EMS CATALOG NO: 19208 
EMS PRODUCT: Paraformaldehyde Granular
DATE:   07/29/96
PAGE NUMBER:  One of 6



MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET


The information contained herein is based on data considered
accurate. However, no warranty is expressed or implied
regarding the accuracy of these data or the results to be obtained
from the use thereof.

Electron Microscopy Sciences assumes no responsibility for
personal injury or property damage to vendees, users or
third parties caused by the material. Such vendees or users
assume all risks associated with the use of the material.


ELECTRON MICROSCOPY SCIENCES
321 MORRIS ROAD
P.O. BOX 251
FORT WASHINGTON, PA 19034 24 HOUR EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBER
(215) 646-1566 CHEMTREC: (800) 424-9300
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FOR PRODUCT AND SALES INFORMATION
_________________________________________________________________

CONTACT ELECTRON MICROSCOPY SCIENCES OFFICE ABOVE.

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PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION
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PRODUCT NAME: Paraformaldehyde Granular

TRADE NAMES/SYNONYMS: Granuform (R), Para, Paraform

CAS NUMBER: 30525-89-4

CHEMICAL FAMILY: Aldehyde

CHEMICAL FORMULA: HO-(CH2O)n-H (n=10-30)

This material is in compliance with the Toxic Substances Control Act.





* * * EMS CATALOG NO: 19208 * * * (Page 2 of 6)
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SUMMARY OF HAZARDS
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CAUTION! This product causes severe irritation to the eyes. May
cause irritation and sensitization to the skin and respiratory tract.

HAZARD RATING SYSTEMS:
NFPA HMIS
HEALTH = 2 HEALTH = 2
FIRE = 1 FIRE = 1
REACTIVITY = 0 REACTIVITY = 0
NOTE = FLAMMABLE SOLID PERSONAL PROTECTION = J
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HAZARDOUS COMPONENTS
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NOTE! There are no established exposure limits for Paraformaldehyde.
Formaldehyde has an OSHA PEL of 0.75 ppm and an ACGIH TLV of 1.0 ppm.
The OSHA STEL of 2 ppm.

CHEMICAL NAME CAS # %
Formaldehyde 50-00-0 89-92

CARCINOGENICITY
DESIGNATED BY: NTP #1 IARC #1 OSHA #1 OTHER: NIOSH
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CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
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The pH level corresponds to 10 grams in 1 liter H2O @ 68oF.

BOILING POINT: Not applicable
MELTING POINT: 248oF (120oC)
SOLUBILITY IN WATER: Appreciable
pH: 3.5 - 5
VAPOR PRESSURE: 1.22 mm Hg at 68oF
VAPOR DENSITY: Not applicable
SPECIFIC GRAVITY: 1.22 - 1.25 (H2O=1)
EVAPORATION RATE: Not applicable
APPEARANCE/ODOR: White granules with a pungent odor.
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HEALTH HAZARD DATA & FIRST AID PROCEDURES
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TOXICITY DATA (Formaldehyde):

LD50 800 mg/kg oral, rat.
LC50 Not established.
* * * CATALOG NO: 19208 * * * (Page 3 of 6)

EYE CONTACT:

Causes eye irritation. In case of contact, immediately flush 
eyes with plenty of water for 15 minutes. Call a physician.

SKIN CONTACT:

May cause irritation. In case of contact, wash skin with soap 
and water. Call a physician if irritation persists.

SKIN ABSORPTION:

Not expected to be absorbed through skin. In case of contact 
flush skin with soap and water.

INHALATION:

May cause irritation to the respiratory tract. If inhaled and 
irritation occurs, remove to fresh air. If irritation persists, 
call a physician.

INGESTION:

Expected to cause irritation to the gastrointestinal tract. If
swallowed give victim a glass of water and induce vomiting at the
instruction of a physician. Never give anything by mouth to an 
unconscious person.

CHRONIC EFFECTS OF OVEREXPOSURE:

Paraformaldehyde becomes formaldehyde in solution and depolymerizes
to form formaldehyde gas when exposed to air. Formaldehyde causes
cancer in laboratory animals.

