Material Safety Data Sheet: Ammonium Polyphosphate for Intumescent Coating

1. Identification

Product Name: Ammonium Polyphosphate
Product Use: Main flame-retardant component for intumescent fire protection coatings used on steel, wood, and plastics
Manufacturer/Supplier: Information supplied by chemical producer or distributor
Emergency Contact: Local poison control center or chemical safety response center, phone numbers provided on packaging

2. Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS
Physical Hazards: Non-combustible, dust may present risk of irritation
Health Hazards: May irritate eyes, skin, and respiratory system if dust forms are inhaled
Environmental Hazards: No acute hazard to aquatic environments in normal usage
Signal Word: None required
Pictograms: None
Other Hazards: Potential slipperiness of spilled solid on floors, chronic exposure to dust warrants workplace ventilation

3. Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Identity: Ammonium Polyphosphate
CAS Number: 68333-79-9
Molecular Formula: (NH4PO3)n
Typical Concentration: 100% in bulk (for coatings, usually blended)
Impurities: Trace phosphates and low-level ammonia particles; not associated with hazardous contaminants
Additional Components: None required outside main compound for standard product used in intumescent coatings

4. First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person outdoors to fresh air, seek medical advice if coughing or breathing trouble persists
Eye Contact: Flush eyes with running water for 15 minutes, remove contact lenses if present, consult physician if irritation remains
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water, take off contaminated clothing, pay attention to cracks or broken skin
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, give water to drink, do not induce vomiting, medical attention if large quantity swallowed or discomfort begins
Note to Physicians: Symptomatic treatment recommended

5. Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical powder, or carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Media: None established, product itself does not burn
Hazardous Combustion Products: Under intense heat releases ammonia and phosphoric acid vapors
Protective Equipment: Firefighters use self-contained breathing apparatus in smoke-rich areas
Special Precautions: Avoid dust exposure, cool containers with water if exposed to fire, runoff water may contain dissolved phosphate

6. Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Avoid inhaling dust, ensure adequate ventilation, use respiratory protection if necessary
Environmental Precautions: Sweep or vacuum up without creating dust, avoid release into sewers or watercourses in bulk
Cleanup Methods: Collect spilled material using dry methods, store in labelled containers for reuse or disposal, clean surfaces to prevent slip hazard
Protective Equipment: Standard gloves, safety goggles, respiratory dust mask in case of airborne particulates

7. Handling and Storage

Handling: Minimize dust creation, use closed systems or dust-extraction when transferring powder, avoid contact with eyes and skin
Hygiene Practices: Do not eat, drink, or smoke during handling, wash hands before breaks and after work, keep contaminated clothing separate
Storage: Store in cool, dry, ventilated area, keep away from moisture or water absorption, containers kept tightly closed
Storage Requirements: Store away from incompatible materials such as strong acids, keep product in original or compatible containers, avoid freezing
Packaging Materials: Paper bags lined with polyethylene, plastic drums, or bulk bins with moisture barriers

8. Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No workplace exposure limits set for ammonium polyphosphate, general dust threshold value: 10 mg/m3 (inhalable), 3 mg/m3 (respirable)
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, process enclosure, dust suppression systems for industrial workplaces
Personal Protective Equipment: Dust-tight safety goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, dust mask or particulate respirator in dusty environments, protective work clothing
Hygiene Measures: Change out of contaminated clothing, wash exposed skin thoroughly, do not apply barrier creams instead of gloves

9. Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White or off-white powder, sometimes granular, odorless
Melting Point: Decomposes above 240°C
Solubility in Water: Slightly soluble, increases with temperature
pH Value: 5.5–7.5 (10% water suspension)
Bulk Density: 650–800 kg/m3
Flash Point: Not applicable, non-flammable
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Auto-Ignition Temperature: Not self-igniting
Vapor Pressure: Negligible
Other Properties: Stable under ordinary conditions, can hydrolyze slowly in damp or wet conditions

10. Stability and Reactivity

Stability: Stable during storage and use under recommended conditions, avoids caking if kept dry
Reactivity: No hazardous reactions at room temperature
Conditions to Avoid: Contact with water or damp air for prolonged periods
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids (release of ammonia or phosphoric acid possible), strong oxidizers
Hazardous Decomposition: Heating above decomposition temperature releases ammonia, nitrogen oxides, and phosphorus oxides

11. Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Low toxicity by oral, dermal, or inhalation exposure, oral LD50 (rat) > 5000 mg/kg
Skin Irritation: Slightly irritating, especially with prolonged contact; not a known skin sensitizer
Eye Irritation: Dust form can cause eye irritation
Inhalation Effects: Extended exposure to airborne dust may irritate respiratory tract
Chronic Effects: Long-term exposure not linked to systemic toxicity
Other Information: Not listed as carcinogen, mutagen, or reproductive toxin in recognized chemical inventories

12. Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Low toxicity to aquatic species, slight risk of eutrophication if large amounts enter surface water systems
Persistence and Degradability: Slowly hydrolyzes in the environment to ammonium and phosphate ions, which can be absorbed by soils
Bioaccumulation Potential: No known tendency for bioaccumulation in aquatic or terrestrial organisms
Mobility in Soil: Mobile in wet soils, binds to soil particles over time
Other Ecological Effects: Normal levels in wastewater from fireproofing unlikely to disrupt treatment plants

13. Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose of in accordance with local regulations for non-hazardous solid chemicals
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse thoroughly, offer for recycling if available, otherwise dispose as general industrial waste
Special Instructions: Do not discharge bulk quantities into drains or watercourses
Environmental Precautions: Minimize dust formation during disposal

14. Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated for transport
Hazard Class: Not classified as hazardous
Packing Group: Not applicable
Proper Shipping Name: Ammonium Polyphosphate
Transport Labels: Not required under ADR, IMDG, IATA
Other Transport Measures: Protect against moisture, keep packaging upright and secure during transit

15. Regulatory Information

Regulatory Status: Not listed as a dangerous substance in chemical inventories (REACH, TSCA, EINECS, etc.)
Labelling Requirements: No hazard pictograms or labeling signals needed for bulk material
Workplace Requirements: Standard dust safety practices for chemical powders
Special Restrictions: None imposed for general handling; application in coatings must meet local fire protection and environmental codes
Other Regulatory Notes: Product subject to safety datasheet supply according to EU and international chemical management laws