Vinyl Acetate

Wear self-contained (positive pressure if available) breathing apparatus and full protective clothing. Spray cooling water on containers that are exposed to flames until well after the fire is out. For massive fire in cargo area, use unmanned hose holder or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety device or any discoloration of tank due to fire. Isolate for 1/2 mile in all directions if tank car or truck is involved in fire. Small fires: extinguish with dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray, fog, or alcohol foam. Large fires: water spray, fog, or alcohol foam. (EPA, 1998)

Use alcohol-resistant foam, foam, powder, carbon dioxide, fine water spray. In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.

Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Refer for medical attention.

Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Seek medical attention if you feel unwell.

First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.

Rinse mouth. Give one or two glasses of water to drink. Refer for medical attention .

· CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.

· ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area.

Signs and Symptoms of Acute Vinyl Acetate Monomer Exposure: Vinyl acetate monomer may irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract; blisters may form. Inhalation of vapors may result in dizziness or suffocation.

General First Aid:

(General first aid procedures)

Vapors are heavier than air and may travel to a source of ignition and flash back.

Flammable liquid. Moderate health hazard.

Do not extinguish fire unless flow can be stopped. Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Solid streams of water may spread fire. Apply water from as far a distance as possible. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Use "alcohol" foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide.

Evacuation: If fire becomes uncontrollable or container is exposed to direct flame--consider evacuation of 0.5 (1/2) mile radius. If material leaking (not on fire) consider evacuation from downwind area based on amount of material spilled, location & weather conditions. /Vinyl acetate, inhibited/

Fight fire from protected location or maximum possible distance. Use water spray, dry chemical, "alcohol resistant" foam, or carbon dioxide. Water may be ineffective. Use water only in flooding quantities as fog. Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers cool.

If material on fire or involved in fire: Do not extinguish fire unless flow can be stopped. Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Solid streams of water may spread fire. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible. Use "alcohol" foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.

It can be stored in steel, aluminum, or stainless steel containers under nitrogen. It is not necessary to add stabilizers at lower temperatures. If the vinyl acetate is to be warmed, stabilizers, such as hydroquinone, hydroquinone monomethyl ether, or diphenylamine are added. The quantity of stabilizer used is small, e.g., 3 -20 ppm hydroquinone, so that it does not generally need to be removed during the later polymerization.

Storage Temperature: Ambient. Inert Atmosphere: No requirement.

Take precautionary measures against static discharges.

Vinyl acetate shall be stored at temperatures less than 37.8 °C (100 °F) in well-ventilated areas and kept away from ignition sources such as heat and direct sunlight. No heating apparatus capable of exceeding 80% of the autoignition temperature of vinyl acetate (427 °C) shall be used in vinyl acetate storage areas. The storage of vinyl acetate in glass containers should not be in the same areas as oxidizing agents or other incompatible chemicals. Containers of vinyl acetate shall be kept tightly closed when not in use and shall be stored so as to minimize accidental ruptures and spills.

For more Storage Conditions (Complete) data for VINYL ACETATE (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Environmental considerations: land spill: Dig a pit, pond, lagoon, holding area to contain liquid or solid material. /SRP: If time permits, pits, ponds, lagoons, soak holes, or holding areas should be sealed with an impermeable flexible membrane liner./ Dike surface flow using soil, sand bags, foamed polyurethane, or foamed concrete. Absorb bulk liquid with fly ash, cement powder, sawdust, or commercial sorbents. Apply "universal" gelling agent to immobilize spill. Apply fluorocarbon-water foam to diminish vapor and fire hazard.

Environmental considerations: water spill: Use natural barriers or oil spill control booms to limit spill travel. Use surface active agent (eg detergent, soaps, alcohols), if approved by EPA. Inject "universal" gelling agent to solidify encircled spill and increase effectiveness of booms. If dissolved, in region of 10 ppm or greater concn, apply activated carbon @ ten times the spilled amount. Remove trapped material with suction hoses. Use mechanical dredges or lifts to remove immobilized masses of pollutants and precipitates.

