Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)

Identification

Chemical Name: Low Density Polyethylene
Synonyms: LDPE, Polyethylene, Ethylene Homopolymer
CAS Number: 9002-88-4
Recommended Use: Packaging films, plastic bags, containers, bottles, cable insulation
Supplier Identification: Manufacturer or importer details should be clearly listed on the product packaging or safety data accompanying shipments, providing up-to-date emergency contact phone numbers and an accessible address for quick reference.

Hazard Identification

Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS
Physical Hazards: Static discharge risk possible, can ignite at elevated temperatures
Health Risks: Dust or fumes from thermal processing may irritate respiratory system; molten LDPE causes burns if in contact with skin; eyes may become irritated from particles
Signal Word: Not applicable for pellet or solid form
Pictograms: Not required for solid; molten product may require warning during handling
Precautionary Statement: Workers exposed to smoke or decomposition gases must use appropriate personal protection to avoid eye and respiratory irritation

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Identity: Polyethylene
CAS Number: 9002-88-4
Purity: Over 98% polymer, traces of antioxidant or stabilizers (<0.5%)
Hazardous Components: Product contains no ingredients classified as hazardous according to OSHA or EU regulations. Watch for additives specified by the supplier for custom applications; these should be identified for users.

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air if fumes from overheating or combustion cause irritation, provide medical attention if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Cool burned area from molten polymer under running water without attempted removal of adhered polymer, seek urgent medical attention for burns
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes gently with clean water, seek care if irritation or particle remains
Ingestion: Product considered inert, non-toxic, unlikely route of exposure, seek medical advice if symptoms occur

Fire-Fighting Measures

Extinguishing Agents: Water spray (preferred), foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide
Combustion Products: Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, aldehydes, acetic acid, other hydrocarbon fragments
Specific Hazards: Melts and drips; can flow and spread fire
Protective Equipment: Self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing required for responders
Unusual Fire Hazards: Fine dust can present explosion hazard, ventilate storage and processing areas appropriately, apply standard procedures for solid plastics in fire

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Protection: Wear protective gloves, safety goggles, dust mask if powder form
Spill Response: Sweep up material for reuse or disposal, avoid generating dust, minimize slip hazards by cleaning up thoroughly, ensure no product clogs drains or waterways
Environmental Precautions: Prevent release of pellets or powder to aquatic environments, employ containment at work sites
Cleanup Methods: Use industrial vacuum or broom, collect residue into containers for recycling or disposal

Handling and Storage

Handling: Avoid inhaling fumes or dust; do not eat, drink or smoke in processing areas; prevent static discharge by grounding equipment
Storage Conditions: Keep in a dry, well-ventilated space; avoid high temperatures or direct sunlight; protect against moisture and sources of ignition
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers such as nitric acid, highly chlorinated compounds
Safe Practices: Label all containers; keep lids tight to reduce environmental spread of pellets

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Provide ventilation, especially at processing machines where fumes may develop
Respiratory Protection: Use dust mask for powder, fume respirator at processing temperatures above 300°C
Hand Protection: Wear heat-resistant gloves when handling molten LDPE
Eye Protection: Safety goggles or face shield if dusting, cutting, or processing
Other Protection: Long sleeves and pants recommended; use shoes with slip-resistant soles in work areas
Exposure Limits: No occupational exposure limits established for LDPE, but monitor workplace conditions for any irritant fumes.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Opaque or translucent solid in pellet, powder, sheet, or film form
Odor: Odorless under normal conditions; faint waxy scent possible at processing temperatures
pH: Not applicable
Melting Point: 105 to 115°C (221 to 239°F)
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Flash Point: 340°C (644°F)
Autoignition Temperature: 350 to 400°C (662 to 752°F)
Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons at higher temperatures
Specific Gravity: 0.91–0.94 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at ambient temperatures
Vapor Density: Not applicable
Physical Hazards: Can form dust clouds if grated or ground; tendency to build static charge

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable at ambient temperatures and pressures; degradation accelerates above 300°C
Hazardous Reactions: Avoid strong oxidizers and acids; conditions producing decomposition gases include high heat or fires
Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, acetic acid, aldehydes, other small hydrocarbons, potentially toxic in confined spaces
Polymerization: Does not undergo hazardous polymerization

Toxicological Information

Acute Effects: Product is regarded as biologically inert, but dust or fume exposure during processing can cause irritation of lungs, eyes, and skin
Chronic Effects: No evidence of sensitizing, carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reproductive effects for base polymer, but byproducts from thermal decomposition may introduce risks
LD50/LC50: Not available; expected to be high given the physical-chemical properties and inert character of the polymer
Medical Conditions Aggravated: Pre-existing asthma or respiratory disorders can worsen in case of fumes

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Not toxic to aquatic life in solid form; microplastic concerns for marine organisms if released in pellet or powder form
Persistence: Highly resistant to biodegradation, accumulates in soil or water
Bioaccumulation: No known bioaccumulation in organisms, but small fragments can enter food chain
Mobility: Pellets and powders migrate through water systems, contribute to plastic pollution if not contained
Other Environmental Hazards: Avoid spills to open environment; promote recycling of scrap

Disposal Considerations

Recycling: Encourage collection for mechanical or chemical recycling wherever possible
Incineration: Can be incinerated at facilities equipped to capture and treat emissions; avoid open burning
Landfill: Acceptable if material cannot be recycled or incinerated safely, but long-term persistence in landfill remains an issue
Precautions: Prevent pellets or powder from entering natural water bodies or drainage systems

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated as a dangerous good
Proper Shipping Name: Polyethylene, low density
Transport Hazard Class: Not applicable
Packing Group: Not required
Environmental Hazards: Avoid release to environment, keep containers secure
Special Precautions: Use moisture-proof and dust-tight containers for loose forms; secure packaging to prevent spillage during transit

Regulatory Information

OSHA: Not classified as hazardous
TSCA: Listed
REACH: Exempt as a polymer
SARA Title III: Not classified
California Proposition 65: Not listed
EU Regulations: Exempt from REACH registration as base polymer, but check for hazardous additives
Other: Review specific country, state, or regional regulatory lists if additives or recycled content used