Product Name: Proban Flame Retardant
Chemical Family: Modified nitrogen-phosphorus compounds
Manufacturer: International chemical companies such as Rhodia (Solvay Group) or local chemical suppliers
Use of Product: Treatment of cotton textiles to provide flame retardancy
Emergency Contact: Refer to product-specific supplier numbers; Safety Department direct lines often listed on product documentation
Synonyms: Tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium salts (THPC), Proban-treated textile
Packaging: Bulk containers, IBC tanks, fiber drums, treated bales or rolls
GHS Classification: Eye irritation Category 2, Skin irritation Category 2, Acute toxicity Category 4
Hazard Statements: Causes serious eye and skin irritation, may cause respiratory irritation if dust is inhaled, toxic to aquatic life in concentrated solution
Signal Word: Warning
Pictograms: Exclamation mark, environment hazard
Route of Entry: Inhalation of dust, skin and eye contact
Key Symptoms: Redness, burning sensation, coughing, headache, skin dryness with ongoing exposure
Target Organs: Skin, eyes, respiratory tract
Main Components: Tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium sulfate (CAS 55566-30-8), Urea (CAS 57-13-6)
Active Flame Retardant Content: 40% - 60% THPC compounds
Carrier/Vehicle: Water, small concentrations of stabilizers or pH adjusters
Impurities: Ammonium sulfate, possible residual chlorine compounds
Hazardous Ingredients: See above; concentrations vary by batch and manufacturer
Inhalation: Move individual to fresh air, keep comfortable, seek medical attention if symptoms persist (coughing, headache, dizziness)
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, flush skin with plenty of water for several minutes, wash with mild soap and water, get medical help if rash or irritation develops or persists
Eye Contact: Rinse carefully with water for at least 15 minutes, lift eyelids occasionally, remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, call physician if irritation continues
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, drink water in small sips, get prompt medical attention, bring product container or label if possible
Note to Physician: Treat symptomatically, monitor for delayed respiratory issues or chemical burns in severe cases
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide, foam
Improper Agents to Avoid: Direct high-pressure jets may spread burning material
Special Hazards: Burning may release toxic gases including nitrogen oxides, phosphorus oxides, formaldehyde
Protective Equipment: Full protective gear, self-contained breathing apparatus for large fires
Advice for Firefighters: Cool exposed containers with water, avoid inhaling combustion products, keep runoff away from drains and waterways
Personal Precautions: Avoid direct contact, use gloves and eye protection, work in well-ventilated area
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spillage entering drains, surface water, soil
Spill Handling: Absorb with non-combustible material like sand or vermiculite, sweep up and collect in appropriate containers for disposal
Clean-up: Wash area with plenty of water; collect washings for safe disposal following regulations
Emergency Procedures: Notify safety personnel, provide information on product hazards to clean-up crews
Handling: Avoid breathing dust or vapor, minimize skin and eye exposure, use only with proper ventilation, wash hands after use, keep containers tightly closed when not in use
Storage: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated place, away from direct sunlight and incompatible materials such as strong acids or oxidizing agents, do not store with food or feedstuffs
Container Requirements: Use original, clearly labeled containers; keep upright to prevent leaks
Special Considerations: Regularly inspect storage areas and containers for leaks or deterioration
Workplace Exposure Limits: No official limits for all components; keep airborne dust as low as possible; rough TLV for THPC: 0.5 mg/m³
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust or general ventilation, avoid generating dust during handling, provide process enclosures for treatment operations
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, protective clothing (apron, sleeves), dust mask or respirator (P2 or P3 filter) where dust or vapor develops
Hygiene Measures: Do not eat, drink, or smoke in work area, wash hands after using product, remove contaminated clothing promptly
Environmental Controls: Provide spill containment at treatment sites, use ventilation near drains
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow solution or solid, treated textiles usually show no visible difference
Odor: Slight chemical odor, may be faintly ammonia-like
pH: Acidic to neutral (4-7 for working solution)
Melting/Freezing Point: Solution remains liquid above -5°C; solids melt at higher temperatures depending on composition
Boiling Point: Above 100°C, mostly water, hazardous decomposition possible at higher temperatures
Solubility: Highly soluble in water, negligible solubility in most organic solvents
Density: 1.2-1.35 g/cm³ (solution)
Vapor Pressure: Low at room temperature; negligible risk under normal use
Flash Point: Not flammable as a water solution
Decomposition Temperature: Above 200°C, releases toxic gases
Chemical Stability: Stable in recommended storage conditions, but degrades at high temperatures or if mixed with strong acids, alkalis, or oxidizers
Reactivity: May react with chlorine compounds, strong oxidizers, and acids; forms formaldehyde under certain conditions, particularly in hot or acidic environments
Hazardous Reactions: Violent release of heat or gases if in contact with incompatible substances
Decomposition Products: Formaldehyde, nitrogen oxides, phosphorus oxides, ammonia
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, strong sunlight, high humidity, contaminants in storage
Likely Routes of Exposure: Skin contact, inhalation, eye contact
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): 620 mg/kg (for key components); higher doses cause nausea, respiratory irritation, fatigue
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Causes redness, dryness, possible allergic dermatitis with repeated exposure
Eye Damage/Irritation: Severe irritation, burning, tearing possible; risk of lasting eye effects if not washed immediately
Sensitization: Repeated exposure can trigger skin or respiratory allergies
Chronic Effects: Long-term high exposure may cause liver and kidney effects, not considered carcinogenic at workplace levels
Symptoms of Overexposure: Skin rash, breathing difficulty, cough, headaches, nausea
Aquatic Toxicity: Toxic to fish and aquatic organisms in concentrated form; dilution in wastewater reduces impact but risk remains if spilled neat
Persistence/Degradability: Breaks down slowly in soil and water; persistent residues possible in poorly managed effluent
Bioaccumulation: Low potential for buildup in aquatic or terrestrial life forms, based on current data
Mobility in Soil: Highly water-soluble, can travel with groundwater if large spills reach the environment
Other Adverse Effects: May encourage algal blooms at high nutrient levels, release phosphorus-based breakdown products into waterways
Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose of unused product as hazardous chemical waste by licensed facility
Disposal of Containers: Triple rinse and puncture before discarding as non-hazardous, or dispose of as chemical waste; do not flush into surface water or soil
Special Precautions: Comply with local and national regulations, consult waste management authority for additional requirements
Reduction of Environmental Impact: Neutralize and dilute as per environmental guidelines when possible, minimize excess use and spillage at application sites
UN Number: Varies depending on exact formulation; similar to UN 1760 (Corrosive liquid, n.o.s.) for concentrated solution
Proper Shipping Name: Corrosive liquid or Water solution containing Proban flame retardant
Transport Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive substances)
Packing Group: III (for lower concentrations) or II (for higher concentrations)
Labeling Requirements: Corrosive symbols, caution notices, emergency spill advice
Special Transport Precautions: Secure all containers to prevent tipping, protect from extreme heat or cold, comply with ADR, IMDG, and local regulations
Workplace Regulations: Classified as hazardous under OSHA, EU REACH, CLP regulations, local labor codes enforce safe handling and PPE
Labelling: Requires hazard, precaution, and emergency response labels consistent with GHS/CLP standards
Environmental Law: Subject to water-effluent and hazardous waste disposal laws, may require reporting or permits for bulk storage
Other Requirements: Safety training for all handling staff; regular review of workplace exposure standards and emergency plans; compliance with textile flame retardancy standards for treated products