Notify local health and wildlife officals /in case of spill/. Notify operaters of nearby water intakes /in case of spill/.

Environmental considerations--air spill: Apply water spray or mist to knock down vapors.

For more Cleanup Methods (Complete) data for VINYL ACETATE (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational exposure or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic, and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

The following wastewater treatment technologies have been investigated for vinyl acetate: Concentration process: Activated Carbon.

Do not empty into drains.

Vinyl acetate is a waste chemical stream constituent which may be subjected to ultimate disposal by controlled incineration.

For more Disposal Methods (Complete) data for VINYL ACETATE (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

... Previous studies from our laboratory suggest that rat liver microsome-activated vinyl acetate induces plasmid DNA-histone crosslinks, in vitro, through esterase-mediated metabolism. Since nasal tissues contain high levels of carboxylesterase, tumorigenesis may be related to in situ production of the hydrolysis products acetaldehyde and acetic acid. Vinyl acetate was cytotoxic to both respiratory and olfactory tissues in vitro at 50-200 mM, but not 25 mM, after 2 hr exposure. Pretreatment of rats with the carboxylesterase inhibitor, bis-(p-nitrophenyl) phosphate (BNPP), attenuated the cytotoxic effects and metabolism of vinyl acetate in both tissue types. Semicarbazide, an aldehyde scavenger, was unable to protect the tissues from vinyl acetate-induced cytotoxicity. When the metabolites were tested, acetic acid, but not acetaldehyde, was cytotoxic to both tissues.

Respiratory (From the Nose to the Lungs)

Nervous

Eyes, skin, respiratory system

Vinyl acetate may affect the immune system. It may also be a carcinogen. (L1304)

Vinyl acetate may affect the immune system. It may also be a carcinogen. (L1304)

LC50; Species: Carassius auratus (Goldfish, length 3.8-6.4 cm, weight 1-2 g); Conditions: freshwater, static, 25 °C, pH 7.5, hardness 20 mg/L CaCO3, alkalinity 18 mg/L CaCO3, dissolved oxygen 7.8 mg/L; Concentration: 42330 ug/L for 24-96 hr (95% confidence interval: 33520-53470 ug/L) /formulation/

LC50; Species: Lepomis macrochirus (Bluegill, length 3.8-6.4 cm, weight 1-2 g); Conditions: freshwater, static, 25 °C, pH 7.5, hardness 20 mg/L CaCO3, alkalinity 18 mg/L CaCO3, dissolved oxygen 7.8 mg/L; Concentration: 18530 ug/L for 24 hr (95% confidence interval: 15730-22070 ug/L) /formulation/

LC50; Species: Lepomis macrochirus (Bluegill, length 3.8-6.4 cm, weight 1-2 g); Conditions: freshwater, static, 25 °C, pH 7.5, hardness 20 mg/L CaCO3, alkalinity 18 mg/L CaCO3, dissolved oxygen 7.8 mg/L; Concentration: 18000 ug/L for 48 and 96 hr (95% confidence interval: 15040-21540 ug/L) /formulation/

LC50; Species: Pimephales promelas (Fathead minnow, age 1 day); Conditions: freshwater, static, 25 °C, pH 8.2, hardness 172 mg/L CaCO3, alkalinity 144 mg/L CaCO3, dissolved oxygen saturated; Concentration: 14000 ug/L for 24 hr /formulation/

