Material Safety Data Sheet: Petroleum Hydrocarbon

Identification

Product Name: Petroleum Hydrocarbon
Synonyms: Mineral Spirits, White Spirits, Naphtha, Light Hydrocarbon Mixture
CAS Number: 8008-20-6 (varies based on specific fraction)
Recommended Use: Solvent, fuel, raw material in chemical processes
Supplier: Refer to specific supplier details on packaging
Emergency Contact: Refer to local country-specific emergency telephone lines

Hazard Identification

Classification: Flammable liquid (Category 2), Acute Toxicity Inhalation (Category 4), Skin Irritation (Category 2), Aspiration hazard (Category 1)
Label Elements: Danger, flame symbol, exclamation mark, health hazard symbol
Hazard Statements: Highly flammable liquid and vapor, harmful if inhaled, may cause drowsiness or dizziness, causes skin irritation, may cause lung damage if swallowed
Precautionary Statements: Keep away from heat, open flames, sparks; use explosion-proof electrical equipment; avoid breathing vapors; wash skin thoroughly after handling; use in a well-ventilated area; in case of exposure or concern, seek medical advice

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Petroleum Hydrocarbon
Percentage Range: 100%
Key Components: Alkanes (C5-C20), Cycloalkanes, Aromatics (benzene may be present in trace amounts for some fractions), Olefins
Impurities: Sulfur compounds, nitrogen compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, lead (in legacy formulations), trace metals
Formula: Mixture; not a pure chemical

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air, keep at rest, seek immediate medical attention if breathing becomes difficult; support vital functions as needed
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse area with plenty of water and mild soap; medical attention for prolonged irritation
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes, remove contact lenses if present, continue rinsing, obtain medical attention if irritation persists
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; risk of aspiration and chemical pneumonitis; rinse mouth if conscious, provide medical assistance ASAP
Most important symptoms: Dizziness, headaches, respiratory disruption, chemical burns to skin/eyes, nausea

Fire-Fighting Measures

Extinguishing Media: Foam, dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide; do not use water jets directly
Specific Hazards: Vapors can form explosive mixtures with air, flashback possible, combustion will release toxic gases including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, unburned hydrocarbons
Special Protective Equipment: Firefighters require full protective gear, self-contained breathing apparatus
Further Advice: Isolate area, remove all ignition sources, cool containers with water spray from a safe distance, collect contaminated fire water separately

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate area, ventilate enclosed spaces, wear protective equipment including gloves, goggles, and suitable respiratory protection
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry to drains, surface water, and ground water, inform authorities of significant spills
Cleanup Methods: Stop leak if without risk, contain with inert absorbent (sand, earth, vermiculite), place in designated containers for disposal, clean area with detergent and water, do not flush with water

Handling and Storage

Precautions for Handling: Use only in well-ventilated areas, avoid breathing vapors, avoid skin and eye contact, keep away from sources of ignition, use spark-free tools and grounded equipment
Requirements for Storage: Store in tightly closed containers, keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, segregate from oxidizers, acids, and foodstuffs, ensure proper labeling, avoid direct sunlight, comply with local and national laws on flammable liquids

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL: 500 ppm, ACGIH TLV: 100 ppm (varies according to mixture and aromatic content)
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, explosion-proof electrical installations, vapor monitoring
Personal Protective Equipment: Solvent-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene), goggles or face shield, flame-retardant clothing, respiratory protection if exposure exceeds limits or for spills, safety shoes
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before breaks and after handling, change contaminated clothing

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Clear or pale liquid
Odor: Hydrocarbon solvent odor
Odor Threshold: 0.25 - 50 ppm (varies)
pH: Not applicable
Melting Point/Freezing Point: -40°C to -20°C
Boiling Point/Range: 130°C to 300°C
Flash Point: <30°C - 60°C (depending on grade)
Evaporation Rate: Moderate
Flammability: Highly flammable
Upper/Lower Explosion Limits: UEL 7%, LEL 0.7% (by volume)
Vapor Pressure: 4-8 mmHg @ 20°C
Vapor Density: >1 (air = 1)
Relative Density: 0.68 - 0.86 (water = 1)
Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in organic solvents
Partition Coefficient: log Kow 2.1 – 6.0
Auto-ignition Temperature: 220°C - 450°C

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal use and storage conditions
Reactivity: Reacts violently with strong oxidizers (peroxides, chlorine, nitric acid)
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: May form peroxides with air exposure
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, aldehydes, hydrocarbons
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, sparks, flame, static discharge, incompatibles

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Inhalation causes respiratory irritation, high concentrations depress central nervous system, ingestion can lead to aspiration and fatal chemical pneumonitis
Chronic Exposure: Prolonged skin contact causes dermatitis, repeated inhalation associated with nervous system effects
Carcinogenicity: Some fractions (containing benzene or polyaromatics) carry increased cancer risk
Target Organs: Central nervous system, lungs, skin
Symptoms: Dizziness, headache, nausea, respiratory distress

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic organisms, causes long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment
Persistence and Degradability: Not readily biodegradable, persists in soil and water
Bioaccumulation: High potential due to hydrophobic nature (log Kow high)
Mobility in Soil: Low solubility, floats on water, migrates through soils
Other Adverse Effects: Contaminates groundwater, disrupts microbial life

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Recycle or reclaim if feasible, send waste to licensed incinerator or energy recovery facility
Contaminated Packaging: Empty containers may contain vapors, treat as hazardous waste, puncture only after decontamination
Disposal Precautions: Follow local, regional, and national regulations, do not pour into drains, dispose via qualified chemical waste contractor

Transport Information

UN Number: 1268
UN Proper Shipping Name: Petroleum Distillates, n.o.s.
Transport Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable Liquid)
Packing Group: II or III (depends on flash point and composition)
Label: Flammable Liquid
Environmental Hazards: Marine pollutant when transported in bulk
Special Precautions: Cargo must be secured, ensure upright stowage, avoid temperature extremes

Regulatory Information

OSHA Status: Regulated Hazardous Substance
EPA SARA Title III: Listed under Sections 311/312 (Fire, Health Hazard)
TSCA: Components listed
RCRA: Classified hazardous waste (U039 for spent product)
Other Regulations: Workplace exposure controls required under federal/state standards, subject to Global Harmonized System (GHS) criteria
Labeling Requirements: Danger, flammable liquid pictogram, health hazard symbol, exclamation mark with signal words and risk statements as required by GHS and local authorities