Product Safety Assessment PARALOID Resins Product Safety Assessment documents are available at: www.dow.com/productsafety/finder/. Select a Topic: Names Product Overview Manufacture of Product Product Description Product Uses Exposure Potential Health Information Environmental Information Physical Hazard Information Regulatory Information Additional Information References Names PARALOID Resins PARALOID AT Resins (6 products) PARALOID A Resins (8 products) PARALOID AU Resins (12 products) PARALOID B Resins (21 products) PARALOID DM Resin (1 product) PARALOID F Resin PARALOID NAD Resin PARALOID QM Resin PARALOID QR Resin PARALOID WR Resin Product Overview PARALOID Resins include four main types of acrylate-based resins produced by Rohm and Haas, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company: solution-grade thermoplastic resins, solid-grade thermoplastic resins, oven-cure thermoset resins, and ambient-cure thermoset resins. 1,2,3 For further details, see Product Description. The most common uses for PARALOID Resins include paints and coatings, inks and varnishes, concrete sealers, and pigment dispersants. 4 For further details, see Product Uses. Exposure can occur either in a PARALOID Resins manufacturing facility or in the various facilities that use these resins. Workers could be exposed during maintenance, sampling, testing, or other procedures, as well during the application of coatings and sealants containing these materials. 5,6,7 For further details, see Exposure Potential. Solid-grade products Eye contact with solid-grade products may result in moderate irritation and slight irritation to the skin. Inhalation of dust can cause irritation of the nose, throat, and lungs, headache, and nausea. Skin sensitization may occur due to residual monomers present in solid-grade products. Solvent-grade products The solvents in solvent-grade products can cause moderate skin irritation and slight eye irritation. The solvents also can be absorbed through the skin and may have a degreasing effect on the skin. Excessive inhalation of solvent vapor or mist may result in respiratory irritation, headache, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, slow respiration, or other effects, and even death. If aspirated into the lungs, these solvents may cause lung injury, pulmonary edema, or chemical pneumonia. Prolonged or repeated inhalation exposure Created: July 25, 2010 The Dow Chemical Company Page 1 of 7
can cause reversible damage to the liver and kidneys and effects on the lungs, pituitary gland, thyroid, and testes. Toluene, a solvent used in some products, has been reported to be toxic to embryos and cause birth defects in laboratory testing in animals. Naphthalene is considered a possible human carcinogen. 8,9,10 For further details, see Health Information. PARALOID Resins would be expected to have a low potential to bioaccumulate (build-up in the food chain). The resins degrade very slowly and if released would tend to remain in the soil. If released in an aquatic environment, the resins would be adsorbed onto sediments. The resins are considered nontoxic to aquatic organisms. The solvents associated with some of the products would partition to the atmosphere and degrade rapidly by photooxidation (breakdown by sunlight). The solvents have low toxicity toward aquatic organisms. For further details, see Environmental Information. PARALOID Resins are stable at recommended storage and use temperatures. High temperatures can lead to thermal decomposition, which may release acrylic monomers. Avoid contact with oxidizing materials, strong acids, and strong bases. The solvent-grade products are flammable. Keep away from possible sources of ignition (heat, sparks, and flames). The solid-grade products can generate static discharges during transfer. 11,12,13 For further details, see Physical Hazard Information Manufacture of Product Locations Rohm and Haas, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company produces these resins at facilities in Louisville, Kentucky, and Bristol, Pennsylvania, USA. Process PARALOID Resins are produced via solution polymerization by reacting various acrylic monomers as homopolymers (A series) or copolymers (B series). The dominant monomer is methyl methacrylate. Co-monomers may include ethyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, ethyl methacrylate, butyl methacrylate, or others depending on the properties desired. Product Description 14,15,16 Rohm and Haas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Dow, produces four major types of acrylic-based PARALOID Resins, which may be homopolymers (A series) or copolymers (B series) and are described below. Solution-grade