For more Ecotoxicity Values (Complete) data for VINYL ACETATE (36 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 60(SRC), determined from a log Kow of 0.73(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that vinyl acetate is expected to have high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of vinyl acetate from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 5.1X10-4 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), derived from its vapor pressure, 90.2 mm Hg(4), and water solubility, 20,000 mg/L(5). However, a hydrolysis half-life of 7.3 days (25 °C and pH 7)(6) indicates that hydrolysis may occur in moist soils and is expected to attenuate leaching in the soil column(SRC). Vinyl acetate is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon its vapor pressure(4). Vinyl acetate readily polymerizes; therefore, if vinyl acetate is released to the environment, polymerization may occur(SRC). Complete biodegradation of vinyl acetate occurred using a soil inoculum within 26 hours under both anaerobic and aerobic conditions; acetaldehyde and acetate were formed as reaction products under both oxygen conditions(7). This suggests that biodegradation may be an important environmental fate process in soil(SRC).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 60(SRC), determined from a log Kow of 0.73(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that vinyl acetate is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(3) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 5.1X10-4 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), derived from its vapor pressure, 90.2 mm Hg(4), and water solubility, 20,000 mg/L(5). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 4 hours and 4 days, respectively(SRC). According to a classification scheme(6), an estimated BCF of 3.2(SRC), from its log Kow(2) and a regression-derived equation(7), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Vinyl acetate is degraded in natural water by hydrolysis with an estimated hydrolysis half-life at 25 °C and pH 7 of 7.3 days(8); the hydrolysis rate increases as the pH increases(8). Reaction with hydroxyl radicals and singlet oxygen in natural water may proceed with half-lives of approximately 13 and 8 days, respectively, based on rates determined for olefinic structures(9). A 98% of theoretical BOD was reported using activated sludge in the Japanese MITI test(10), suggesting that biodegradation may be an important environmental fate process in water(SRC).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), vinyl acetate, which has a vapor pressure of 90.2 mm Hg at 20 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere(SRC). Vapor-phase vinyl acetate is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 14 hours(SRC) calculated from its rate constant of 2.50X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(3). Vapor-phase vinyl acetate may also be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with ozone(4); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 3.9 days(SRC).

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, through the skin and by ingestion.

inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact

Oral (L1304) ; Inhalation (L1304) ; Dermal (L1304)

Oral (L565) ; inhalation (L565) ; dermal (L565)

Polyvinyl acetate usually contains trace amounts of its precursor, vinyl acetate. One of the metabolites of vinyl acetate, acetaldehyde, is a known animal carcinogen. Acetaldehyde can form adducts with DNA, causing damage such as cross-links. (L1304, A354)

One of the metabolites of vinyl acetate, acetaldehyde, is a known animal carcinogen. Acetaldehyde can form adducts with DNA, causing damage such as cross-links. (L1304, A354)

/AQUATIC SPECIES/ ...Three species of Lecane, a littoral rotifer, /were analyzed/ for susceptibility to six metals and four organic toxicants using a fluorometric assay based on inhibition of activity of the enzyme phospholipase A2. The metallic toxicants that we tested included Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Hg (as HgCl2), and Ti; the organic toxicants included benzene, ethyl acetate, toluene, and vinyl acetate. The three species differed greatly with respect to their susceptibility to the various toxicants. Lecane quadridentata, for example, was particularly sensitive to the four organic compounds (median effective concentration values [EC50] ranged from 6.6 x 10-4 to 0.987 mg/L). Lecane luna, in contrast, seemed particularly sensitive to metals (EC50 values ranged from 2 x 10-6 to 1.92 mg/L). Lecane hamata was relatively insensitive to organic solvents (EC50 values ranged from 4.25 to 126.5 mg/L).

Sore throat. Cough. Shortness of breath.

Redness. Dry skin.

Redness.

irritation eyes, skin, nose, throat; hoarseness, cough; loss of smell; eye burns, skin blisters

Inhalation of vinyl acetate irritates the eyes, nose, and throat. Skin contact causes irritation and blisters. (L1304)

Inhalation of vinyl acetate irritates the eyes, nose, and throat. Skin contact causes irritation and blisters. (L1304)

Vinyl acetate was qualitatively detected in wastewater effluents collected from the advanced waste treatment facility in Lake Tahoe, CA in Oct 1974(1). A concentration of 50 ppm was detected in a wastewater effluent from a polyvinyl acetate plant(2). Vinyl acetate was identified in municipal landfill gas at an average concentration of 5663 ppbV(3). Vinyl acetate emission factors (based on mass of fuel consumed) were measured in smoke condensates of Ponderosa pine wood (3 g/kg, smoldering; 0.05 g/kg, flaming), needles (2.0 g/kg, smoldering), bark (1 g/kg, smoldering; 0.5 g/kg, self-substained smoldering), litter (0.7 g/kg, smoldering; 0.5 g/kg, self-substained smoldering), duff (0.15 g/kg, smoldering; 0.3 g/kg, self-substained smoldering), and humus (not detected, detection limit not specified)(4). Pulverized coal combustion emission factors using a small-scale down-fired combustor were reported as follows: not detected to 4.179X10-7 lb/10+6 Btu for baseline conditions; not detected to 4.274X10-7 lb/10+6 Btu for stoichiometric ratio conditions; and 2.081X10-8 to 3.684X10-7 lb/10+6 Btu for low NOx conditions (detection limit = 10 ng per sample)(5).

