Responsible Care Summary

ACRYLIC ACID (AA or GAA)

Chemical Identity:

Acrylic Acid (AA) is an acrylic monomer, and is composed primarily of acrylic acid, along with small amounts of the stabilizer methoxyphenol.

Product Uses and Applications:

Rohm and Haas’s AA is used as an intermediate in the manufacture of other acrylate monomers such as butyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, & 2-ethylhexyl acrylate and is used in the manufacture of finishes, coatings, adhesives, inks, lubricants, saturating substances, plastics, drilling fluids, mineral processing chemicals, detergent builders, water treatment chemicals and superabsorbent materials.

Physical/Chemical Properties and Safe Handling:

• AA is a clear, colorless liquid with a pungent odor. Both the liquid and vapor are combustible.
• Boiling point  141 °C  (285.80 °F)
• Melting point  13.00 °C  (55.40 °F)
• Flash point  50 °C  (122.00 °F) Tag closed cup
• Exposure can occur during the handling and transportation of AA. However, dedicated systems designed to handle AA are typically used for loading and unloading purposes, and procedures should be in place to prevent spills or leaks during transportation.
• It is highly recommended to keep the storage temperature range between 15 °C (59 °F) and 25 °C (77 °F) in order to maintain stability and quality. Minor deviations (7C/13F) above this recommended temperature range are acceptable for short periods of time (one week) for material in transit.  Keep out of direct sunlight.
• Product freezes at 13C/55F. Improper thawing can result in violent polymerization. Thaw frozen drums by placing them in a heated room up to 25C/77F for 48 hours. DO NOT remove any material if stock is frozen or partially frozen.
• This product contains an inhibitor (methoxyphenol) to stabilize it during shipment and storage. The effectiveness of the inhibitor is dependent on the presence of dissolved oxygen, and specific precautions must be taken in order to maintain it.  Do not store under an oxygen-free environment. Absence of oxygen will inactivate the inhibitor. 
• Use AA within 1 year to avoid loss of stability or risk of polymerization.  
• Store AA in containers made of stainless steel, glass, aluminum, or polyethylene. All containers must be kept tightly closed.
• Ground all metal containers during storage and handling. Be sure to store in a cool place, away from direct sunlight. Limit indoor storage to approved areas equipped with automatic sprinklers.  

Health Information:

• Consumer products contain only trace levels of AA, therefore consumers are generally not exposed through finished products. Although potential for exposure does exist during the manufacture, transportation and use of AA, enclosed systems limit the small exposure risk to worker populations and nearby communities.
• Primary contact to AA is through the eyes, skin, mouth and nose, possibly leading to severe irritation and injury. Corrosion to eyes and skin can occur through contact. AA can also aggravate pre-existing medical conditions, such as upper respiratory and lung disease.
• Eye contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Call a physician immediately.
• Skin contact: Immediately get under a safety shower. Remove contaminated clothing. Wash off with soap and water. Immediate medical attention is required. (Wash contaminated clothing before re-use. Leather must be properly disposed, never re-use.)  
• Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Drink 1 or 2 glasses of water. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Call a physician immediately.  NOTE: This is a corrosive material. Do not administer any other first aid before obtaining the advice of a physician.
• Inhalation: Move to fresh air. Apply oxygen or artificial respiration if needed. Call a physician immediately.
• Chemical splash goggles and face shield (ANSI Z87.1 or approved equivalent) and chemical-resistant gloves must be worn whenever this material is handled. A respiratory protection program meeting OSHA 1910.134 and ANSI Z88.2 requirements or equivalent must be followed whenever workplace conditions warrant a respirator's use. Use a chemical resistant suit, apron and/or boots as appropriate to protect against prolonged or repeated skin contact.

HMIS Hazard Ratings

Environmental Information:

Keep spills and cleaning runoff out of municipal sewers and open bodies of water. Do not allow material to contaminate ground water systems.

• Remove all sources of ignition.
• Contain spills immediately with inactive materials (e.g., sand, earth), and transfer liquids and solid diking material to separate suitable containers for recovery or disposal.
• Contaminated monomer may be unstable. Add inhibitor to prevent polymerization.
• Waste Classification: 40 CFR 261.30 - .38  -  Listed Waste  U008
• Ensure all applicable regulations are met.