Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) – Elastomer Compounds Flame Retardant

Identification

Product Name: Flame Retardant Elastomer Compound
Product Code: FR-ELT-567
Manufacturer: Global Elastomers Inc.
Address: 80 Industrial Way, Houston, TX 77001, USA
Emergency Contact: +1 800-555-1823
Recommended Uses: Cable jackets, electrical insulation, automotive seals, consumer electronics casings
Restrictions: Not recommended for food contact or medical devices

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Skin sensitizer (Category 1), Eye irritant (Category 2), Acute toxicity (Category 4, inhalation)
Label Elements: Flame, Exclamation Mark
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes skin irritation, may cause allergic reactions, harmful if inhaled
Precautionary Statements: Avoid skin contact, no eating or drinking near material, use in well ventilated areas, wash hands thoroughly after handling
Potential Routes of Exposure: Skin absorption, inhalation, eye contact

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Base Polymer: Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) 40-60%
Flame Retardants: Aluminum Hydroxide 15-25%, Antimony Trioxide 2-6%, Decabromodiphenyl Ether 1-7%
Plasticizers: Paraffinic Oil 8-14%
Curatives: Sulfur 1-3%, Zinc Oxide 1-3%
Activators & Accelerators: Stearic Acid 0.5-2%, MBTS 0.7-1.2%
Colorants: Iron Oxide Pigment 0.2-1.1%
Other Ingredients: Proprietary fillers 2-6%
Impurities: May contain trace residues from process equipment

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, loosen clothing, seek medical attention if breathing trouble persists
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse skin with soapy water, monitor for rash or irritation, contact physician if symptoms develop
Eye Contact: Flush with lukewarm water for 15 minutes, avoid forceful water streams, remove contact lenses, obtain medical help if irritation remains
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, seek medical advice, never give anything by mouth to an unconscious individual
Self-Protection for First Aiders: Use gloves and goggles when assisting, avoid exposure to dust

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, sand
Unsuitable Media: Direct water jet encourages dispersion of burning particles
Specific Hazards: Emits toxic fumes of carbon monoxide, hydrogen bromide, antimony compounds under fire
Protective Equipment: Full protective gear, self-contained breathing apparatus, chemical-resistant boots and gloves
Extra Instructions: Remove containers from flame area if safe, use water sprays on adjacent surfaces to cool only

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, use approved mask where dust appears
Spill Response: Absorb large spills with inert material (sand, earth), transfer to appropriate waste drums, prevent run-off into drains
Environmental Precautions: Avoid release into sewers, rivers, or soil, notify local authorities if contamination risk
Cleanup Methods: Use non-sparking tools for solid residue pick-up, ventilate area, dispose of bags with residues appropriately
Decontamination: Wash surface thoroughly with water and detergent

Handling and Storage

Handling Guidelines: Wear nitrile gloves, keep work areas well ventilated, avoid generating dust, ground all processing equipment to prevent static
Storage Measures: Store in cool, dry, well-aired warehouse, keep containers tightly closed, avoid sources of ignition, out of sunlight
Segregation: Keep away from oxidizers, strong acids and bases
Bulk Storage: Use lined bins or original packaging to prevent contamination
Special Advice: Rotate stock following receipt date, inspect bags regularly for leaks or damage

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: Antimony trioxide: 0.5 mg/m³ (ACGIH TLV), Decabromodiphenyl Ether: 1 mg/m³ (manufacturer recommendation)
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation at mixing, processing, and bagging points, dust extractors on cutting equipment
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Splash goggles, nitrile gloves, protective coveralls, half-mask respirator with P100 filters where dust occurs
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands and face before breaks, keep spare work clothes for clean exit, do not eat or smoke in handling areas
Special Precautions for Maintenance: Isolate area, lockout equipment, remove all traces after repairs

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Opaque black or gray solid pellets or sheets
Odor: Slight hydrocarbon or rubber-like smell
pH: Not applicable (solid product)
Boiling Point: Decomposes above 275°C
Melting Point: Not applicable (crosslinked polymer)
Flash Point: >260°C
Autoignition Temperature: ~350°C
Explosive Properties: None under normal processing
Relative Density: 1.45-1.68 (water = 1)
Solubility: Insoluble in water, slightly soluble in aromatic hydrocarbons
Vapor Pressure: Negligible
Decomposition Products: Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, antimony oxides, hydrogen bromide fumes on combustion

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal temperatures and pressures for storage and handling
Conditions to Avoid: Prolonged heat, open flames, spark sources, exposure to UV
Materials to Avoid: Concentrated oxidizing agents, strong acids such as nitric or sulfuric, strong bases
Hazardous Decomposition: Burning releases brominated organics, antimony oxides, hydrogen halides
Reactivity Profile: Inert under typical use, but do not mix or store with chemicals listed above

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: LD50 (oral, rat) for additive mixture estimated over 2000 mg/kg; dust inhalation can affect respiratory system
Chronic Exposure: Repeated contact may cause dermatitis or allergic skin reaction; long term dust inhalation may affect lungs due to antimony trioxide
Carcinogenicity: Antimony trioxide is considered a possible human carcinogen (IARC Group 2B)
Mutagenicity: No known significant effects in standard tests
Irritation/Corrosion: Prolonged contact with skin may cause redness and dryness; may irritate eyes
Sensitization: Some users report skin or respiratory sensitivity on repeated exposure to specific flame retardants
Additional Information: No reproductive toxicity observed in animal models for the finished compound as a whole

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: High concentrations of additives (antimony, brominated flame retardants) show toxic effects for aquatic organisms in lab tests
Persistence: Product not readily biodegradable, persists in soil and sediment
Bioaccumulation: Additives can build up in aquatic environments, especially hydrophobic components
Mobility: Product remains mostly in solid phase, but small particles may migrate with soil runoff
Other Effects: Longer term breakdown may release toxicants to the environment over time
Best Practice: Prevent product into waterways, use secondary containment near storage

Disposal Considerations

Waste Handling: Collect residues and contaminated absorbents in tightly closed drums
Disposal Methods: Send to licensed industrial landfill or approved incineration facility
Do Not: Discharge into municipal sewer or open water
Contaminated Packaging: Remove all product residue, forward for specialized disposal
Regulations: Observe all applicable local, state, and federal waste management laws
Recycle or Reuse: Recover uncontaminated offcuts after consultation with supplier about reprocessing

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated under UN guidelines for road, rail, sea, or air
Proper Shipping Name: Manufactured Rubber Compound, Not Otherwise Specified
Hazard Class: Not classified as hazardous for transport
Packing Group: Not assigned
Environmental Hazards: Not a Marine Pollutant under IMDG
Special Precautions: Keep packaging intact during shipping, avoid moisture, protect from stacking damage
Transport in Bulk: Use lined containers for large shipments

Regulatory Information

OSHA: Regulated as hazardous by definition (contains regulated substances), requires clear labeling at worksite
TSCA: All ingredients listed or notified for commercial use
SARA 313: Antimony trioxide reportable at >1% content
REACH (EU): Monomers and flame retardants registered
Proposition 65 (California): Contains chemicals (antimony trioxide, brominated compounds) listed as known to cause cancer
Labeling Requirements: Full safety data available to all industrial users and transporters
Worker Training: Employers must provide health and safety info to handlers and processors
International Listings: Recognized in major chemical inventories for North America, EU, Japan, Korea, Australia