Material Safety Data Sheet: Epoxy Resin Flame Retardant

Identification

Product Name: Epoxy Resin Flame Retardant
Chemical Family: Epoxy composites with halogen-free flame retardant additives
Product Use: Enhances fire resistance in construction, electronics, marine coatings
Manufacturer: Provided by the producer; contact details listed on packaging
Emergency Contact: Chemtrec 1-800-424-9300
Synonyms: Flame-retardant epoxy agent, fireproofing resin hardener
CAS Numbers: See composition section for all ingredients
Recommended Restrictions: For industrial and professional use only; avoid residential applications

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Skin irritant, eye irritant, sensitizer (skin), environmental hazard (aquatic, chronic toxicity)
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes mild to moderate skin and eye irritation, may provoke allergic skin reaction on repeated contact, suspected to cause respiratory issues in poorly ventilated spaces, toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects
Hazard Pictograms: Exclamation mark, fish/tree (environmental hazard)
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapors/spray; wear chemical resistant gloves and goggles; avoid release to environment; wash hands after handling
Other Hazards: Fumes from heated product can irritate nose, mouth, and throat; some flame retardant ingredients have delayed effects—symptoms can develop hours after exposure

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Key Ingredients:
Bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (CAS: 25068-38-6), 20-80%
Reactive phosphorus-based flame retardant (CAS: proprietary), 5-25%
Aliphatic amine curing agent (CAS: varies), 2-15%
Inorganic fillers such as aluminum trihydrate (CAS: 21645-51-2), 0-30%
Additive stabilizers and pigments (titanium dioxide CAS: 13463-67-7, others), 0-5%
Note: Ranges indicate variation based on supplier, exact formula listed on packaging, check SDS specific to manufacturer for full list

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove person to fresh air; if symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath develop, seek medical attention
Skin Contact: Rinse skin with plenty of running water, remove contaminated clothing, wash affected area with mild soap; persistent irritation may need medical help
Eye Contact: Flush eyes gently with water for 15 minutes; keep eyelids open and get prompt medical evaluation
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, rinse mouth, seek immediate medical advice
Most Important Symptoms and Effects: Skin redness, itchiness, burning eyes, cough, difficulty breathing after accidental inhalation
Advice for Doctor: Treat symptoms, no specific antidote, monitor allergic reactions, give oxygen if breathing difficulty occurs

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide for small fires, avoid high-pressure water streams
Specific Hazards: Burns release toxic fumes containing carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, phosphorus oxides, nitrogen oxides
Special Protective Equipment: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and full protective gear
Additional Information: Keep containers cool with water spray to prevent rupture from heat; flame retardant reduces spread but resin can still burn at high temperatures

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Ventilate area, use personal protective equipment especially gloves and goggles
Environmental Precautions: Prevent runoff from entering drains, surface water, or soil
Containment: Stop leak if it can be done safely, use inert absorbent (sand, vermiculite)
Cleanup: Scoop up solid or neutralized liquid into containers for waste disposal; wash area with water and mild detergent after cleanup
Spill Response: Inform authorities if spill gets into waterways or if above reportable quantities

Handling and Storage

Handling: Handle with proper ventilation; avoid skin and eye contact, use appropriate PPE, don’t smoke, eat, or drink in work area
Storage: Keep in tightly closed containers, store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated space away from strong oxidizers, acids, open flame, or direct sunlight
Special Advice: Keep separated from food, drinks, and animal feed; label containers clearly; containers should have secondary containment to prevent accidental leaks

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust or full-area ventilation to minimize inhalation risk
Personal Protection: Wear chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene), safety goggles with side shields, long-sleeved clothing, and, if dust or vapor exceeds threshold, a NIOSH-approved respirator
Exposure Limits: Not established for proprietary flame retardants, but keep total inhalable dust below 10 mg/m3 for nuisance particulates
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and face before breaks and after work, remove contaminated clothing and clean before reuse

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Viscous liquid or paste, color varies between clear, amber, or off-white
Odor: Slight chemical, sometimes musty
Boiling Point: >200°C for main epoxy component
Melting Point: Not applicable (liquid/paste form); softening begins below 50°C
Flash Point: >150°C (will not ignite easily under normal storage temperatures)
Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in alcohols and ketones
Vapor Pressure: Very low at ambient temperature
Density: 1.1-1.4 g/cm³ depending on fillers
pH: Not determined due to non-aqueous nature
Decomposition Temperature: Above 250°C, can release hazardous gases

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable at room temperature and under recommended storage conditions
Conditions to Avoid: High temperatures, direct sunlight, strong acids or bases, ignition sources
Materials to Avoid: Strong oxidizers, acid chlorides, strong mineral acids, concentrated alkalis
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon oxides, nitrogen oxides, phosphorus oxides, phenolic compounds
Reactivity: Can undergo exothermic reactions with amines or hardeners; incompatible mixing may lead to excessive heat build-up

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Low oral and dermal toxicity, but higher risk from inhalation of fumes or dust
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Moderate skin irritant; repeated exposure can lead to dermatitis or allergic reaction
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Causes eye irritation and possible burns depending on exposure duration
Respiratory Sensitization: Some people may develop asthma-like symptoms after heavy or repeated exposure
Mutagenicity/Carcinogenicity: Some studies show long-term exposure to certain flame retardants can contribute to reproductive and endocrine issues; ingredients not listed as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Other Effects: Skin allergies, especially with previous exposures, possible late-onset respiratory symptoms

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Harmful to fish, invertebrates, and algae; can cause long-term adverse effects in aquatic environments
Persistence and Degradability: Slow to biodegrade; large spills persist in soil and water
Bioaccumulative Potential: Limited potential expected for major ingredients, though additived flame retardants may bind to silt and organic matter
Mobility in Soil: Limited mobility, will bind to soil and sediments
Other Adverse Effects: Discharge into waterways must be avoided; risks to aquatic ecosystems substantial with frequent or large spills

Disposal Considerations

Waste Processing: Dispose of uncured resin and flame retardant as hazardous chemical waste following local, state, federal rules
Recommended Disposal Methods: Incineration under controlled conditions; landfill only if allowed by authorities and using approved waste management contractors
Contaminated Packaging: Clean thoroughly or dispose of as hazardous waste; empty packaging can hold significant residue
Precautions: Never pour unused product down drains or into soil; large amounts can require special hazardous waste manifests

Transport Information

UN Number: Not classified as dangerous goods in small quantities; bulk shipments may require UN3082 (Environmentally hazardous substance, liquid, n.o.s.)
Proper Shipping Name: Environmentally hazardous liquid, n.o.s. (Epoxy resin mixture, flame retardant)
Transport Hazard Class: 9—Miscellaneous dangerous substances
Packing Group: III—Minor hazard
Special Precautions for Transport: Avoid crushing, keep containers upright, secure during transit
Regulatory Labels: Marked with environmental hazard symbols if above threshold quantities

Regulatory Information

OSHA Status: Covered under OSHA Hazard Communication Standard for health hazards
TSCA: Components listed on US TSCA inventory
SARA/EPCRA: Certain flame retardant ingredients subject to reporting at listed quantities
REACH (EU): All major constituents registered or pre-registered
Labeling: GHS and other region-specific hazard statements, pictograms, and precautionary requirements
Other Label Requirements: Product contains ingredients from confidential supplier lists; full chemical identity available for medical, environmental, or safety emergencies via manufacturer