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Name: Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate (HEMA) Chemical Formula: C6H10O3 CAS Number: 868-77-9 Synonyms: 2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate Common Uses: Found in dental materials, light-cured resins, adhesives, contact lenses, and often as a monomer for polymer production. Appearance: Typically a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a slight odor.
Risk Phrases: Causes skin, eye, and respiratory irritation; can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Classification: Skin sensitizer, irritant; often flagged as hazardous if mishandled. Main Routes of Exposure: Skin contact, eye contact, inhalation during processing, accidental ingestion in occupational settings. Potential Health Risks: Redness or itching with short exposures, severe dermatitis or respiratory distress in cases of frequent or high-level exposure.
Constituents: Mainly hydroxyethyl methacrylate; sometimes contains trace inhibitors (like hydroquinone) to prevent premature polymerization. Purity: Commercial grades typically exceed 97%; impurities tend to stem from manufacturing and transportation processes.
Inhalation: If symptoms of breathing difficulty develop, move into fresh air and keep at rest; seek medical attention for continued discomfort or coughing. Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing and rinse affected skin with lots of water and soap; persistent irritation calls for medical input. Eye Contact: Flush thoroughly with clean water for several minutes; don't rub eyes; get prompt assessment if symptoms stick around. Ingestion: Rinse mouth gently; don’t induce vomiting; always consult a medical professional, especially with larger amount swallowed unintentionally.
Flammability: Liquid and vapor can ignite under the right circumstances, especially near open flames or hot surfaces. Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use foam, dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide, or water spray; direct streams of water might spread spilled product. Fire Hazards: Burning produces toxic fumes (carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide), so proper gear like self-contained breathing apparatus is a must for firefighters.
Personal Precautions: Wear chemical-resistant gloves, protective goggles, and a respirator if ventilation is poor. Cleanup Methods: Absorb with inert materials like sand or activated carbon, then place in suitable container for disposal. Ventilation: Open windows or increase airflow to minimize inhalation risks. Environmental Precautions: Stop spill from entering drains, soil, or waterways to keep local ecosystems safe from exposure and contamination.
Safe Handling: Always use personal protective equipment; keep containers tightly sealed; transfer with pumps or automatic systems to avoid spills. Storage Conditions: Store away from sources of ignition or direct sunlight; room temperature works best, as does humidity control. Incompatible Materials: Keep separate from strong oxidizers, acids, bases, and reducing agents since these can kick off hazardous reactions.
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation keeps airborne levels low; closed systems limit direct exposure. Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves, protective goggles, lab coats, face shields, and, if needed, organic-vapor respirators offer reliable protection. Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly after handling; keep contaminated clothing away from other laundry. Exposure Limits: Some regulatory bodies suggest occupational exposure limits; check local rules and stay well below them.
Physical State: Liquid under most storage conditions Boiling Point: Near 213°C Melting Range: At temperatures well below typical room conditions Density: About 1.07 g/cm³ Solubility: Mixes with water in most ratios; soluble in alcohols and other polar solvents Odor: Slight, characteristic Vapor Pressure: Moderate, so open containers can release vapors
Chemical Stability: Stable when stored cool, dry, and free from light; heat and sunlight could trigger polymerization Hazardous Polymerization: Can happen if inhibitors run out, or if mixed with incompatible chemicals Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, bases, oxidizers, or reducing agents bring higher risk for dangerous reactions Decomposition Products: Heat or fire releases acrid smoke, carbon oxides, and other fumes
Acute Effects: Irritates eyes, skin, and airways; high exposures in short timeframes cause headaches, coughing, or rashes Chronic Effects: Frequent contact can sensitize skin, setting the stage for allergies; some users may develop eczema, asthma, or persistent itchiness Animal Studies: Rats exposed to high concentrations developed mild respiratory irritation and minor tissue changes Cancer Risks: Not classified as a human carcinogen, but chemically similar agents have been linked to DNA changes in cell experiments
Biodegradability: Moderately biodegradable under the right circumstances, but not instantly broken down in water or soil Aquatic Toxicity: Can impact fish, invertebrates, and plant life in concentrated spills, especially in closed or stagnant water bodies Persistence and Mobility: Tends to migrate through soil and water if released, so spills carry long-term consequences for local organisms
Recommended Methods: Incinerate in approved chemical disposal facilities; some neutralization treatments possible with specialist equipment Container Disposal: Rinse thoroughly; triple-rinsed containers can sometimes be recycled, but residual HEMA demands hazardous waste treatment Environmental Precautions: Never dump into municipal drains or landfill without clearance; look for certified hazardous waste programs
UN Classification: Often shipped as a hazardous chemical; exact codes depend on local rules Packing Group: Typically in Group III for moderate health hazards Labeling: Containers must show hazard labels and contents; transportation by road, rail, or sea requires those symbols to stay visible Precautions During Transport: Keep containers upright, cool, and secure from bumps; check for leaks on arrival
Workplace Regulations: Many authorities mandate training and regular review of handling procedures in labs, manufacturing, and transport Labeling Laws: Product labels must flag main risks and protective measures according to GHS or local legal systems Environmental Restrictions: Strict limits on bulk discharge; fines or prosecution possible for accidental release Worker Protection: Rules demand proper gloves, goggles, and ventilation; some regions require health monitoring for regular users
