Product Name: Engineering Plastics Flame Retardant
Chemical Family: Halogenated or Non-halogenated Additive
Synonyms: Flame Inhibitor, Fire Suppressant Blend
Recommended Use: Industrial flame retardant for thermoplastic resins, electronics, automotive, consumer goods
Manufacturer: Specify manufacturer details, address, emergency phone contacts
Product Code: Provide batch number or unique identifier for traceability
Restrictions on Use: Not intended for medical devices or food-contact applications
Date of Issue: Include most recent update or revalidation for regulatory compliance
Hazard Class: Eye irritation, respiratory irritation, skin sensitizer, possible carcinogen depending on components
GHS Label Elements: Pictograms — exclamation mark, health hazard sign, signal word: Warning or Danger
Hazard Statements: Causes mild to moderate eye and skin irritation, may aggravate existing respiratory conditions, certain grades may release hazardous decomposition products
Precautionary Statements: Use only in well-ventilated areas, avoid dust generation, refrain from eating or drinking during handling, wash skin after use
Emergency Overview: Fine powders become airborne and irritate mucous membranes, molten material burns skin
Main Ingredients: Polyamide or Polycarbonate matrix (60–85%), flame retardant additive (such as decabromodiphenyl ether, melamine polyphosphate, aluminum diethyl phosphinate, or brominated organics) (5–25%), glass fiber or mineral fillers (up to 30%), stabilizers and processing aids (1–5%)
CAS Numbers: Each additive and resin has its own identifier; specify for regulatory traceability
Impurities: Unreacted monomers, residual organotin, plasticizers below 1% if present, list if toxicologically relevant
Inhalation: Remove exposed individual to fresh air, monitor breathing, seek medical attention if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Immediately wash with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, do not use solvents, seek help for burns or persistent irritation
Eye Contact: Rinse with plenty of lukewarm water for 15 minutes, keep eyelids open, get medical assessment for injury
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, avoid vomiting, get professional assistance, present product label
General Notes: Show this data sheet or label to responders, symptoms may be delayed, treat burns as chemical/thermal injuries
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide for surface fires; use water spray for larger volumes but avoid strong jets that disperse powders
Unsuitable Media: Do not use direct water streams for molten pools or dust fires
Thermal Decomposition: Burning releases toxic gases such as CO, CO2, HBr, HCl, phosphorous oxides, nitrogen oxides, dense smoke
Protective Equipment: Full face mask with appropriate cartridge, full turnout gear, self-contained breathing apparatus for confined settings
Special Hazards: Dust explosions possible, flaming molten pools spread fire over insulated surfaces
Personal Precautions: Use protective gloves, goggles, avoid dust inhalation and skin contact, clear unauthorized personnel
Spill Cleanup: Collect spilled granules or dust using mechanical means (shovel, vacuum with HEPA filter), avoid raising dust clouds, sweep area thoroughly
Environmental Precautions: Stop product from entering storm sewers, soil, or water bodies, notify authorities per regulations
Disposal: Store waste in suitable containers, label for hazardous polymer or flame retardant disposal, consult local waste handlers
Decontamination: Wash surfaces, dampen powders before collection, do not use compressed air
Handling: Handle only in well-ventilated workspaces, minimize dust generation, avoid inhalation and direct contact, clean spills immediately, ground equipment to prevent static discharge
Storage Conditions: Store in closed containers, cool, dry, ventilated area below 40°C, avoid heating and sunlight, segregate from strong acids or oxidizers
Packaging: Use labeled sacks or drums resistant to puncture and moisture
Special Procedures: Post warning signs for respiratory risks, train staff in emergency response, keep safety shower/Eyewash accessible
Exposure Limits: Follow OSHA/ACGIH limits for particulates, flame retardant additive limits if specified
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, dust collection systems, segregated mixing areas
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene), safety goggles or face shields, long-sleeve antistatic clothing, P2 or N95 mask for dust, avoid open skin contact
Hygiene Requirements: Wash thoroughly after handling, avoid eating/drinking in use area, launder contaminated clothing separately
Appearance: Opaque or translucent granules, off-white to amber
Odor: Mild, characteristic plastic odor, intense smell if overheated
