Responsible Care Summary

HYDROXYETHYL ACRYLATE (HEA; Rocryl™ 420)

Chemical Identity:

Hydroxyethyl Acrylate (HEA) is a hydroxyalkyl ester monomer, and is composed primarily of hydroxyethyl acrylate, along with small amounts of acrylic acid, ethylene oxide, and the stabilizer methoxyphenol.

Product Uses and Applications:

Rohm and Haas’s HEA is used in the manufacture of adhesives, printing inks, and coatings for automotive, appliances, and metal.

Physical/Chemical Properties and Safe Handling:

• HEA is a clear, colorless liquid with a pungent, sweet odor.
• Boiling point  > 191 °C  (> 375.80 °F)
• Flash point  97 °C  (206.60 °F) SETAFLASH CLOSED CUP
• Exposure can occur during the handling and transportation of HEA. However, dedicated systems designed to handle HEA 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 HEA within 1 year to avoid loss of stability or risk of polymerization.
• Do not store HEA in containers made of mild steel. All containers must be kept tightly closed.

Health Information:

• Primary contact to HEA is through the eyes, skin, mouth and nose, possibly leading to severe irritation and injury. May cause blindness, liver and kidney injuries, and may be fatal if absorbed through the skin. Skin contact may result in sensitization.  Allergic cross-reactivity to the skin with other (meth)acrylates may occur. Hydroxy monomers are considered stronger sensitizers than other (meth)acrylates.
• 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, 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. Call a physician immediately. If vomiting occurs spontaneously, keep airway clear.
• Inhalation: Move to fresh air. Apply oxygen or artificial respiration if needed. Call a physician immediately.
• This product contains residual ethylene oxide, a cancer and reproductive hazard.
• Do not breathe airborne concentrations exceeding the permissible exposure limits (1 ppm).
• Chemical resistant goggles and 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 chemically resistant apron or other protective clothing to avoid prolonged or repeated skin contact.
• Hygiene measures: Keep work clothes separated. When using the product, do not eat or drink. Wash hands before breaks and immediately after handling the product.

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.

• 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.
• Ensure all applicable regulations are met.