Material Safety Data Sheet: Ammonium Polyphosphate (APP-L)

Identification

Product Name: Ammonium Polyphosphate (APP-L)
Chemical Formula: NH4PO3
Other Names: Phosphoric acid, ammonium salt, polymer, liquid
Recommended Use: Used as flame retardant for plastics, coatings, foams, and textiles.
Manufacturer Details: [Manufacturer Name], [Address], [Phone Number], [Emergency Contact Number]
SDS Number: [SDS Reference Number]
Revision Date: [Date of Most Recent Update]

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous material under GHS.
Signal Word: None required
Hazard Statements: May cause slight irritation to eyes, skin, or respiratory tract if contact persists. Dust or mist may aggravate asthma or allergies.
Pictograms: None specified for the typical formulation.
Precautionary Statements: Avoid prolonged skin or eye contact. Use suitable protective gear if exposure risk is high. Store in a well-ventilated area to avoid buildup of dust or vapors.

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Composition: Main ingredient: Ammonium polyphosphate, CAS No. 68333-79-9, concentration typically above 95%.
Impurities: Possible trace amounts of orthophosphates, water, and minor phosphate species. No intentionally added hazardous impurities above threshold limits.

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: If breathing becomes difficult after inhaling dust or mist, move the affected person to fresh air. Seek medical help if there’s persistent cough, wheezing, or shortness of breath.
Skin Contact: Remove any contaminated clothing, wash skin thoroughly with soap and water. Persistent redness or irritation means getting medical attention is sensible.
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, holding eyelids open. Remove contact lenses if present and safe. Contact an eye specialist if discomfort continues.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth out and drink plenty of water. Avoid forcing vomiting. Medical attention is needed if feeling unwell, vomiting, or other symptoms develop.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, dry chemical, foam, or CO2 for fires involving the product or packaging.
Special Hazards: At very high temperatures, ammonia and phosphorus oxides may form. Large releases can produce irritating or toxic fumes.
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Full protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus are advisable.
Other Recommendations: Prevent contaminated run-off from reaching drains or watercourses; cool containers exposed to fire.

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate spill area unless wearing protective equipment. Ventilate if indoors. Protect skin and eyes from splashes or dust.
Environmental Precautions: Avoid entry to drains, waterways, or soil. Contain any spillage using sand or earth.
Cleanup Methods: Absorb liquid product with suitable inert material and collect in closed containers for disposal. For powder or dried residues, sweep and shovel into containers. Wash area with water once cleaned.

Handling and Storage

Handling: Operate in a well-ventilated area. Avoid creating dust or aerosols. Always wear gloves if hands will be exposed. Keep containers closed except while dispensing. Do not eat, drink, or smoke in handling area.
Storage: Store in original containers, away from strong acids, bases, and moisture. Keep temperature stable and prevent freezing or overheating. Use spill trays under storage areas. Label containers accurately.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Workplace Exposure Limits: No established occupational exposure limits for ammonium polyphosphate. Keep dust concentrations as low as possible.
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation recommended for dusty operations. General room ventilation is key for safe handling.
Personal Protective Equipment: NIOSH approved respirator for high dust or mist exposure, safety goggles or face shield for splash risk, chemical-resistant gloves, long-sleeved clothing to reduce skin contact.
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after handling and before breaks or eating, clean work clothing regularly.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Clear to slightly hazy, viscous liquid.
Odor: Mildly ammoniacal
pH: Between 6.0 and 8.0 in a 10% water solution.
Melting/freezing point: Below -10°C for the common liquid grade.
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling.
Flash Point: Not flammable.
Auto-ignition Temperature: No risk under normal storage.
Solubility in Water: Fully miscible.
Density: Around 1.5 g/cm³ (liquid form).
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature.
Partition Coefficient: Not established for this material.

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and normal temperate conditions.
Reactivity: Reacts with strong acids to release ammonia vapors; could slowly hydrolyze in moist conditions to monoammonium or diammonium phosphate.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Heating or fire may generate ammonia gas and toxic phosphorus oxides.
Incompatibilities: Strong acids or alkalis, materials containing magnesium or calcium may react, raising pH and affecting efficiency.
Other Conditions: Avoid long-term storage above 50°C or below -15°C; keep away from direct sunlight.

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Low toxicity for ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact.
Irritation: May cause mild eye and skin irritation in some people, especially with repeated exposure.
Chronic Effects: Long-term, frequent exposure may cause minor respiratory tract discomfort or mild dermatitis.
Carcinogenicity: No data shows cancer risk from ammonium polyphosphate.
Sensitization: Not commonly identified as a sensitizer.
Relevant Routes: Inhalation, skin, and eye contact.

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Not classified as environmentally hazardous, but high concentrations may boost algae growth in water, causing eutrophication.
Mobility: Fully water-soluble; may move through soil to waterways if spillage is uncontrolled.
Persistence and Degradability: Breaks down to phosphate and ammonia in the environment.
Bioaccumulation: No known potential to bioaccumulate.
Other Effects: Ammonia produced can be toxic to aquatic life when released in large amounts.

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Method: Dispose in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations.
Non-recyclable Material: Send to licensed chemical waste facility.
Small Quantities: Can dilute with water and flush into sanitary sewer only if authority allows.
Contaminated Packaging: Triple rinse empty containers before disposal or recycling.

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated for land, sea, or air transport.
Proper Shipping Name: Not assigned by UN.
Hazard Class: No hazard classification for normal shipments.
Packing Group: Not applicable.
Environmental Hazards: No specific labeling, but prevent entry into waterways if container breaks.
Special Precautions: Inspect containers for leaks. Transport upright and secured against movement.

Regulatory Information

Labeling: No specific hazard label required under OSHA or GHS.
SARA 313: Not listed.
TSCA: Listed.
EU Regulations: Not classified as dangerous under Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008.
Other Local, State, Federal Requirements: Product must meet local codes on industrial chemicals, wastewater regulations, and chemical inventory reporting.