Chemical Name: Hydroxyethyl Acrylate
Chemical Formula: C5H8O3
Common Uses: Key ingredient for resins and adhesives
Appearance: Transparent liquid with a mild, characteristic odor
CAS Number: 818-61-1
Main Hazards: Irritation to eyes and skin, potential for allergic skin reactions, risk of inhaling vapors that may irritate respiratory tract
GHS Classification: Severe eye irritant, skin sensitizer, possible target organ toxicity with repeated exposure
Labeling Advice: Avoid direct contact, limit inhalation where possible, use in areas with proper airflow
Symptoms: Redness, itching, watering eyes, coughing, or headache after exposure
Active Ingredient: Hydroxyethyl Acrylate (usually above 95%)
Trace Components: Inhibitors such as MEHQ or hydroquinone to prevent polymerization in storage
Purity Range: Most samples clock in between 95% and 99%, but trace stabilizers or residual monomers can hang on even after purification
Inhalation: Breathing fresh air helps; seek medical attention if someone develops persistent coughing or dizziness
Skin Contact: Wash impacted areas thoroughly with flowing water and soap; take off contaminated clothing immediately
Eye Contact: Flush eyes with plenty of water for several minutes; don’t rub, just keep rinsing until a doctor can take a look
Ingestion: Rinse mouth but do not induce vomiting; go to a healthcare provider right away
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, foam; water spray may help cool containers but doesn’t tackle the root problem
Unusual Hazards: Vapors might form explosive mixtures with air, especially if ventilation is poor; the substance can release toxic fumes when burning
Protective Measures: Firefighters use full gear and self-contained breathing apparatus, shielding skin and airways
Spill Control: Put on gloves, goggles, and face shield right away; keep others far from the scene
Containment: Use sand, earth, or inert absorbent materials to stop the spread
Cleanup: Gather liquid and contaminated solids in well-sealed containers for proper waste disposal; clean surfaces with soap and water once bulk liquid is collected
Ventilation: Open windows and use fans to carry fumes away; dangerous to handle in confined spaces without exhaust systems
Personal Hygiene: Don’t eat, drink, or smoke nearby, and always wash hands well after exposure
Storage: Keep containers tightly closed in cool, ventilated spots, far from direct sunlight and heat sources
Handling Tips: Use closed systems or local exhaust to trap vapors; never use near flames or high temperatures
Special Guidance: Store away from oxidizers, acids, and bases to prevent violent reactions
Engineering Controls: Fume hoods or general ventilation are essential for keeping airborne levels as low as possible
Personal Protective Equipment: Nitrile gloves, chemical splash goggles, lab coats or coveralls, sometimes full-face protection for large-scale work
Respiratory Protection: Properly fitted respirators when vapor or spray mist concentrations get high
Exposure Limits: Some health agencies set occupational exposure limits to help prevent long-term damage, but values may vary by country
Boiling Point: Roughly 100-110°C
Melting Point: Tends to stay liquid at room temperature
Density: About 1.1 g/cm³
Solubility: Mixes easily with water and many organic solvents
Vapor Pressure: Not especially high, but fumes can build up in closed rooms fast
Stability: Remains stable with proper inhibitors present in containers kept cool and out of sunlight
Reactivity: Reacts strongly with acids, bases, and oxidizers, especially if heat or light play a role
Dangerous Byproducts: Can produce strong acids, carbon monoxide, and other harmful gases if burned or mixed inappropriately
Polymerization Risk: Can polymerize rapidly with heat, light, or missing inhibitors, causing sudden pressure rise in closed drums
Routes of Exposure: Skin, eye, inhalation, ingestion
Short-Term Effects: Eye burns, skin rash, coughing, or headaches
Long-Term Effects: Regular exposure may lead to skin sensitization, meaning allergies could develop after repeated handling
Known Risks: Animal testing highlights irritation and some evidence for systemic effects, especially for workers handling large batches without proper shields
Avoidance Key: Wearing gloves and using ventilation make the biggest difference for everyday safety
Environmental Fate: Breaks down in air and water, but not instantly; the substance can harm aquatic life if large volumes hit rivers or drains at once
Bioaccumulation: Tends not to pile up in fish or food chains, but sudden spills still put habitats at risk
Precaution Advice: Prevent leaks or spills from reaching drains, surface water, or agricultural land
Waste Treatment: Neutralize leftovers with expert advice before disposal
Do Not Pour Down Drains: What escapes the pipes might return later as water pollution
Local Regulations: Rules can shift between regions, but most call for handling as hazardous chemical waste
Container Disposal: Empty drums, bottles, or bags still harbor residues; after thorough cleaning, follow hazardous waste disposal procedures
UN Number: Assigned for shipping but not always needed for every small batch
Proper Shipping Name: Hydroxyethyl Acrylate, liquid
Hazard Class: Typically labeled under "Flammable Liquids" during transport
Packing Group: Group depends on purity and risk level, with higher hazard at higher concentrations
Handling in Transit: Protect from heat, rough handling, and puncture to avoid leaks or uncontrolled polymerization
Labeling Requirements: Warnings for skin, eye, and respiratory risks must show on every container sold in most regions
Chemical Inventories: Found on many national chemical inventories as a restricted-use substance
Worker Protection: Safety precautions go beyond the law in many workplaces; most companies require training before new staff touch this chemical
Compliance: Following regulations means not only avoiding fines but protecting staff, public health, and nearby waterways