Product Name: Shellac
Other Names: Laccifer lacca resin, Shellac resin, Natural shellac
Recommended Use: Wood finish, food glaze, pharmaceutical coating
Supplier Information: Major chemical suppliers (name, address, phone, emergency contact)
CAS Number: 9000-59-3
Emergency Number: Provided by supplier or local poison control center
Classification: Not classed as hazardous under GHS criteria
Physical State Risks: Dust can irritate airways and eyes; molten shellac can burn skin
Fire/Explosion Risk: Flammable solid; dust can form explosive mixtures in air
Health Effects: Possible skin or eye irritant; inhaling dust can cause mild respiratory issues
Environmental Effects: Minimal; biodegrades but can impact waterways in large quantities
Label Elements: Flammable solid pictogram, avoid dust formation
Main Ingredient: Shellac resin (100%)
Chemical Formula: Complex mixture of polyesters and lactones derived from aleuritic acid and other components
Impurities/Additives: Trace amounts of wax, aleuritic acid, coloring matter
Other Identification Numbers: EC Number: 232-549-9
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, seek medical attention if breathing becomes difficult
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water; for burns from hot material, cool affected area under running water
Eye Contact: Rinse with water for at least 15 minutes, seek medical advice for irritation
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water, consult a doctor if symptoms persist or large amounts consumed
Symptoms to Watch For: Redness, rash, coughing, difficulty breathing
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, CO2, foam, water spray (for large fires)
Unsuitable Media: Direct water jet on molten shellac may cause spattering
Hazards: Produces carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, irritating fumes on burning
Firefighting Instructions: Use self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing
Protective Equipment: Full protective gear for firefighters
Personal Precautions: Avoid inhaling dust, ventilate area, wear protective mask, goggles, and gloves
Environmental Precautions: Prevent large spills from reaching water systems
Containment Methods: Collect spillage with methods that reduce dust generation, sweep gently
Cleaning Procedures: Shovel or vacuum up material, place in a container for proper disposal
Handling: Keep container tightly closed, avoid dust generation, use spark-proof tools, handle with care regarding fire risk
Storage: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat, sparks, open flames, strong oxidizers, acids, and bases
Special Precautions: Ground all equipment to avoid static discharge where possible, stack containers so they will not fall
Occupational Exposure Limits: No specific regulatory limits; control dust to lowest practical level
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation or general dilution ventilation
Personal Protective Equipment: Respiratory protection if airborne dust exceeds comfortable levels, safety glasses or goggles, protective gloves, long sleeves
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before eating or drinking, keep work area clean, avoid touching face
Appearance: Flakes, granules, or powder, color ranges from light yellow to deep brown
Odor: Mild, characteristic
Melting Point: Typically 75–90 °C
Boiling Point: Not applicable; decomposes at high temperatures
Flash Point: Around 204 °C (closed cup)
Autoignition Temperature: Above 350 °C
Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in ethanol, alkali solutions
Density: About 1.2 g/cm³
pH: Not applicable (insoluble in water)
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Explosive Properties: Dust can present explosion hazard
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions in closed containers
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, sparks, open flames, static electricity, moisture
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, acids, alkalis
Decomposition Products: Burning produces carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, organic vapors
Hazardous Polymerization: Does not occur
Acute Toxicity: Low oral toxicity; used in food and pharmaceuticals
Chronic Effects: No known long-term health hazards from normal use
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin or eye contact, accidental ingestion
Symptoms: Possible mild eye, skin, respiratory irritation from contact with dust or molten material
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as carcinogen by ACGIH, IARC, NTP, OSHA
Sensitization: Rare skin allergy reported in some sensitive individuals
Persistence and Degradability: Natural resin; readily biodegrades in soil and water
Bioaccumulation: No bioaccumulation expected
Aquatic Toxicity: Not harmful to aquatic organisms at typical concentrations
Other Ecological Effects: Large spills could cause physical effects, such as coating or blocking waterways
Waste Disposal: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations; landfill or incinerate where allowed
Packaging Disposal: Triple rinse and recycle where possible or dispose with standard solid waste
Special Considerations: Avoid discharge into drains or watercourses in large amounts
UN Number: Not regulated under UN/IMDG/IATA/ADR rules for transport
Proper Shipping Name: Not classified as dangerous goods
Hazard Class: None required
Packing Group: Not applicable
Special Precautions: Protect from moisture during transportation, keep containers tightly closed
Safety Regulations: Complies with national and international food additive and industrial chemical standards
Labeling Requirements: Follow workplace regulation for labeling non-hazardous chemicals, include fire risk warning
REACH Status: Exempt or registered depending on jurisdiction
OSHA Classification: Not hazardous
Other National/Local Requirements: Refer to specific regulation depending on country of use