Product Name: Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer
Chemical Family: Polyolefins
Synonyms: EVOH, EVAL, Ethylene/vinyl alcohol resin
Uses: Food packaging films, gas barriers, pharmaceutical packaging, automotive fuel tanks
Manufacturer: Refer to packaging label or safety department
Contact Information: Emergency phone number, manufacturer’s address directly from package
GHS Classification: Non-hazardous as supplied, solid polymer
Physical Hazards: Dust may form from granules and pellets, can cause slight eye or respiratory tract irritation
Health Hazards: No acute toxicity expected, molten form causes burns
Environmental Hazards: Not classified as hazardous
Key Symptoms: Eye redness, coughing or sneezing after exposure to dust
Label Elements: No pictogram required, signal word not required
Other Hazards: Fine dust mixed with air can create explosion risk in confined spaces
Chemical Name: Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer
CAS Number: 26221-27-2
Formula: (C2H4)x(C2H4O)y
Typical Composition: Ethylene (25-50%); Vinyl Alcohol (50-75%)
Additives: May contain stabilizers or processing aids under 2%
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, seek medical attention for persistent coughing
Skin contact: For dust, wash with soap and water; for hot material burns, cool affected area and seek medical help
Eye contact: Rinse eyes with plenty of water for several minutes, remove contact lenses, get medical help if irritation persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, seek medical advice if large amounts swallowed; product not intended for ingestion
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide
Hazards from Combustion: Carbon monoxide, acetic acid, formaldehyde, carbon dioxide, irritating fumes
Personal Protective Equipment: Self-contained breathing apparatus, full protective gear
Advice for Firefighters: Cool containers with water spray, evacuate area if smoke is dense, stay upwind
Special Information: Molten polymer may flow and spread fire
Personal Precautions: Avoid dust formation, wear dust mask if ventilation poor
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains and waterways
Spill Response: Sweep or shovel material into suitable container, minimize dust, clean residue with water
Disposal of Collected Material: Follow local disposal regulations for plastic waste
Handling Practices: Minimize dust generation, avoid inhaling dust, use with adequate ventilation, avoid open flames near molten polymer
Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area, keep container tightly closed, away from strong oxidizers and combustible materials
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, acids, strong bases
Other Recommendations: Use antistatic measures to reduce ignition risk for fines/powders
Exposure Limits: No established occupational exposure limit for EVOH; control dust below nuisance particulate threshold (10 mg/m3 total, 3 mg/m3 respirable fraction)
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation in areas of dust production, proper grounding of equipment
Personal Protection Equipment: Safety glasses or goggles, dust mask (N95 or equivalent) if handling powders, heat-resistant gloves for hot material, long sleeves to prevent skin contact
Form: Solid (pellets, powders, granules, films)
Color: White or transparent
Odor: Odorless
Melting Point: 180–190°C (depends on grade)
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Density: 1.13–1.20 g/cm3
Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in hot dimethyl sulfoxide and some alcohols
Decomposition Temperature: >220°C
Vapor Pressure: Not relevant for solid
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal storage and handling conditions
Reactivity: Not reactive with most substances under normal use
Hazardous Decomposition: At high temperatures forms acetic acid, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, other irritants
Conditions to Avoid: Prolonged overheating, exposure to open flame, direct sunlight for extended periods
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, acids, strong bases
Acute Toxicity: Not acutely toxic (oral, dermal, inhalation)
Skin Irritation: May cause mild irritation after regular or extensive contact
Eye Irritation: Dust may cause redness, discomfort
Sensitization: No evidence of sensitizing effects
Chronic Effects: No data showing carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or reproductive toxicity for EVOH
Other Health Effects: Process-generated fumes from overheating can irritate nasal passages, throat, and lungs
Aquatic Toxicity: Expected to have low toxicity to aquatic life due to low solubility and inertness
Mobility: Not mobile in soil; chemically stable polymer
Persistence: Resistant to biodegradation, remains largely unchanged in the environment
Bioaccumulation: Not expected
Other Effects: Mechanical hazard to wildlife (ingestion, entanglement) if released as waste
Waste Disposal Methods: Recycle whenever possible, incineration at approved facility with proper emission controls, landfill as non-hazardous plastic if recycling unavailable
Do Not: Discard in natural waterways or non-authorized sites
Regulatory Waste Code: Check with local authorities for regional requirements
Contaminated Packaging: Clean before recycling or disposal according to local regulations
UN Number: Not regulated
Proper Shipping Name: Not classified as hazardous
Transport Hazard Class: Non-hazardous
Packing Group: Not assigned
Marine Pollutant: No
Special Precautions: Protect from moisture and direct sunlight during transport
Global Inventory Status: Listed in TSCA (USA), EINECS/ELINCS (EU), ENCS (Japan), DSL (Canada), other chemical inventories
OSHA Status: Not hazardous under OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
WHMIS Classification: Not controlled
RoHS/REACH: Compliant for use in electrical and electronic equipment, food-contact grades meet relevant food safety regulations
Other Requirements: Follow workplace safety procedures and national/local environmental protection acts
