long sleeves
Respiratory Protection: Mask or respirator if fume generation becomes significant
Hygiene Measures: Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking during use, wash hands after handling wax

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White to yellowish solid or colorless, translucent slabs
Odor: Faint or odorless, may vary in scented blends
Melting Point: 46–68°C (115–154°F) depending on grade
Boiling Point: Starts to vaporize above 350°C (662°F)
Flash Point: 199–221°C (390–430°F)
Autoignition Temperature: Around 245°C (473°F)
Density: 0.86–0.94 g/cm³
Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in organic solvents like ether, benzene
Viscosity: Highly viscous when molten

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and use conditions; decomposes at high temperature
Reactivity: Non-reactive with most materials at ambient temperature
Hazardous Reactions: Can react violently with strong oxidizers; possible static discharge in powder forms
Decomposition Products: Burns to produce smoke, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, open flames, static discharge, incompatibles like strong acids and oxidizers

Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Inhalation of heated fumes, skin and eye contact
Acute Effects: Mild eye, nose, or throat irritation from hot vapor; skin burns from molten wax
Chronic Effects: Rare among users, some occupational studies among refinery workers report respiratory symptoms on repeated exposures to high vapor concentrations
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogen by IARC, OSHA, or NTP for refined grades of paraffin
Sensitization: Not a skin sensitizer under normal use conditions
Other Data: Ingestion low hazard for humans, but children or vulnerable users risk choking if significant quantities swallowed

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Low aquatic toxicity reported; large spills may create physical hazards for aquatic organisms due to floating film
Persistence & Degradability: Not readily biodegradable under normal environmental conditions; long-term persistence possible
Bioaccumulative Potential: Negligible, not considered bioaccumulative
Mobility in Soil: Low mobility; most paraffin wax remains near spill site
Other Notes: Avoid bulk disposal to waterways or soil to limit environmental impact

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Collect and send solid residues to approved landfill or waste processor
Waste Codes: Non-hazardous solid waste classification in most jurisdictions
Container Disposal: Empty, non-contaminated packaging may be recycled or landfilled; check local regulations
Precautions: Do not dump into drains, sewers, or environment; minimize dust or fume upon disposal
Special Handling: Avoid burning outside of controlled incineration facilities

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated for ground transport
Proper Shipping Name: Paraffin wax, in solid form
Hazard Class: Not classified as hazardous by air, sea, or road
Packing Group: Not applicable
Environmental Hazards: None identified under transport regulations
Transport Precautions: Prevent load shifting, stack securely, keep away from extremes of temperature during shipment

Regulatory Information

OSHA: Not regulated as hazardous chemical in the US
TSCA: Listed in the Toxic Substances Control Act inventory
REACH (EU): Registered substance
SARA Title III: Not listed as a reportable hazard
Labeling Requirements: Compliant with consumer and workplace product safety guidelines
Other Regulations: Provincial or state-specific environmental and workplace safety rules may apply; users advised to check local obligations