Responsible Care Summary

BUTYL METHACRYLATE (BMA)

Chemical Identity:

Butyl methacrylate (BMA) is a methacrylic monomer, and is composed primarily of butyl methacrylate, along with small amounts of the stabilizer methoxyphenol.

Product Uses and Applications:

Rohm and Haas’s BMA is used in the manufacture of acrylic sheet molding, clear plastics, extrusion powder, acrylic surface and paper coatings, latex paints, copier toners, printing inks, floor polishes, dental restorations, adhesive cements, surgical implants, oil additives, and automotive coatings and other lacquers.

Physical/Chemical Properties and Safe Handling:

• BMA is a clear, colorless liquid with a sweet odor. Both the liquid and vapor are combustible.
• Boiling point  163 °C  (325.40 °F)
• Flash point  49 °C ( 120.20 °F ) PENSKY MARTENS CLOSED CUP
• Exposure can occur during the handling and transportation of BMA. However, dedicated systems designed to handle BMA 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 at or below 38 °C (<=100 °F) in order to maintain stability. 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.
• 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 BMA within 1 year to avoid loss of stability or risk of polymerization.  
• BMA must be stored in containers made of stainless steel, glass, aluminum or carbon steel.  All containers must be kept tightly closed.
• Ground all metal containers during storage and handling for control of static electricity. 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 BMA, therefore consumers are generally not exposed through finished products. Although potential for exposure does exist during the manufacture, transportation, and use of BMA, enclosed systems limit the small exposure risk to worker populations and nearby communities. Skin contact may result in sensitization.  Allergic cross-reactivity to the skin with other (meth)acrylates may occur.
• Primary contact to BMA is through the eyes, skin, mouth and nose, possibly leading to severe irritation and injury. Inhalation of vapor or mist is harmful; repeated or prolonged exposure can cause headache, nausea, drowsiness and unconsciousness.  Prolonged or repeated overexposure at near lethal concentrations can cause kidney and liver damage.
• Eye contact: Rinse immediately with water. If eye irritation persists, call a physician.
• Skin contact: Immediately get under a safety shower, remove contaminated clothing, and wash off with plenty of soap and water. Immediate medical attention is required. (Wash contaminated clothing before re-use. Leather must be properly disposed, never re-use.)
• Ingestion: Drink 1 or 2 glasses of water. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Consult a physician.
• Inhalation: Move to fresh air. Apply oxygen or artificial respiration if needed. Call a physician immediately.
• Chemical resistant goggles and gloves must be worn at all times. Respiratory protection program meeting OSHA 1910.134 and ANSI Z88.2 requirements or equivalent must be followed whenever workplace conditions warrant the use of a respirator.

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.

• When cleaning spills, 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.
• Ensure all applicable regulations are met.
• Waste Classification: 40 CFR 261.20 - .24  -  Characteristic Waste   D001