Boiling/Melting Point: Softens above 200–260°C, decomposition above 350°C
Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in selected chlorinated solvents
Density: 1.2–1.7 g/cm³ depending on filler content
pH (Suspension): Neutral to mildly acidic
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at ambient temperatures
Flash Point: Typically above 300°C
Autoignition: 450°C or higher, affected by additive choice
Particle Size: 2–5 mm granules, may generate airborne dusts during handling
Reactivity: Stable at room temperature, hazardous decomposition at high temperatures or with strong oxidizers
Chemical Stability: No changes under recommended storage/use except if exposed to heat, sparks, flames
Hazardous Reactions: No hazardous polymerization expected, but decomposition releases toxic, corrosive gases
Conditions to Avoid: Direct sunlight, temperatures over 60°C, exposure to acids or oxidizers
Materials to Avoid: Strong acids, oxidizing agents, reactive metals (alkali metals or aluminum powder)
Decomposition Products: Carbon oxides, halogen acids, phosphorus compounds, unburned particulates
Acute Effects: Eye, skin, and respiratory tract irritation in exposed workers; dust may worsen asthma, coughing or shortness of breath possible with heavy airborne powders
Chronic Effects: Prolonged inhalation increases risk for allergic skin/respiratory reactions; certain brominated or phosphorous flame retardants linked to endocrine disruption or carcinogenicity in animal studies
LD50 (Oral/Rat): Above 2,000 mg/kg for most major flame retardant plastics
Sensitization: Some additives (e.g., decabromodiphenyl ether) are known skin sensitizers
Mutagenicity/Carcinogenicity: Varies with composition — some regulatory bodies flag halogenated additives as possible carcinogens; check ingredient CAS numbers for warnings
Aspiration Hazard: Molten material may cause burns and pulmonary injury if aspirated during fire or processing accident
Ecotoxicity: Additives such as halogenated flame retardants impact aquatic life through bioaccumulation and toxicity to fish and invertebrates; phosphorous-based add less to long-term toxicity
Aquatic Mobility: Very low for polymer itself; fine particulates disperse in silt and sediment
Persistence/Degradability: Flame-retardant polymers degrade slowly, persisting in soil and water bodies; some brominated compounds do not break down easily in the environment
Bioaccumulation: Documented risk for certain organic flame retardants, low for mineral types; environmental monitoring usually required for industrial users
Disposal Considerations: Prevent runoff, avoid incineration where halogenated species may form dioxins or furans
Waste Treatment: Gather waste material in sealed, clearly labeled containers, avoid compacting or crushing dusts, provide for hazardous waste management
Disposal Methods: Prefer landfill disposal per local environmental requirements, avoid open burning, coordinate with certified hazardous waste handlers for incineration with proper flue gas scrubbing if allowed
Container Disposal: Empty sacks or drums only after thorough cleaning, label as industrial residues, follow protocols dictated by local codes
Product Disposal Codes: Use correct EU/US/EPA waste code for polymeric material containing flame-retardant chemicals, document all disposal operations
UN Number: Typically not regulated for main grades, explosive or pyrophoric additives require UN identifiers
Proper Shipping Name: Specify as “Plastics, Granules, Flame Retardant” if required
Transport Hazard Class: Non-hazardous in solid state, may require “Environmentally Hazardous” label if loading is loose powder
Packing Group: III (if applicable)
Environmental Risk: Mark containers with “Marine Pollutant” label for halogenated grades during sea freight
Special Precautions: Transport in closed, weather-proof packaging, avoid stacking to prevent compression and breakage
IMDG/IATA/DOT: Reference specific carrier requirements for any class 9 (Miscellaneous Hazardous) substances if applicable
Classification: Covered under REACH, TSCA, OSHA, and GHS regulations for chemicals; flame retardant ingredient restrictions frequently updated
Labeling: GHS symbols, warning statements, ingredient disclosure per local chemical safety acts
SARA Title III: Some flame retardants listed as reportable substances
Proposition 65: California regulation flags several brominated flame retardants as carcinogens or reproductive toxins
Restrictions: Use restrictions in children’s products, toys, and automotive interiors for certain substances such as PBDEs; check RoHS/WEEE for electronics applications
Global Inventories: Ingredients listed in TSCA, EINECS, DSL, AICS, NZIoC; SDS must note compliance with region-specific chemical notification
