Responsible Care Summary

METHYL ACRYLATE (MA)

Chemical Identity:

Methyl acrylate (MA) is an acrylic monomer, and is composed primarily of methyl acrylate, along with small amounts of the stabilizer methoxyphenol.

Product Uses and Applications:

Rohm and Haas’s MA is used in the manufacture of adhesives, non-acrylic polymers (food packging), plastics, paints, coatings, textiles, and many other applications.

Physical/Chemical Properties and Safe Handling:

• MA is a clear, colorless liquid. Both the liquid and vapor are highly flammable.
• Boiling point  80 °C
• Flash point  -3 °C Tag closed cup
• Exposure can occur during the handling and transportation of MA. However, dedicated systems designed to handle MA are typically used for loading and unloading purposes, and procedures should be in place to prevent spills or leaks during transportation.
• Keeping storage temperatures between 18 °C and 40 °C is highly recommended 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 MA within 1 year to avoid loss of stability or risk of polymerization.  
• MA must be stored 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 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 MA, therefore consumers are generally not exposed through finished products. Although potential for exposure does exist during the manufacture, transportation, and use of MA, enclosed systems limit the small exposure 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 MA is through the eyes, skin, mouth and nose, possibly leading to severe irritation and injury.
• Eye contact: Rinse 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: 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 resistant goggles, face shield and gloves must be worn at all times. Respiratory protection equipment meeting EU requirements (89/656/EEC, 89/686/EEC) or equivalent, must be used 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 268  
• European Waste Catalogue (2000/532/EC) - The definitive assignment of this material to the appropriate EWC group and thus its proper EWC code will depend on the use that is made of this material. Contact waste disposal services.