Product Name: Polyvinyl Acetate
Chemical Formula: (C4H6O2)n
Common Names: PVAc, PVA Glue, White Glue
Recommended Uses: Adhesive manufacturing, wood glues, paints, coatings, paper bonding, general commercial and hobby adhesives
Manufacturer and Contact: Refer to local supplier or producer; emergency contact often provided on product packaging
Synonyms: Vinyl acetate polymer, poly(1-acetoxyethylene)
Relevant Restrictions: Not suitable for medical or food-grade applications unless clearly specified
Emergency Classification: Considered non-hazardous under typical handling; may vary according to blend and additives
Physical State: Solid resin or aqueous emulsion
Hazard Pictograms: None required by standard regulation for pure resin
Signal Words: None
Potential Health Hazards: Inhalation may trigger respiratory irritation in sensitive persons; prolonged or repeated skin contact can result in mild irritations; eye contact with liquid forms sometimes causes minor transient irritation; ingestion considered low toxicity, but not recommended
Fire and Reactivity Risks: Product is combustible, can produce irritating fumes and gases if involved in fire
Chronic Effects: Available research does not suggest carcinogenicity or chronic health effects from Polyvinyl Acetate exposures under normal usage
Chemical Name: Polyvinyl Acetate
CAS Number: 9003-20-7
Content: 98%–100% (emulsions may contain water, protective colloids, surfactants, traces of residual monomer, less than 1% vinyl acetate in technical grades)
Common Impurities: Trace quantities of vinyl acetate monomer, stabilizers
Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs): Based on monomer vinyl acetate (ex: OSHA PEL: 10 ppm TWA)
Inhalation: Move affected individual to fresh air; keep comfortable; seek medical attention if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Wash area thoroughly with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing; persistent irritation requires medical evaluation
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes cautiously with water for several minutes, holding eyelids open; if discomfort remains, seek professional advice
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, offer small amounts of water; do not induce vomiting; contact a physician if large amounts swallowed or if individual feels unwell
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide
Combustion Hazards: In a fire, product can release carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, acetic acid vapors, and small quantities of formaldehyde
Personal Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Full turnout gear and approved breathing apparatus to guard against fumes from combustion by-products
Special Precautions: Avoid inhalation of smoke; contain run-off to prevent environmental contamination
Explosion Hazard: Low risk, though fine dust from powder form could lead to dust explosion in confined, poorly ventilated areas
Personal Precautions: Use gloves and eye protection if skin or eye contact possible; avoid raising dust for powders
Environmental Protection: Keep product away from drains and waterways; if large spill occurs, contain with absorbent materials (sand, inert absorbent) and collect for appropriate disposal
Spill Clean-Up: For liquids, absorb and shovel into a labeled waste container; for dry forms, sweep without creating dust and place in suitable containers for reuse or disposal
Handling: Wear ordinary work clothing and gloves; avoid creating airborne dust; minimize prolonged or repeated contact when dealing with adhesives
Storage: Store in cool, dry places away from direct sunlight, sources of ignition, and moisture; keep containers sealed when not in use to prevent contamination and drying out
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, alkalis, and oxidation agents
Special Requirements: Storage area should prevent environmental release; good industrial hygiene practices reduce risk of contamination and waste
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation recommended for large-scale or continuous uses, especially with thermal processing; keep workplace well-ventilated to minimize aerosol concentrations
Personal Protection: Gloves (nitrile, latex), safety glasses, and protective clothing for prolonged handling; dust mask for powder handling or areas with inadequate general ventilation
Respiratory Protection: Not required for normal use; use a NIOSH/MSHA approved respirator where exposure to airborne dust or heated fumes is possible
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after use, especially before eating or drinking; clean up work areas after spills
Appearance: White to off-white solid or milky emulsion
Odor: Slight acetic or characteristic odor
Melting Point: Softens at approximately 30–36°C (depends on molecular weight); no true melting point
Boiling Point: Not applicable for polymer; decomposition above 200°C
Solubility: Insoluble in water, but emulsions are water-dispersible; soluble in alcohols and ketones
Density: 1.19–1.20 g/cm3 (varies with formulation)
pH (emulsion): Typically 4–6
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Viscosity: Varies (emulsion grades measured in mPa·s; can be 100–100,000 depending on product)
Flammability: Combustible; flash point >200°C (solid form)
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal use and storage conditions
Polymerization: No hazardous polymerization under recommended use
Decomposition Products: Acetic acid, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, potentially traces of formaldehyde at high temperatures
Incompatibility: Avoid contact with strong acids, bases, oxidizers
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, open flame, strong oxidizers, direct sunlight for extended periods
Acute Toxicity: Low toxicity in animal studies; oral LD50 (rat) >5,000 mg/kg
Skin and Eye Contact: Not significantly irritating on brief exposure; frequent, repeated contact may cause mild irritation
Inhalation: Minimal risk with typical occupational exposures; inhalation of fine dust or thermal decomposition products may irritate respiratory tract
Chronic Effects: No evidence for mutagenic, teratogenic, or carcinogenic effects in repeated exposure animal studies for stabilized, commercial grades
Other Data: Main hazard from residual monomer vinyl acetate, which presents greater risk in poorly purified grades; industry standards control for monomer content below hazardous thresholds
Sensitization: Not expected from commercial prep; rare allergic reactions noted in literature, typically from additives rather than polymer itself
Persistence: Not considered readily biodegradable; breaks down slowly in the environment, especially in solid form
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low; polymer does not bioaccumulate in aquatic species
Ecotoxicity: Aquatic toxicity minimal; no significant effects noted at concentrations anticipated from practical use; avoid spills to open water to prevent film formation that can hinder oxygen transfer
Degradation Products: Likely degrades under UV exposure or microbial action over extended periods
Other Environmental Concerns: Release to watercourses or soils in large amounts may create nuisance or affect wildlife by physical means (e.g., blocking or coating surfaces)
Waste Handling: Send to approved landfill, incineration, or chemical waste facility; avoid dumping in drains, natural water, or open land
Regulatory Standards: Waste generally classified as non-hazardous; check with local regulatory authorities for substratum disposal conditions
Recycling: Emptied containers and cured residue may sometimes be recycled, but confirm with local systems
Special Precautions: Polymer-bound wastes present low hazard, but mixed wastes containing solvent or other chemicals may alter disposal protocols
UN Number: Not regulated for transport
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as dangerous goods under ADR, IMDG, IATA
Packaging Requirements: Must comply with general requirements for solids or emulsions; prevent leaking, excessive drying, and physical damage
Labeling: No hazard label required for plain Polyvinyl Acetate
Special Handling During Transport: Avoid contact with strong oxidizers; protect from freezing if transporting emulsion grades in cold climates
OSHA Status: Not regulated as a hazardous chemical under 29 CFR 1910.1200
TSCA Inventory: Listed
EU REACH Registration: Registered and compliant for commercial uses
Other Listings: Included on inventories for Australia (AICS), Canada (DSL), Japan (ENCS), Korea (ECL), China (IECSC)
Label Requirements: Not classified as hazardous under GHS/CLP and most national systems
Restrictions: User should confirm product grades for food contact, medical, or high-purity applications if relevant