Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

MALEIC ANHYDRIDE/ MONOMETHYL MALEATE/ STYRENE COPOLYMER

STATEMENT OF HAZARDOUS NATURE

Not considered a hazardous substance according to OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200.

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Thermoplastic used in the automotive industry.

SYNONYMS

(C8-H8.C5-H6-O4.C4-H2-O3)x, "partial methyl ester of a styrene/maleic anhydride
copolymer", "2-butenedioic acid (Z)-, monomethyl ester, polymer with ethenylbenzene and
2, 5-furandione", "2-butenedioic acid (Z)-, monomethyl ester, polymer with
ethenylbenzene and 2, 5-furandione", "monomethyl-2-butenedioate, polymer with
ethenylbenzene and 2, 5-furandione", "monomethyl-2-butenedioate, polymer with
ethenylbenzene and 2, 5-furandione", "maleic acid, monomethyl ester, polymer with
maleic anhydride and styrene"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

None

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Although ingestion is not thought to produce harmful effects, the material may still be damaging to the health of the individual following ingestion, especially where pre-  existing organ (e.g. liver, kidney) damage is evident. Present definitions of harmful or toxic substances are generally based on doses producing mortality (death) rather than those producing morbidity (disease, ill-health). Gastrointestinal tract discomfort may produce nausea and vomiting. In an occupational setting however, ingestion of insignificant quantities is not thought to be cause for concern.  Overexposure is unlikely in this form and quantity.  Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial environments.  High molecular weight material; on single acute exposure would be expected to pass through gastrointestinal tract with little change / absorption. Occasionally accumulation of the solid material within the alimentary tract may result in formation of a bezoar (concretion), producing discomfort.  

EYE

  Although the material is not thought to be an irritant, direct contact with the eye may produce transient discomfort characterized by tearing or conjunctival redness (as with windburn).  

SKIN

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or skin irritation following contact (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable gloves be used in an occupational setting.  

INHALED

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or irritation of the respiratory tract (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable control measures be used in an occupational setting.  Not normally a hazard due to non-volatile nature of product.  Inhalation hazard is increased at higher temperatures.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Primary route of exposure is usually by skin contact with the molten material.  No acute or chronic human exposure data available.  This material has a polymer considered to be of moderate concern. Some acid anhydrides may sensitize the airways and are toxic to the reproductive system or cause birth defects,  miscarriages or stillbirths. Smaller polymers tend to be more dangerous because they are more easily absorbed.