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Product Name: Nitrocellulose
Chemical Formula: Variable (C6H8(ONO2)2O5)n
Synonyms: Cellulose nitrate, Flash cotton, Guncotton
Recommended Use: Printing inks, coatings, lacquers, film base, propellant
Supplier Details: Manufacturer contact, emergency phone numbers available on packaging
CAS Number: 9004-70-0
Classification: Explosive, Flammable solid, Irritant
GHS Label: Flame, Exploding Bomb
Hazard Statements: Highly flammable, May form explosible dust-air mixtures, Hazardous decomposition possible
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, ingestion, eye contact
Health Impact: Dizziness, headache, skin, and eye irritation for prolonged contact; inhalation may irritate respiratory system
Environmental Risk: Harmful to aquatic life, bioaccumulative potential low for pure nitrocellulose
Ingredient: Nitrocellulose
Concentration: <85% (with water, ethanol to keep below explosive threshold)
Other Components: Water (<25%) or Ethanol (<25%) as stabilizer
Impurities: Traces of acids, solvents from manufacturing process, occupational exposure possible
Inhalation: Move exposed person to fresh air, monitor for breathing difficulty; seek medical attention if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Wash with soap, running water; remove contaminated clothing; medical attention for prolonged irritation
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for 15 minutes; seek prompt medical help
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly, do not induce vomiting; medical attention recommended
Notes to Physician: Provide symptomatic care, monitor for chemical pneumonitis or irritation
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Flood area with water, only large quantities effective; avoid use of dry chemical or CO2 for major fires
Unsuitable Media: Foam, dry powder, sand insufficient for fully involved fires
Fire Hazards: Burns rapidly with a violent, explosive flame; emits toxic nitrogen oxides, carbon oxides on combustion
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Self-contained breathing apparatus, full protective suit
Advice for Firefighters: Evacuate area, cool containers exposed to flames, watch out for re-ignition
Personal Precautions: Remove all ignition sources, evacuate area, ventilate well
Environmental Precautions: Prevent runoff into drains or waterways, contain spills with non-combustible material like sand
Clean-up Methods: Shovel spilled nitrocellulose into containers with water for disposal, avoid raising dust
Advice for Emergency Responders: Use flameproof equipment, wear suitable PPE (gloves, goggles, respirator as needed)
Safe Handling: Ground and bond containers during transfer, use spark-resistant tools, avoid dust accumulation
Avoid: Sources of heat, open flame, static discharge, strong acids or alkalis
Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area in tightly closed containers; keep wet with specified percentage of water or ethanol
Segregation: Isolate from oxidizers, strong acids, reducing agents, combustible materials
Incompatibles: Metals (alkalis), phosphorus, chlorates, permanganates, nitric acid
Exposure Limits: Not established for nitrocellulose itself; monitor for solvent vapor if present
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust, explosion-proof ventilation, process enclosure
Personal Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile), safety goggles, flame-retardant clothing, antistatic footwear
Respiratory Protection: Wear dust mask or respirator if handling large quantities or in poorly ventilated spaces
Hygienic Measures: Wash thoroughly after handling, remove contaminated clothing promptly
Form: White to off-white fibrous solid or flakes
Odor: Faint, alcoholic or solvent smell if ethanol present
Melting Point: Not applicable (decomposes)
Solubility: Partially soluble in acetone, ethanol, ethyl acetate
Relative Density: 1.6 - 1.7 (dried)
Autoignition Temperature: About 160°C (dry)
Explosion Limits: Can form explosive dust clouds, danger above 25% solvent loss
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Chemical Stability: Stable in water-wet or ethanol-wet form below 25%; dry nitrocellulose poses explosion risk
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Reacts violently with oxidizers, acids, bases, metals
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, friction, shock, sparks, static
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, water vapor
Polymerization: Not applicable
Primary Routes of Exposure: Skin, eyes, inhalation
Acute Effects: Irritation, possible cough, dizziness, headache at high concentrations
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure rarely encountered; sensitization reported in sensitive individuals
LD50 (oral, rat): >5000 mg/kg (low acute toxicity)
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by IARC, NTP, OSHA
Sensitization: Allergic contact dermatitis possible from handling
Persistence and Degradability: Degrades slowly in soil and water, not persistent in environment
Bioaccumulative Potential: Negligible, polymeric structure limits uptake
Aquatic Toxicity: Not acutely toxic, but high concentrations may smother aquatic life; solvent residues raise concern
Mobility in Soil: Low, but suspended particles may be transported in water
Other Adverse Effects: None expected at permitted levels, avoid direct discharge to environment
Waste Handling: Treat as explosive waste, send to licensed hazardous waste facility
Recommended Method: Incinerate under controlled conditions with professional oversight
Special Precautions: Never allow to dry out before disposal, avoid compaction or shredding
Disposal Containers: Keep moist during holding, use non-metallic containers when possible
UN Number: UN2555 (wet with water) / UN2556 (wet with alcohol)
Proper Shipping Name: Nitrocellulose, wet with not less than 25 percent alcohol, by mass
Hazard Class: 4.1 (Flammable solid, desensitized explosive)
Packing Group: II
Label Required: Flammable Solid
Special Transport Notes: Keep containers upright, do not stack heavy objects, do not allow to dry
Emergency Guide Number: 133
Key Regulations: Listed on TSCA, REACH, DSL inventory
OSHA: Regulated under Flammable and Explosive Materials
DOT: Hazardous Material, strict transport controls apply
Environmental: SARA Title III (Section 311/312): Fire hazard
Other Standards: ADR, IMDG, IATA mark for international carriage
Restrictions: Only trained and authorized personnel should handle bulk nitrocellulose
