Product Name: Melamine
Chemical Formula: C3H6N6
CAS Number: 108-78-1
Proper Use: Flame retardant in plastics, coatings, and laminates.
Supplier Details: Manufacturer’s name, address, emergency contact number, and recommended uses must be clearly displayed on product packaging.
Synonyms: Cyanuramide, 2,4,6-Triamino-1,3,5-triazine
UN Number: Not classified as hazardous for transport.
Emergency Overview: Off-white crystalline powder, essentially odorless, used in industrial manufacturing and fire-retardant treatments.
Main Hazards: Dust can cause eye, skin, and respiratory irritation. Ingestion or inhalation in quantities exceeding recommended exposure may cause mild systemic effects.
GHS Classification: Acute toxicity (Category 4, oral), Skin irritation (Category 2), Eye irritation (Category 2A).
Pictogram: Exclamation mark
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed. Causes skin and eye irritation. May cause respiratory tract irritation.
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust. Wash thoroughly after handling. Wear protective gloves, eye protection, and masks. In case of accidental exposure, rinse affected area with water.
Chemical Identity: Melamine
Common Name: Melamine
Concentration: >99%
Impurities: Small traces of related triazines possible, usually below 0.5%.
Additives: No additives present in pure flame retardant applications.
Synonyms and Other Names: Same as listed above.
Molecular Weight: 126.12 g/mol
Inhalation: Remove person to fresh air. Support breathing as needed. Medical attention recommended for any breathing difficulties.
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing. Seek medical attention if irritation or rash persists.
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes for at least 15 minutes with plenty of clean water. Remove contact lenses.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water to dilute, seek immediate medical advice. Do not induce vomiting unless directed.
Further Action: Move exposed person away from source, monitor for symptoms, and consult doctor if discomfort persists.
Flammability: Non-flammable, but may decompose on heating to produce irritating and toxic fumes (nitrogen oxides, cyanuric acid).
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide.
Specific Hazards: Avoid inhalation of decomposition products. Confined fires may produce hazardous gases.
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear.
Special Procedures: Cool exposed containers with water spray. Prevent firewater from entering drains or watercourses.
Personal Precautions: Avoid inhalation and skin contact. Wear dust masks and gloves.
Environmental Precautions: Avoid discharge to soil, drains, or water sources.
Methods for Cleanup: Sweep or vacuum up without raising dust. Dispose of collected material in suitable containers.
Cleanup Tools: Use non-sparking equipment; clean affected surfaces with water after removal.
Spill Size Considerations: Minor spills can be handled with standard PPE. For larger releases, evacuate non-essential personnel and ventilate area.
Handling Precautions: Prevent dust generation and accumulation. Use with adequate ventilation. Keep away from strong acids and bases.
Safe Storage Conditions: Store in tightly sealed containers, in cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from incompatible substances.
Container Recommendations: Use chemical-resistant packaging. Keep containers closed when not in use.
Storage Temperature: Ambient temperatures preferred; avoid moisture ingress.
Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizers, strong acids, hypochlorites.
Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL: none established, ACGIH TLV: none established, but minimize exposure.
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation
Personal Protection: Safety glasses, dust mask or respirator (N95 or equivalent), gloves (nitrile or PVC), protective clothing.
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before breaks and after handling. Do not eat, drink, or smoke in the work area.
Environmental Controls: Avoid release to environment, use procedures to contain spills or fines.
Appearance: Off-white crystalline powder
Boiling Point: Sublimes without melting above 345°C
Melting Point: 345°C
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water (3.2 g/L at 20°C); more soluble in hot water, insoluble in most organic solvents
Odor: Odorless
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at 20°C
Density: 1.573 g/cm³ at 20°C
pH: 7-8 (0.2% suspension in water)
Molecular Weight: 126.12 g/mol (see above)
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal handling and storage conditions
Reactivity: No hazardous reactions expected under normal conditions
Conditions to Avoid: High temperatures, open flame, excessive moisture
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong oxidizing agents, hypochlorites
Hazardous Decomposition: Forms nitrogen oxides, cyanuric acid, ammonia if exposed to fire or prolonged heat
Polymerization: Will not occur under recommended conditions
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (Rat): 3161 mg/kg
Route of Exposure: Ingestion, inhalation, skin, eyes
Health Effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea if ingested in significant amounts. Dust may irritate eyes, nose, and throat.
Chronic Effects: Kidney effects reported in high-dose animal studies, but not at typical workplace exposures. Not listed as a carcinogen by IARC or NTP.
Sensitization: Not expected
Mutagenicity: No evidence in standard tests
Ecotoxicity: Moderately toxic to aquatic life at high concentrations (EC50 Daphnia > 1000 mg/L)
Persistence/Degradability: Not readily biodegradable, but slow breakdown occurs in soil and water
Bioaccumulation: Low potential for bioaccumulation
Mobility: May be mobile in soil under certain conditions, especially if spilled
Additional Hazards: Avoid large releases to bodies of water; runoff may cause temporary clouding or pH changes.
Waste Treatment: Collect in sealed containers and deliver to approved hazardous waste processing center.
Disposal Methods: Incineration or landfill, in accordance with local, state, and national regulations
Contaminated Packaging: Clean thoroughly or dispose of as hazardous waste
Precautions: Avoid dust formation; prevent release to sewage or waterways.
UN Number: Not classified as dangerous goods by most transport regulations
Proper Shipping Name: Not regulated
Transport Hazard Class: Not applicable
Packing Group: Not applicable
Environmental Hazards: Not considered a marine pollutant
Special Transport Conditions: Secure containers, avoid moisture ingress, observe basic chemical transport safety
Regulatory Status: Not classified as hazardous under OSHA, EU REACH, or most national laws.
Labeling: Signal word: Warning; Exclamation mark pictogram needed for workplace containers.
Inventory Listings: Listed in TSCA, EINECS, DSL, AICS, and similar inventories
Other Requirements: Observe exposure limits, safety data, and usage recommendations provided by employer or supplier.
Additional Information: Consult local authorities or chemical safety officials for updates on legal requirements or restrictions.