thermoplastic resins, which have solids that range from 30 % to 80% with the majority between 40 to 55%. These solution resins are sold in solvents such as toluene, xylene, butyl acetate, mineral spirits, VMP-naphtha, methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), or other hydrocarbons. Solid-grade thermoplastic resins, which have the solvent removed during manufacturing and are available as powders or pellets. Both oven-cure thermoset resins and ambient-cure thermoset resins, which include reactive groups that promote cross-linking and are designed for acrylic-urethane, acrylic-epoxy and acrylic-melamine coatings. Product Uses 17 Because PARALOID Resins are so versatile and are available in a variety of forms, they have a wide variety of uses. The most common uses include: Paints and coatings for automotive and appliance coatings, industrial and coil coatings, and can coatings Sealers for concrete Created: July 25, 2010 The Dow Chemical Company Page 2 of 7
Inks and varnishes as binders for printing on plastics, metal, wood, paper, paper board, foil, and films Pigment dispersants Exposure Potential 18,19,20 PARALOID Resins are used in the production of industrial and consumer products. Based on the uses for these resins, the public could be exposed through: Workplace exposure Inhalation of solvent vapors or dusts is considered the most likely route of exposure. Exposure can occur either in a PARALOID Resins manufacturing facility or in the various industrial or manufacturing facilities that use these resins. Those working with PARALOID Resins in manufacturing operations could be exposed during maintenance, sampling, testing, or other procedures, as well during the application of paints, coatings, sealants, and other products containing these materials. Each manufacturing facility should have a thorough training program for employees and appropriate work processes, ventilation, and safety equipment in place to limit unnecessary exposure. See Health Information. Consumer exposure to products containing PARALOID Resins Dow does not sell these resins for direct consumer use, but they are commonly used as coatings for products used by consumers, such as automobiles, appliances, etc. In these applications residual monomer or solvent would be minimal. Always read the product information before use and follow the label/use instructions. See Health Information. Environmental releases In the event of a spill, the focus is on containing the spill to prevent contamination of soil and surface or ground water. If released to the environment, PARALOID resins would be expected to stay in the soil or aquatic environment and be removed with the sludge in wastewater-treatment facilities. Solvents would quickly migrate to the atmosphere where they would photodegrade (breakdown by sunlight). These resins are considered "of low concern" and solvents are considered slightly toxic to aquatic organisms on an acute basis and the solvents are considered "of moderate concern" (USEPS TSCA) See Environmental, Health, and Physical Hazard Information. Large release Industrial spills or releases are infrequent and generally contained. For small spills, PARALOID Solid-grade Resins should swept up and Solvent-grade resins should be absorbed with noncombustible materials such as sand, soil or vermiculite. If a large spill does occur, remain upwind of the spill. The material should be captured, collected, and reprocessed or disposed of according to applicable governmental requirements. Positivepressure, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) with an approved full-face mask is recommended for emergency work, especially for PARALOID Solvent-grade Resins. Eliminate all sources of ignition immediately. Use only explosion-proof equipment; ground and bond all containers and handling equipment. See Environmental, Health, and Physical Hazard Information. In case of fire Deny any unnecessary entry into the area and consider the use of unmanned hose holders. Use water spray or fog, carbon-dioxide or dry-chemical extinguishers, or foam to fight the fire. Use of a direct water stream may spread the fire. Firefighters should wear positive-pressure, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and protective firefighting clothing. Vapors from solvent-based products are flammable and can accumulate in low-lying spots and flash back. Follow emergency procedures carefully. See Environmental, Health, and Physical Hazard Information Created: July 25, 2010 The Dow Chemical Company Page 3 of 7
