Chemical Name: Polyvinylpyrrolidone
Synonyms: Povidone, PVP, Polyvidone
CAS Number: 9003-39-8
Recommended Use: Pharmaceutical binder, thickener in cosmetics, stabilizer in food and technical processes
Manufacturer Information: Common manufacturers include Ashland, BASF, and Sigma-Aldrich. Contact details provided on purchase order or product label.
Emergency Contact: ChemTrec or International Poison Control, numbers vary by region
Restrictions: Not intended for ingestion in industrial settings; handle as a chemical compound.
GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS
Signal Word: None
Hazard Statements: Dust may cause temporary irritation to eyes, skin, or respiratory tract.
Hazard Pictograms: None required
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, avoid contact with eyes and prolonged skin exposure. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Use only with adequate ventilation.
Main Ingredient: Polyvinylpyrrolidone, concentration varies depending on manufacturer
Impurities: May contain low levels of monomer residue, water, sodium lauryl sulfate (trace process aid), and proprietary stabilizers
Other Hazardous Ingredients: None typically present in notable concentrations
Formulation Notes: Often sold as powder or aqueous solution, check product specification for exact content
Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air. Seek medical attention if breathing becomes difficult or if symptoms persist.
Skin Contact: Wash skin with plenty of water and mild soap. Remove contaminated clothing. If irritation develops or persists, get medical advice.
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do so. Continue rinsing. Seek medical advice if irritation persists.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water. Seek medical advice if feeling unwell or if a large quantity was swallowed.
Notes for Physicians: Treat symptomatically, there is no known specific antidote for polyvinylpyrrolidone exposure.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, carbon dioxide, or dry chemical powder
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: High-pressure water jets may spread dust
Fire and Explosion Hazards: Fine dust can form explosive mixtures with air. Burning may produce carbon oxides and nitrogen oxides.
Special Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear.
Advice: Move containers from fire area if it can be done without risk. Cool containers exposed to heat with water spray.
Personal Precautions: Avoid inhalation of dust, use protective equipment including gloves and safety goggles. Ensure adequate ventilation.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage. Do not discharge large quantities directly into drains or watercourses.
Methods for Cleaning Up: Scoop up bulk material, place in labeled waste container. Avoid creating dust. Use damp methods or vacuum approved for dust collection. Dispose of in accordance with local regulations.
Safe Handling: Avoid dust formation. Do not breathe dust. Use in well-ventilated areas. Wear suitable protective equipment.
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Do not eat, drink, or smoke when using this product.
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed containers. Keep dry and away from sources of moisture and incompatible substances. Avoid extreme heat and direct sunlight.
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids; avoid prolonged contact with moisture as clumping can occur.
Exposure Limits: No established occupational exposure limits for polyvinylpyrrolidone. Use natural or mechanical ventilation to control exposure.
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation or general room ventilation to minimize dust concentrations.
Personal Protective Equipment:
Respiratory Protection: N95 or P2 particulate respirator if dust is generated.
Hand Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves such as nitrile or latex.
Eye Protection: Safety goggles or face shield.
Skin Protection: Lab coat or protective clothing. Wash all protective gear after use.
Appearance: White to off-white powder or colorless to pale yellow solution
Odor: Slight, characteristic
Odor Threshold: Not determined
pH (1% solution): 3.0 – 7.0
Melting Point: >300°C (decomposes)
Boiling Point: Not applicable (polymer)
Flash Point: Not determined
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Flammability: Not classified as flammable, but dusts may be combustible
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Solubility: Freely soluble in water, insoluble in most organic solvents
Density: Around 1.1–1.3 g/cm³
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not determined
Viscosity: Dependent on grade and concentration
Decomposition Temperature: >200°C, decomposition may produce toxic gases.
Stability: Stable under normal use and storage conditions.
Reactivity: No dangerous reactions known under recommended conditions.
Conditions to Avoid: Excess moisture, excessive heat, ignition sources
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers and strong acids.
Hazardous Decomposition: Thermal decomposition may produce carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides.
Polymerization: Not known to occur under normal conditions.
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 in rats >10000 mg/kg (practically non-toxic)
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Not expected to cause skin irritation with short-term exposure
Eye Damage/Irritation: Dust may cause mechanical irritation
Respiratory Sensitization: Repeated inhalation may cause mild irritation
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, OSHA
Reproductive Toxicity: Studies do not indicate reproductive or developmental effects
Chronic Effects: No significant long-term effects noted from occupational exposure
Additional Information: Allergic reactions possible, though rare. Povidone has a well-documented safety profile in pharmaceuticals and food.
Ecotoxicity: No significant toxicity to aquatic life observed under normal conditions
Persistence and Degradability: Polyvinylpyrrolidone is non-biodegradable under standard biological treatment conditions
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low; not expected to bioaccumulate
Mobility in Soil: Highly soluble, likely to migrate through soil with water
Other Adverse Effects: Large quantities may lead to increased chemical oxygen demand in water systems. Not considered a major environmental threat when used properly.
Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose as non-hazardous organic solid waste in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations
Preferred Disposal: Incineration or landfill after neutralization, as per facility guidelines
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse containers thoroughly before recycling or disposal
Disposal Notes: Do not pour large amounts into sewer systems or water bodies. Notify relevant authorities if disposal circumstances fall outside routine waste management.
UN Number: Not regulated for transport
UN Proper Shipping Name: Not regulated as dangerous goods
Transport Hazard Class: Not applicable
Packing Group: Not applicable
Marine Pollutant: No
Special Precautions: Secure containers during transit to prevent breakage and dust dispersal
Transport Labeling: No specific label required for road, rail, sea, or air shipments.
US TSCA Status: Listed
EU REACH Registration: Registered polymers, specific monomers or impurities may be listed
Canada DSL/NDSL: Listed
OSHA HazCom 2012: Not considered hazardous
SARA 311/312 Hazards: Not reportable
California Prop 65: Not listed
Other Regulations: Listed in the pharmacopoeias (USP, Ph.Eur), permissible in food (as a processing aid, E1201 in EU), subject to good manufacturing practices in all applications.
Local Regulations: Users should consult local regulatory authorities to ensure compliance based on use and volume.