Responsible Care Summary

METHACRYLIC ACID (MAA or GMAA)

Chemical Identity:

Methacrylic Acid (MAA) is a methacrylic monomer, and is composed primarily of methacrylic acid, along with small amounts of the stabilizer methoxyphenol.

Product Uses and Applications:

Rohm and Haas’s MAA is used as an intermediate in the manufacture of other monomers such as butyl methacrylate and methyl methacrylate and is used in the manufacture of modifiers, plastic sheet, molded and extruded products, paints, adhesives and textile applications.

Physical/Chemical Properties and Safe Handling:

• MAA is a clear, colorless liquid with a pungent, irritating odor. MAA is corrosive. Both the liquid and vapor are combustible.
• Boiling point  162 °C  (323.60 °F)
• Melting point  15.00 °C  (59.00 °F)
• Flash point  67 °C  (152.60 °F) Tag closed cup
• Exposure can occur during the handling and transportation of MAA. However, dedicated systems designed to handle MAA 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 18 °C (64 °F) and 40 °C (104 °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.
• Product freezes at 15C/59F. Improper thawing can result in violent polymerization. Thaw frozen drums by placing them in a heated room up to 40C/104F 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 MAA within 1 year to avoid loss of stability or risk of polymerization.  
• Store MAA 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 MAA, therefore consumers are generally not exposed through finished products. Although potential for exposure does exist during the manufacture, transportation, and use of MAA, enclosed systems limit the small exposure risk to worker populations and nearby communities.
• Primary contact to MAA is through the eyes, skin, mouth and nose, possibly leading to severe irritation and injury. Corrosion to eyes and skin can occur through contact. Prolonged or repeated overexposure at near lethal concentrations can cause kidney or liver damage.
• 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 plenty of water. Obtain medical attention. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. 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.
• Ensure all applicable regulations are met.