Health Information 21,22,23 Health information for PARALOID Resins is summarized on the relevant Safety Data Sheets. It is important to note that health risks associated with individual products may vary based on their formulation or intended use. The Safety Data Sheet is the preferred source for specific health information. These materials may also contain minor components or additives that have additional health risks. An overview of health information for PARALOID Resins appears below. Eye contact The solvents in solvent-grade products can cause slight eye irritation. Contact with solid-grade products may result in moderate irritation because of the residual monomer and/or solvents present. Skin contact The solvents in solvent-grade products can cause moderate irritation and defatting and drying of the skin. They can be absorbed through the skin. Contact with solid-grade products may result in slight irritation and possible skin sensitization or allergic reactions. Ingestion The solvents in solvent-grade products can cause dizziness, drowsiness, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, gastrointestinal irritation, and central nervous system effects. If aspirated into the lungs, the solvents can cause lung injury, pulmonary edema, or chemical pneumonia. Inhalation The solvents in solvent-grade products can cause respiratory irritation (nose, throat, and lungs), headache, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, and slow respiration. Exposure to high concentrations can cause abdominal pain, unconsciousness, pulmonary edema, coma, or even death. Inhalation of dust from solid products can cause irritation of the nose, throat, and lungs as well as headache and nausea. Repeated exposure Prolonged or repeated exposure to the solvents in solvent-grade products can cause reversible damage to the liver and kidneys and effects on the lungs, pituitary gland, thyroid, and testes. Other Toluene, a solvent used in some products, has been reported to be toxic to embryos and to cause birth defects in laboratory testing in animals. Naphthalene is considered a possible human carcinogen. Environmental Information PARALOID Resins have limited water solubility and have a high molecular weight so that they would be expected to have a low potential to bioaccumulate (build-up in the food chain). The resins degrade very slowly and if released on soil would tend to remain in the soil and not leach significantly to groundwater. If released to an aquatic environment, the resins would likely sink and be adsorbed onto sediments. In a wastewater-treatment facility, PARALOID Resins would likely be removed as sludge. The resins are considered nontoxic to aquatic organisms. The solvents associated with some PARALOID Resins are not water soluble and readily evaporate. Most of the solvent would partition to the atmosphere where it would degrade rapidly by photooxidation (breakdown by sunlight). The solvents are considered of "moderate concern" to aquatic organisms (USEPA TSCA). Created: July 25, 2010 The Dow Chemical Company Page 4 of 7
Physical Hazard Information 24,25,26 PARALOID Resins are stable at recommended storage and use temperatures. High temperatures can lead to thermal decomposition, which may release acrylic monomers. Avoid contact with oxidizing materials, strong acids, and strong bases. The solvent-grade products are flammable or combustible. Keep away from possible sources of ignition (heat, sparks, and flames). The solid-grade products can generate static discharges during transfer. Ground and bond all equipment. Use an inert atmosphere when transferring to mixing equipment containing flammable solvents. If possible, isolate the resin addition from the flammable atmosphere with a rotary valve. Regulatory Information Regulations exist that govern the manufacture, sale, transportation, use, and/or disposal of PARALOID resins. These regulations may vary by city, state, country, or geographic region. Information may be found by consulting the relevant Safety Data Sheet, Technical Data Sheet, or Contact Us at www.dow.com/assistance/dowcig.htm Additional Information Product Information/Safety Data Sheet (Search for the product on the Dow web site at www.dow.com/products/browse.page) Contact Us (www.dow.com/assistance/thoughts.htm) PARALOID A-11 Solid Grade Thermoplastic Acrylic Resin, Technical Data Sheet, Rohm and Haas, Form 82A115 PARALOID Thermosetting Acrylic Resins for Conventional Solids and High Solids Coating, Rohm and Haas Company, Form B-078 Rev 2/00 Storage and Handling of PARALOID Resins, Rohm and Haas Company, Form 82A67 For more business information about PARALOID resins, visit the Dow Product Finder web site at www.dow.com/products/browse.page References 1 PARALOID B-66 100% Resin Material Safety Data Sheet, Rohm and Haas Company, September 26, 2003, pages 1 and 3 4. 2 PARALOID B-66X 51% Resin Material Safety Data Sheet, Rohm and Haas Company, May 28, 2008, pages 1 and 5. 3 PARALOID AU-608S Resin Material Safety Data Sheet, Rohm and Haas Company, February 19, 2004, pages 1 and 5. 4 PARALOID Thermosetting Acrylic Resins for Conventional Solids and High Solids Coatings, Rohm and Haas Company, Form B-078 Rev 2/00, 1999, page 7. 5 PARALOID B-66 100% Resin Material Safety Data Sheet, Rohm and Haas Company, September 26, 2003, pages 2 3. Created: July 25, 2010 The Dow Chemical Company Page 5 of 7
