Material Safety Data Sheet: Cellulose Acetate
Identification
Product Name: Cellulose Acetate
Chemical Formula: (C6H7O2(OOCCH3)3)n
Synonyms: Acetylated Cellulose, CA
CAS Number: 9004-35-7
Recommended Use: Film base, plastics, textiles, coatings
Supplier Details: Manufacturer’s address, emergency telephone number, and contact person for safety information
Hazard Identification
Classification: Not classified as hazardous according to GHS criteria
Physical Hazards: Combustible dust hazard, can form explosive mixtures in air
Health Hazards: Dust may irritate respiratory tract, eyes, and skin on prolonged exposure
Environmental Hazards: Limited aquatic toxicity, can persist in landfills
Label Elements: None required under GHS, but precautionary statements apply for dust
Precautionary Statements: Prevent dust formation, avoid inhalation and contact with eyes and skin
Composition / Information on Ingredients
Main Component: Cellulose Acetate – 95% or greater by weight
Additives: Trace plasticizers or stabilizers depending on grade
Impurities: Moisture, minor organic compounds from processing under 1%
First Aid Measures
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with plenty of water for at least fifteen minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, seek medical attention if irritation persists
Skin Contact: Wash affected area with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing and launder before reuse, contact a physician if irritation develops
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing, consult a doctor if symptoms occur
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, do not induce vomiting, seek medical advice if feeling unwell
Fire-Fighting Measures
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: None known for standard powdered or solid forms
Special Hazards: Produces acetic acid fumes, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide during combustion. Dust can ignite
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should use self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing
Firefighting Instructions: Use water spray to cool containers, avoid inhaling fumes, evacuate area if necessary
Accidental Release Measures
Personal Precautions: Wear protective gloves, goggles, and dust mask
Emergency Procedures: Remove all sources of ignition, ventilate area
Containment: Prevent dust cloud formation, sweep up gently without generating dust
Clean-up Methods: Collect spilled material in appropriate containers for disposal, wash spill area with water
Environmental Precautions: Do not allow large amounts to enter drains or watercourses, inform local authorities if spill reaches environment
Handling and Storage
Handling: Use only in well-ventilated areas, avoid dust generation, minimize inhalation and skin contact, wear protective clothing and eye protection
Safe Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated space away from ignition sources and direct sunlight, keep containers tightly closed, store away from incompatible substances like strong acids or oxidizers
Specific End Uses: Follow industrial regulations for manufacturing and laboratory uses, maintain records of use and inventory
Exposure Controls and Personal Protection
Occupational Exposure Limits: No specific OSHA, ACGIH, or EU OELs for cellulose acetate dust. Nuisance dust limits recommended (total dust 10 mg/m3, respirable dust 5 mg/m3)
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, appropriate dust collection
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety glasses, chemical-resistant gloves, dust respirators (NIOSH-approved P95 or equivalent)
Hygiene Measures: Do not eat, drink, or smoke in work areas, wash hands and face after handling, remove contaminated clothing before entering public areas
Physical and Chemical Properties
Appearance: White or off-white flakes, powder, pellets, or film
Odor: Faint acetic odor
pH: Not applicable (solid)
Melting Point: Softens at 230–260°C (450–500°F)
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Flash Point: > 180°C (closed cup)
Explosive Properties: Dust may form explosive mixtures with air
Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in acetone and organic esters
Density: 1.27–1.34 g/cm3
Stability and Reactivity
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal storage and handling conditions
Reactivity: No dangerous reactions when handled properly
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Acetic acid, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide on burning
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, strong acids and bases, nitric acid
Conditions to Avoid: Extreme heat, direct flame, sources of ignition, static discharge
Toxicological Information
Acute Toxicity: Not acutely toxic through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact
Chronic Effects: Long-term exposure to polyester dusts may aggravate existing respiratory conditions
Skin/Eye Irritation: Mild mechanical irritation, rare skin sensitization
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by NTP, IARC, or OSHA
Sensitization: No known sensitizing potential
Ecological Information
Eco-Toxicity: Low aquatic toxicity, fish and microorganisms display limited sensitivity
Persistence and Degradability: Slowly biodegradable under aerobic conditions, long persistence in soil or landfill
Bioaccumulation Potential: Negligible bioaccumulation
Mobility in Soil: Low mobility due to insolubility in water
Other Adverse Effects: Physical hazard to wildlife if ingested as plastic debris
Disposal Considerations
Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national laws
Incineration: Industrial incinerators can handle large quantities, must be fitted with gas cleaning systems
Landfill: Suitable for non-hazardous waste landfill, avoid uncontrolled dumping
Precautions: Prevent entry to water courses, do not litter or dump in the environment
Transport Information
UN Number: Not regulated as dangerous goods
Transport Hazard Class: None
Packing Group: Not assigned
Label Requirements: None required
Special Precautions: Ship in tightly closed, labeled containers, prevent load shift and packaging damage during transport
Transport in Bulk: Follow local and international protocols for packaging and handling
Regulatory Information
Local Regulations: No specific controls placed under OSHA, REACH, or other key national regulatory bodies
Chemical Inventory Listings: Listed on TSCA, EINECS, DSL, and other major inventories
Safety, Health, and Environmental Rules: Follow workplace healthy safety rules, comply with emission and waste regulations
Labeling Requirements: None specified beyond general occupational safety labeling for chemical substances
Other Regulations: Not subject to specific restrictions, always check for any workplace-specific mandates or updates