Vinyl acetate can be released to the environment from industrial sources and biomass combustion(1). Waste gases from scrubbers (generated during the industrial manufacture of vinyl acetate) may contain trace levels of vinyl acetate(2). An emission factor of 6.22 ug/g vinyl acetate from extruded ethylene-vinyl acetate and vinyl acetate copolymer (28% vinyl acetate) was determined experimentally at 435 °C under laboratory conditions. All low density polyethylene and ethylene-methyl acrylate copolymers with vinyl acetate emitted >0.01 ug/g vinyl acetate at 435 °C(3).

Pursuant to section 8(d) of TSCA, EPA promulgated a model Health and Safety Data Reporting Rule. The section 8(d) model rule requires manufacturers, importers, and processors of listed chemical substances and mixtures to submit to EPA copies and lists of unpublished health and safety studies. Vinyl acetate is included on this list. Effective date 2/10/86; Sunset date: 2/10/96.

This action promulgates standards of performance for equipment leaks of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry (SOCMI). The intended effect of these standards is to require all newly constructed, modified, and reconstructed SOCMI process units to use the best demonstrated system of continuous emission reduction for equipment leaks of VOC, considering costs, non air quality health and environmental impact and energy requirements. Vinyl acetate is produced, as an intermediate or final product, by process units covered under this subpart.

Listed as a hazardous air pollutant (HAP) generally known or suspected to cause serious health problems. The Clean Air Act, as amended in 1990, directs EPA to set standards requiring major sources to sharply reduce routine emissions of toxic pollutants. EPA is required to establish and phase in specific performance based standards for all air emission sources that emit one or more of the listed pollutants. Vinyl acetate is included on this list.

Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or greater than its reportable quantity of 5000 lb or 2270 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is (800) 424-8802. The rule for determining when notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV. D.3.b).

Releases of CERCLA hazardous substances are subject to the release reporting requirement of CERCLA section 103, codified at 40 CFR part 302, in addition to the requirements of 40 CFR part 355. Vinyl Acetate Monomer is an extremely hazardous substance (EHS) subject to reporting requirements when stored in amounts in excess of its threshold planning quantity (TPQ) of 1,000 lbs.

Vinyl acetate is designated as a hazardous substance under section 311(b)(2)(A) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and further regulated by the Clean Water Act Amendments of 1977 and 1978. These regulations apply to discharges of this substance. This designation includes any isomers and hydrates, as well as any solutions and mixtures containing this substance.

Vinyl acetate monomer

1

10000

Flammable chemical that can be released at a facility.

Vinyl acetate is primarily used as a monomer in the production of polyvinyl acetate and polyvinyl alcohol.

Used in the production of polyvinyl acetate emulsions, acrylic fiber, and polyvinyl alcohol; Occupational exposure occurs in production workers, painters, and floor layers; [ACGIH]

Painting (Solvents) [Category: Paint]

In polymerized form for plastic masses, films, and lacquers; in plastic form for food packaging; as a modifier for food starch

CHEMICAL INTERMEDIATE IN SYNTH OF POLYVINYL ACETATE EMULSIONS, RESINS & POLYVINYL ALCOHOL; INTERMEDIATE IN SYNTH OF OTHER POLYMERS, RESINS, AND EMULSIONS.

Safety glass interlayers

Typical /USA/ specifications are: ... acidity (as acetic acid), aldehydes (as acetaldehyde), 0.005% max, water, 0.04% max ...

