Product Name: Carbomer
Synonyms: Polyacrylic acid, cross-linked acrylic acid polymer
Chemical Family: Synthetic polymer
Recommended Use: Used as thickener, suspending agent in pharmaceuticals and personal care products
Manufacturer: Major chemical suppliers worldwide
Contact Information: Emergency phone numbers provided by suppliers
CAS Number: 9003-01-4
Classification: Not classified as hazardous by GHS
Hazard Statements: May cause mild transient eye irritation, not likely to cause skin irritation, no acute toxicity known, not classified as environmentally hazardous
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, use in well-ventilated areas, wash hands after handling
Signal Word: None
Pictogram: None required under GHS
Chemical Name: Carbomer
CAS Number: 9003-01-4
Concentration: 100% for pure product; in mixtures, concentrations are usually below 2%
Impurities/Additives: Minor residual acrylic acid (<0.25%), cross-linking agents like allyl ethers
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, seek medical attention if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Wash with plenty of soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, irritation unlikely
Eye Contact: Rinse carefully with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses, continue rinsing, seek medical advice if discomfort continues
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water to dilute, do not induce vomiting unless directed by a medical professional, seek attention if large quantity ingested or symptoms develop
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, dry powder, or carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: None known
Special Firefighting Procedures: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon oxides (CO and CO2), other organic compounds, dense smoke possible
Unusual Fire Hazards: Dust can form explosive mixtures with air, minimize dust generation
Advice for Emergency Responders: Approach from upwind, prevent discharge into drains
Personal Precautions: Avoid inhaling dust, wear suitable protective clothing and equipment
Environmental Precautions: Prevent material from entering waterways, drains, or soil
Containment: Sweep up gently to avoid dust, place in suitable container for disposal
Cleanup Methods: Use HEPA vacuum or damp sweeping to prevent dust formation, ventilate area
Disposal: Dispose in accordance with local regulations
Handling: Minimize dust generation, use with adequate ventilation, avoid contact with eyes and prolonged skin contact, keep container tightly closed
Storage: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, away from incompatible substances like strong oxidizers, acids or bases; keep containers tightly sealed
Special Precautions: Use grounded equipment to prevent static discharge, keep away from ignition sources in dust-producing environments
Exposure Limits: No specific occupational exposure limits for carbomer; general guidance for nuisance particulates: OSHA PEL 15 mg/m³ (total dust), ACGIH TLV 10 mg/m³ (inhalable)
Engineering Controls: Provide local exhaust or general ventilation to keep dust concentrations below occupational exposure limits
Personal Protection: Safety glasses with side shields, impervious gloves for prolonged contact, NIOSH-approved dust mask or respirator for high dust levels, protective clothing as needed
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before eating, drinking, or smoking; remove contaminated clothing
Appearance: White, loose, fluffy powder
Odor: Odorless
Odor Threshold: Not applicable
pH: 2.5–3.5 (1% dispersion in water)
Melting Point/Freezing Point: Not applicable
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Flash Point: Not applicable
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Flammability: Not flammable as sold, fine powder can form explosive dust mixtures
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Solubility: Swells in water, forms gel; insoluble in most organic solvents
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not determined
Auto-ignition Temperature: Not determined
Decomposition Temperature: Not determined
Viscosity: High viscosity when hydrated
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions
Reactivity: Non-reactive under normal conditions of use and storage
Hazardous Reactions: No hazardous polymerization
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, sparks, open flame, incompatible materials, strong oxidizers
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, strong bases
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, potentially irritating organic compounds
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 in rats greater than 5,000 mg/kg (very low toxicity)
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Not irritating to skin
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: May cause mild transient irritation
Respiratory Sensitization: Not known to cause respiratory sensitization
Skin Sensitization: Not expected to cause skin sensitization
Germ Cell Mutagenicity: No mutagenic effects observed
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as carcinogen by IARC, NTP, OSHA
Reproductive Toxicity: No reproductive effects found
STOT - Single Exposure: Not expected to cause specific target organ toxicity
STOT - Repeated Exposure: Not expected to cause organ toxicity
Aspiration Hazard: Not expected to present aspiration hazard
Toxicity: Low aquatic toxicity, not expected to be harmful to aquatic organisms based on available data
Persistence and Degradability: Not readily biodegradable, persistent in the environment
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low, as a high molecular weight polymer
Mobility in Soil: Low, unlikely to migrate through soil
Other Hazards: No known significant effects or critical hazards, but should avoid release to large bodies of water due to non-biodegradable nature
Waste Treatment Methods: Collect and place into appropriate waste disposal containers
Disposal of Product: Dispose through licensed waste contractor, follow local, regional, and national regulations
Disposal of Packaging: Rinse and recycle or dispose of containers following local guidelines
Special Precautions: Do not release to drains or environment, avoid generation of dust during disposal
UN Number: Not regulated
UN Proper Shipping Name: Not regulated
Transport Hazard Class(es): Not classified
Packing Group: Not regulated
Environmental Hazards: Not considered hazardous for transport
Special Precautions for Users: Avoid transportation with incompatible substances, prevent shifting or damage of containers during shipping, avoid generating dust in bulk handling, maintain normal transport precautions
OSHA Hazard Communication Standard: Not considered hazardous under 29 CFR 1910.1200
TSCA Inventory: Listed
DSL/NDSL (Canada): Listed
EU Regulation (REACH): Registered, not classified
SARA Title III (Sections 302/304, 311/312, 313): Not subject to reporting requirements
California Prop 65: Product not known to contain chemicals subject to warning requirements
Other Regulation: Compliance required with EC directives, international inventory status checked before shipment across borders