6 PARALOID B-66X 51% Resin Material Safety Data Sheet, Rohm and Haas Company, May 28, 2008, pages 3 5. 7 PARALOID AU-608S Resin Material Safety Data Sheet, Rohm and Haas Company, February 19, 2004, pages 3 4. 8 PARALOID B-66 100% Resin Material Safety Data Sheet, Rohm and Haas Company, September 26, 2003, pages 1 2 and 4. 9 PARALOID B-66X 51% Resin Material Safety Data Sheet, Rohm and Haas Company, May 28, 2008, pages 1 2 and 5 6. 10 PARALOI D AU-608S Resin Material Safety Data Sheet, Rohm and Haas Company, February 19, 2004, pages 1 2 and 5 6. 11 PARALOID B-66 100% Resin Material Safety Data Sheet, Rohm and Haas Company, September 26, 2003, page 4. 12 PARALOID B-66X 51% Resin Material Safety Data Sheet, Rohm and Haas Company, May 28, 2008, page 5. 13 PARALOID AU-608S Resin Material Safety Data Sheet, Rohm and Haas Company, February 19, 2004, page 5. 14 PARALOID B-66 100% Resin Material Safety Data Sheet, Rohm and Haas Company, September 26, 2003, pages 1 and 3-4. 15 PARALOID B-66X 51% Resin Material Safety Data Sheet, Rohm and Haas Company, May 28, 2008, pages 1 and 5. 16 PARALOID AU-608S Resin Material Safety Data Sheet, Rohm and Haas Company, February 19, 2004, pages 1 and 5. 17 PARALOID Thermosetting Acrylic Resins for Conventional Solids and High Solids Coatings, Rohm and Haas Company, Form B-078 Rev 2/00, 1999, page 7. 18 PARALOID B-66 100% Resin Material Safety Data Sheet, Rohm and Haas Company, September 26, 2003, pages 2-3. 19 PARALOID B-66X 51% Resin Material Safety Data Sheet, Rohm and Haas Company, May 28, 2008, pages 3-5. 20 PARALOID AU-608S Resin Material Safety Data Sheet, Rohm and Haas Company, February 19, 2004, pages 3-4. 21 PARALOID B-66 100% Resin Material Safety Data Sheet, Rohm and Haas Company, September 26, 2003, pages 1-2 and 4. 22 PARALOID B-66X 51% Resin Material Safety Data Sheet, Rohm and Haas Company, May 28, 2008, pages 1-2 and 5-6. 23 PARALOID AU-608S Resin Material Safety Data Sheet, Rohm and Haas Company, February 19, 2004, pages 1-2 and 5-6. 24 PARALOID B-66 100% Resin Material Safety Data Sheet, Rohm and Haas Company, September 26, 2003, page 4. 25 PARALOID B-66X 51% Resin Material Safety Data Sheet, Rohm and Haas Company, May 28, 2008, page 5. 26 PARALOID AU-608S Resin Material Safety Data Sheet, Rohm and Haas Company, February 19, 2004, page 5. Created: July 25, 2010 The Dow Chemical Company Page 6 of 7
NOTICES: As part of its 2015 Sustainability Goals, Dow has committed to make publicly available safety assessments for its products globally. This product safety assessment is intended to give general information about the chemical (or categories of chemicals) addressed. It is not intended to provide an in-depth discussion of health and safety information. Additional information is available through the relevant Safety Data Sheet, which should be consulted before use of the chemical. This product safety assessment does not replace required communication documents such as the Safety Data Sheet. The information herein is supplied upon the condition that the persons receiving same will make their own determination as to its suitability for their purposes prior to use. In no event will Dow be responsible for damages of any nature whatsoever resulting from the use of or reliance upon the information herein or the product to which that information refers. Nothing contained herein is to be construed as a recommendation to use any product, process, equipment or formulation in conflict with any patent, and Dow makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, that the use thereof will not infringe any patent. NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR OF ANY OTHER NATURE ARE MADE HEREUNDER WITH RESPECT TO INFORMATION OR THE PRODUCT TO WHICH INFORMATION REFERS. Dow makes no commitment to update or correct any information that appears on the Internet or on its World-Wide Web server. The information contained in this document is supplemental to the Internet Disclaimer, http://www.dow.com/homepage/term.asp. Form No. 233-00640-MM-0710 Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company ( Dow ) or an affiliated company of Dow Created: July 25, 2010 The Dow Chemical Company Page 7 of 7