OTHER HEALTH EFFECTS:

Medical conditions which may be aggravated by exposure to this 
product include: Conjunctivitis of the eye, dermatitis of the skin,
asthma and respiratory diseases. Sensitization may occur from the
inhalation of skin contact of this product.
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EXPOSURE CONTROL MEASURES
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EYE PROTECTION: Chemical goggles or face shield is required.

PROTECTIVE GLOVES: Wear chemical resistant gloves.




* * * CATALOG NO: 19208 * * * (Page 4 of 6)

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION:

Exposure limits have not been established for this product or its
components. Atmospheric levels should be maintained as low as possible
by using engineering controls. If not feasible, use an air-purifying
respirator with approved filters and/or sorbents.

OTHER PROTECTION: If skin contact or contamination of clothing is
possible, chemical resistant clothing must be worn.

VENTILATION: Provide general and/or local exhaust ventilation in
enclosed areas to maintain airborne concen-
trations at a minimum. Refer to "Industrial Ventilation" by
ACGIH for a manual of recommended practices.

PERSONAL HYGIENE/WORK PRACTICES:

Establish good personal hygiene and work practices. Always wash
hands and face before eating, drinking or smoking. Provide safety
shower and eye wash station in work area.
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FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD DATA
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FLASH POINT (METHOD USED): 158oF (70oC) (closed cup)

FLAMMABLE LIMITS: LOWER: 7%
UPPER: 73%

EXTINGUISHING MEDIA: Use water mist, foam, CO2 or dry powder.

FIRE FIGHTING INSTRUCTIONS:

Evacuate enclosed and surrounding areas. If smoke and fumes cannot
be avoided, use proximity suit and self-contained breathing apparatus.

UNUSUAL FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS:

May form explosive organic dust cloud. Avoid use of compressed
air as a motive gas.
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REACTIVITY DATA
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STABILITY: Stable at normal temperatures and conditions of storage.

* * * CATALOG NO: 19208 * * * (Page 5 of 6)

INCOMPATIBILITY:

Alkalis, reactive organic substances, combustible materials, caustics,
isocyanates, anhydrides, oxides and inorganic acid.

HAZARDOUS PRODUCTS OF DECOMPOSITION:

Can include formaldehyde, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and 
hydrogen.

HAZARDOUS POLYMERIZATION:

Will not undergo hazardous polymerization.
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ENVIRONMENTAL & DISPOSAL INFORMATION
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GENERAL:

CERCLA/SARA requires notification to the appropriate Federal, 
State and local authorities of releases of hazardous or extremely
hazardous quantities equal to or greater than the Reportable Quantities
(RQs) in 40 CFR 302.4 and 40 CFR 355. 

SARA Title 313 requires submissions of annual reports of releases
of toxic chemicals that appear in 40 CFR 372. Components present
in this product at a level which could require reporting under statute
is; paraformaldehyde.

ACTION TO TAKE FOR SPILLS/LEAKS:

For small spills, sweep or shovel solids into proper container
for disposal.

DISPOSAL METHOD:

Dispose of in accordance with all Local, State and Federal regulations.
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PRECAUTIONS FOR SAFE HANDLING, STORAGE AND USE
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Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from sources of 
ignition. Keep containers tightly closed when not in use. When 
working with this product, measures to prevent electrostatic charging
should always be taken, and explosion protected equipment should
always be used. Shelf life is limited.



* * * CATALOG NO: 19208 * * * (Page 6 of 6)

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SHIPPING INFORMATION
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PRIMARY HAZARD: Flammable Solid
SECONDARY HAZARD: None
DOT SHIPPING NAME: Paraformaldehyde
HAZARD CLASS: Flammable Solid
UN NUMBER: 2213
UN CLASS: 4.1
PG NUMBER: III
49 CFR REFERENCE: 173.510, 173.240 (HM-181)
LABELS: Flammable, solid

SHIPPING RESTRICTIONS:

Passenger A/C - 25 kg. max./pkg. Cargo only A/C - 100
kg. max./pkg. Single packages not permitted on A/C.

AUTHORIZED CONTAINER TYPE(S):

Refer to 40 CFR - Sections referenced above.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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SARA TITLE 313 REPORTING: Paraformaldehyde