Material Safety Data Sheet for Ammonium Polyphosphate (APP-0S)

Identification

Product Name: Ammonium Polyphosphate (APP-0S)
Chemical Formula: (NH4PO3)n
Synonyms: Polyphosphoric acid, ammonium salt; APP
Recommended Use: Flame retardant, fertilizer additive, coating, plastics
Supplier Details: Check product packaging for manufacturer name, emergency phone number, address
CAS Number: 68333-79-9
Emergency Phone: Number depends on region; refer to safety labels
UN Number: Not regulated as hazardous for transport

Hazard Identification

Hazard Classification: Not classified as hazardous under current GHS/OSHA standards
Signal Word: None assigned
Pictograms: Not applicable
Possible Hazards: Prolonged exposure can cause mild irritation to eyes, respiratory system; dust may aggravate asthma; no acute toxicity in normal handling
Precautionary Statements: Avoid creating dust; use with adequate ventilation; avoid eye contact
Other Hazards: No known chronic effects from typical industrial exposure; decomposition produces ammonia and phosphoric acid fumes if overheated

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Identity: Ammonium polyphosphate
CAS Number: 68333-79-9
Concentration: Greater than 98%
Impurities: Water, orthophosphate, ammonium compounds in trace amounts
Allergenic Substances: None known
Additives: No added coloring agents or stabilizers

First Aid Measures

Eye Contact: Flush widely open eyes with plenty of clean running water for 15–20 minutes, removing contacts if present, seek medical advice for irritation
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin thoroughly with soap and water, seek medical attention if rash or irritation develops
Inhalation: Move affected person outdoors or to fresh air, loosen tight clothing, get medical help if breathing trouble continues
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, offer water to drink, do not induce vomiting, contact poison control or physician for large quantities or if symptoms present
Notes for Physician: Symptomatic treatment recommended; material is not expected to be highly toxic

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, CO2, dry chemical powder
Unsuitable Media: None known, avoid high-pressure water streams directly on dust
Fire Hazards: Emits ammonia, nitrogen oxides, phosphorus oxides when burned or decomposed at high temperatures
Special Protective Equipment: Firefighters should use self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Explosion Risk: Not explosive; will not support combustion; avoid dust accumulation near open flames or strong oxidizers
Thermal Decomposition: Decomposes above 240°C producing toxic fumes, especially in confined areas

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear dust mask, safety goggles, gloves; minimize dust generation; ventilate area
Environmental Precautions: Prevent further spillage; avoid allowing product to reach watercourses; sweep carefully to reduce airborne dust
Methods for Cleanup: Use non-sparking tools; collect spilled powder with a shovel or vacuum; store in containers for proper disposal; wash area with water after removal
Actions for Large Spills: Contain area using barriers or absorbent material, notify regulatory authorities if large quantities enter drains or soil

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use local exhaust ventilation to reduce dust; avoid respiratory and eye exposure; do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling; wash hands after use
Storage: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated place; keep tightly sealed in original packaging; avoid moisture and direct sunlight; do not expose to reactive chemicals such as strong acids or alkalis
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, strong alkalis
Storage Temperature: Ideally below 35°C to maintain stability and prevent caking
Other Precautions: Keep storage area clean and avoid mixing with other powders; label all containers clearly

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No OSHA PEL set for APP; follow general nuisance dust limits (10 mg/m³ total dust, 5 mg/m³ respirable fraction)
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation and process enclosure recommended in dusty operations
Personal Protective Equipment: Dust mask or approved respirator for high concentrations; safety glasses or goggles; chemical-resistant gloves (PVC or nitrile); work apron or lab coat
Hygiene Measures: Wash face and hands before breaks and at end of shift; do not bring contaminated clothing home
Monitoring Procedures: Regular air monitoring for dust levels in the work environment in heavy use areas

Physical and Chemical Properties

Physical Form: White, free-flowing crystalline powder or granules
Odor: Slight ammonia smell
pH (1% solution): 5.5–7.5
Melting Point: Softens above 190°C, decomposes above 240°C
Solubility in Water: Limited, largely insoluble but swells in water; higher solubility in acidic conditions
Density: 1.6–1.9 g/cm³
Flash Point: Not applicable; not flammable
Vapor Pressure: Negligible
Appearance: Uniform, white, odorless powder or granule
Other Properties: Stable under normal storage; may slowly hydrolyze or cake in humid air

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under standard conditions and temperatures below 35°C
Reactivity: Not reactive with most common industrial materials
Conditions to Avoid: High heat, open flame, contact with strong acids or alkalis
Decomposition Products: Ammonia; phosphoric acid; nitrogen oxides
Hazardous Reactions: Contact with strong oxidizers can increase fire risk; moisture can cause material to clump and reduce shelf life

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity (oral, rat): LD50 > 5,000 mg/kg (low toxicity)
Skin Irritation: Slight potential for irritation with prolonged or repeated exposure
Eye Irritation: May cause mild, reversible irritation
Inhalation: Dust may cause transient cough, throat or lung irritation, especially with repeated exposure or in poorly ventilated spaces
Chronic Effects: No evidence of carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or reproductive toxicity from current studies
Sensitization: No known skin sensitization reactions reported
Other Info: Not expected to bioaccumulate; not listed as carcinogenic by IARC, OSHA, NTP

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Not acutely toxic to fish, daphnia, or algae at typical concentrations used in industry
Persistence and Degradability: May release phosphate into water, contributing to eutrophication in large releases
Bioaccumulation: Not anticipated; product converts to inorganic phosphate over time
Mobility in Soil: Low; binds to soil minerals, slow migration
Other Environmental Concerns: Keep large releases out of groundwater and surface waters; long-term spillage can affect natural waters and promote algal growth

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Method: Collect waste in properly labeled containers; dispose at licensed landfill or incinerator according to local, state, national regulations
Small Quantities: Rinse away with water, making sure drainage leads to treatment plant
Packaging Disposal: Empty bags or drums can be reused or recycled after thorough cleaning; avoid burning packaging
Contaminated Material: Dispose as solid chemical waste in accordance with authority guidelines

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated
Proper Shipping Name: Not dangerous goods
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified
Packing Group: Not applicable
Labels Required: No hazard label required for road, rail, sea, air transport under normal conditions
Special Precautions for Transport: Securely cover containers; avoid spills by protecting sacks or drums from moisture and physical damage

Regulatory Information

OSHA Status: Not classified as hazardous under OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
TSCA Status: Listed on the United States TSCA Inventory
REACH Status: Complies with requirements and pre-registration in the European Union
DSL/NDSL (Canada): Listed
RoHS/ELV Compliance: Meets typical restrictions for lead, cadmium, and other heavy metals
Other Regulatory Requirements: Subject to workplace safety rules for dust; handling and disposal in compliance with local, national guidelines; not controlled as a drug or precursor