In western Europe, vinyl acetate produced by the gas-phase ethylene process has the following typical specifications: ... ethyl acetate, 323 mg/kg (ppm): water, 240 mg/kg (ppm); methyl acetate, 175 mg/kg (ppm); acetaldehyde, 6 mg/kg (ppm); & acrolein, 1 mg/kg (ppm).

Typical specifications for vinyl acetate in Japan are as follows: ... free acid (as acetic acid), 0.01% max; free aldehydes (as acetaldehyde), 0.05% max ... moisture, 0.2% max ...

(1972) NEGLIGIBLE

(1975) 9.17X10+10 G

(1981) Exceeded 2.5x10+11 g

(1984) 2.34X10+11 g

(1987) 7.83X10+7

(1972) NEGLIGIBLE

(1975) 1.54X10+8 G

(1986) 1.16x10+7 lb

2023: 2,500,000,000 - <4,000,000,000 lb

(1972) 5.50X10+11 g

(1975) 5.86X10+11 g

(1984) 9.17X10+11 g

(1985) 2.11X10+9 lb

For more U.S. Production (Complete) data for VINYL ACETATE (21 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

60% FOR POLYVINYL ACETATE EMULSIONS AND RESINS; 15% FOR POLYVINYL ALCOHOL; 9% FOR VINYL CHLORIDE COPOLYMERS; 8% FOR POLYVINYL BUTYRAL; 3% FOR ETHYLENE-VINYL ACETATE RESINS AND EMULSIONS; 1% FOR POLYVINYL FORMAL; 4% FOR MISC APPLICATIONS AS A COPOLYMER (1971)

20% FOR ADHESIVE EMULSIONS; 17% FOR PAINT EMULSIONS; 12% FOR TEXTILE AND PAPER EMULSIONS; 23% FOR POLYVINYL ALCOHOL; 10% FOR ETHYLENE/VINYL/VINYL ACETATE; 8% FOR POLYVINYL BUTYRAL; 5% FOR POLYVINYL CHLORIDE COPOLYMERS; 5% FOR MISC (1984 EST)

CHEMICAL PROFILE: Vinyl acetate. Polyvinyl acetate emulsions and resins, 40%; (this area is divided evenly between paints and adhesives); polyvinyl alcohol, 15%; polyvinyl butyral, 8%; ethylene-vinyl acetate resins, 6%; polyvinyl chloride copolymers, 3%; miscellaneous, 1%; exports, 27%.

CHEMICAL PROFILE: Vinyl acetate. US Demand: 1988: 2.56 billion pounds; 1989: 2.62 billion pounds; 1993: 2.9 billion pounds /projected/ (Includes exports, but not imports, which averaged 6 million lb over the last three years.)

For more Consumption Patterns (Complete) data for VINYL ACETATE (13 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Addition of acetic acid to acetylene ... in the gas phase in the presence of heterogeneous catalysts containing zinc salts.

Reaction of ethylene with acetic acid and oxygen ... in the gas phase on heterogeneous catalysts containing palladium.

REACTION OF ETHYLENE WITH SODIUM ACETATE

VINYL ACETATE CAN BE MADE BY REACTION OF GLACIAL ACETIC ACID & ACETYLENE IN PRESENCE OF MERCURY SALTS.

For more Methods of Manufacturing (Complete) data for VINYL ACETATE (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Various commercial grades of vinyl acetate are available in USA, which differ only in the amt of inhibitor added: 3-5 mg/L (ppm) hydroquinone are present when use is expected within 2 mo of delivery; 14-17 mg/L (ppm) hydroquinone for up to 4 mo of storage; & 200-300 mg/L (ppm) diphenylamine when indefinite storage is anticipated.

GRADES OR PURITY: GRADE A (DIPHENYLAMINE-INHIBITED): 99.8%; GRADE H (HYDROQUINONE-INHIBITED): 99.8%

Cosmetics product ingredient: Vinyl acetate

Information on 41 consumer products that contain Vinyl acetate monomer in the following categories is provided:

Chemical Classes -> Nitrosamines/ethers/alcohols

Cosmetics -> Film forming