Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS): Ammonium Polyphosphate (APP-0M)

Identification

Product Name: Ammonium Polyphosphate (APP-0M)
Chemical Family: Polyphosphate Salts
Recommended Uses: Flame retardant for plastics, paints, and coatings; fertilizer ingredient; industrial chemical
Manufacturer’s Contact: [Insert specific producer contact details here]
Emergency Contact Number: [Insert local emergency numbers as required]
Synonyms: Polyphosphoric acid, ammonium salt; APP
CAS Number: 68333-79-9
Product Code: APP-0M
Supplier Address: [Insert current supplier’s location]
Prepared By: Safety Team – [Insert organization name]

Hazard Identification

Hazard Class: Not classified as hazardous according to GHS
Main Hazards: Eye and skin irritation after contact, mild respiratory irritation if dust inhaled, non-flammable but can emit toxic fumes if involved in fire
Label Elements: Irritant pictogram, avoid inhalation, prevent dust formation, use with adequate ventilation
Signal Word: Warning
Acute Health Effects: Redness or discomfort to eyes, dry skin, throat irritation
Chronic Effects: Long-term overexposure could lead to mild respiratory problems
Environmental Hazards: Non-toxic to aquatic life in low concentrations; excessive releases increase nutrient pollution concerns
Precautionary Statements: Use protective equipment, do not breathe dust, wash thoroughly after handling

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Ammonium Polyphosphate
CAS Number: 68333-79-9
Formula: (NH4PO3)n (where n > 2)
Concentration: More than 98% pure by weight
Impurities: Ammonium phosphate mono- and di-basic (trace), water (minor), proprietary stabilizers (trace amounts)
Other Information: Does not contain heavy metals, formaldehyde, or brominated flame retardants
Hazardous Components: None present above cut-off values or regulatory limits

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move exposed individual to fresh air, provide oxygen if breathing is difficult, consult a doctor if irritation persists
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for 15 minutes, remove contact lenses if possible, seek medical attention for persistent discomfort
Skin Contact: Rinse with enough water and mild soap, remove contaminated clothing, seek advice for any skin irritation
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink plenty of water, do not induce vomiting, get medical assistance if a large amount has been swallowed or symptoms appear
Notes for Physicians: Treat symptomatically, no specific antidote identified

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry powder, or CO2 works well around stored APP
Unsuitable Media: None known for this material
Special Hazards: Polyphosphate does not burn, but strong heating may release ammonia, phosphorus oxides
Protective Equipment: Self-contained breathing apparatus, chemical-resistant suit, gloves and boots
Special Procedures: Cool containers with water spray; avoid letting contaminated water enter drains or surface water
Combustion Products: Ammonia, phosphorus oxides, and possibly small amounts of nitrogen oxides

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Protection: Respiratory protection in dusty environments, chemical goggles, protective gloves, coveralls
Spill Cleanup: Vacuum or sweep up to prevent dust, transfer to sealed containers, wash area with water
Environmental Precautions: Stop entry into drains, rivers, or soil; large spills could increase water nutrient loads
Methods for Containment: Dike and contain spills, recover product when possible
Disposal: Dispose waste according to local laws and guidelines for non-hazardous chemical residues

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling: Limit dust build-up, keep containers tightly closed, ground all handling equipment against static electricity build-up
Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated conditions, separate from incompatible materials such as strong acids and oxidizers
Material Compatibility: Avoid storage with strong alkalis, acids, oxidizing agents, and foodstuffs
Packaging Materials: Use moisture-resistant, inert packaging like polyethylene-lined drums or bags
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands and exposed skin after use, do not eat or drink in work area

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No specific OSHA or ACGIH limits set for ammonium polyphosphate dust; keep total inhalable dust below 10 mg/m³
Engineering Controls: General and local ventilation, dust extraction at points of generation, avoid recirculating dust
Personal Protective Equipment: Nuisance dust mask or respirator if dust exceeds recommended limits, safety goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, disposable coveralls
Environmental Exposure Controls: Keep waste and product from drains and open watercourses
Monitoring: Carry out periodic workplace air monitoring for dust concentrations

Physical and Chemical Properties

Physical State: White, odorless, free-flowing powder or small granules
Solubility: Slightly soluble in cold water, more soluble in warm water
Melting Point: Above 240°C (decomposes before melting)
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes)
Flash Point: Not flammable
pH (1% Solution): 6.0 – 8.0
Relative Density: About 1.9 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Negligible
Odor: None
Particle Size: Varies by product grade; generally between 10 and 1000 microns
Other Data: Does not support combustion, moderate hygroscopicity, stable in original packaging

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal storage and use conditions
Thermal Decomposition: Decomposes at temperatures above 240°C producing ammonia and phosphoric acids
Reactivity: May react with strong acids producing ammonia and heat
Incompatible Materials: Avoid contact with strong oxidizers or acids, strong alkalis
Hazardous Polymerization: Does not spontaneously polymerize
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Ammonia, phosphine gas in extreme overheating, phosphorus pentoxide fumes

Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, ingestion
Acute Effects (Animal Data): Oral LD50 (rat) > 5000 mg/kg; skin/eye mildly irritating
Chronic Effects: No reported carcinogenicity or developmental toxicity; extensive inhalation could cause respiratory symptoms over time
Sensitization: Not known to cause allergies
Mutagenicity: None observed in standard tests
Medical Conditions Aggravated by Exposure: Pre-existing respiratory disorders
Symptoms of Overexposure: Cough, eye irritation, dryness or redness of skin

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Not acutely toxic to fish, daphnia, or algae in standard tests; LC50 (96h, Fish) > 1000 mg/L
Environmental Fate: APP slowly dissociates, contributes phosphate ions, can foster eutrophication in surface water
Persistence and Degradability: Inorganic product, no degradation
Bioaccumulative Potential: No bioaccumulation anticipated
Mobility in Soil: Moderately mobile in moist soils, can leach in sandy or over-irrigated soils
Other Adverse Effects: High concentrations contribute to nutrient loading of aquatic systems; respect local discharge regulations

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Landfill in accordance with local, state, or federal regulations for non-hazardous industrial material
Recycling: Reuse in process streams where feasible
Incineration: Not recommended because of potential generation of ammonia and phosphorus oxides
Container Disposal: Triple rinse, puncture, and manage as per standard rules
Regulatory Class: Not hazardous waste under RCRA
Precautions: Prevent large amounts entering sewer or water bodies; avoid dumping near food crops or potable water sources

Transport Information

UN Number: Not classified as dangerous goods for land, sea, or air transport
Proper Shipping Name: Ammonium Polyphosphate
Transport Hazard Class: Not regulated
Packing Group: None required
Special Precautions: Protect against moisture, segregate from incompatible materials
Labeling: Standard product description label, irritation warnings

Regulatory Information

GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS
Inventory Status: Listed on TSCA (USA), EINECS/ELINCS (EU), AICS (Australia), DSL/NDSL (Canada), ENCS (Japan)
OSHA: Not a regulated hazardous material
EPA SARA Title III: Not a listed chemical
California Proposition 65: Not listed
REACH (EU): Registered in compliance with REACH regulation
Workplace Controls: Recommend standard industrial hygiene procedures, regular workplace safety training
Waste Codes: Not assigned specific hazardous waste code (US Federal)