Product Name: Polylactic Acid
Chemical Formula: (C3H4O2)n
Synonyms: Polylactide, PLA
Recommended Use: Biopolymer for 3D printing, packaging, fibers
Supplier Identification: Name, address, phone number available through packaging or procurement documents
Emergency Contact Information: Refer to supplied label or 24-hour emergency hotline
GHS Classification: Not classified as a hazardous substance or mixture
Hazard Statements: No acute hazards under normal product use, heated material can cause thermal burns
Warning: Heated PLA may emit irritating fumes
Main Health Hazards: Eye or skin contact with molten material causes burns; inhalation of dust may cause respiratory irritation
Pictograms: None required according to OSHA or GHS for solid PLA (may differ for processing fumes)
Substance: Polylactic Acid
CAS Number: 9051-89-2
Weight Percent: 100% PLA in the pure resin
Additives: Natural resins may include small percentages of plasticizers, colorants, or stabilizers as specified by manufacturer
Inhalation: Move to fresh air if respiratory symptoms appear after inhaling dust or degradation fumes
Skin Contact: Cleanse gently with soap and water if particles contact skin; cool rapidly with water for burns from molten material, seek medical aid
Eye Contact: Rinse with water for several minutes if dust or particles enter eye; remove contact lenses if present and continue rinsing; seek medical help if irritation persists
Ingestion: Seek medical attention if significant quantity is swallowed; rinse mouth with water
Note to Physician: Treat burns symptomatically and support respiratory irritation as needed
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, carbon dioxide (CO2), dry chemical
Unsuitable Media: High volume direct water jet may scatter burning material
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and potentially small amounts of aldehydes, hydrocarbons
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing
Special Procedures: Remove containers from fire area if possible, keep cool with water spray, prevent runoff
Personal Protection: Avoid generating dust; wear protective gloves, safety goggles, dust mask where dust or fumes are present
Environmental Precautions: Prevent large quantities from entering drains, sewers, or waterways
Methods for Cleaning Up: Sweep or scoop up spilled pellets or powder, place in appropriate waste container for disposal; ventilate area if fumes are present
Further Measures: Wash affected area with water if needed; dispose of using local regulations
Handling: Use proper ventilation during processing; avoid generating dust; avoid contact with hot/melted product
Storage: Store in a dry, cool, well-ventilated place away from sunlight or heat sources
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, bases, and acids
Other Precautions: Keep bags tightly sealed and labeled; avoid sources of ignition or flame
Permissible Exposure Limits: No occupational exposure limits for solid PLA; monitor workplace air for dust and fumes
Engineering Controls: Provide local exhaust ventilation when processing at elevated temperature
Personal Protective Equipment: Eye protection (safety goggles), gloves for handling resin, dust mask or respirator as needed, heat-resistant gloves for hot material handling
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after handling, avoid eating or drinking near processing area
Appearance: White or transparent pellets, granules, or filament
Odor: Mild, often slightly sweet
pH: Not applicable as a solid
Melting Point: Approximately 150-180°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Decomposition Temperature: Above 230°C
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Density: Ranges from 1.21 to 1.43 g/cm3
Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in chloroform and some organics
Flash Point: Not available for solid
Explosive Limits: Dust can present explosion hazard in air, keep dust concentration low
Viscosity: Not applicable
Chemical Stability: Stable at room temperature under recommended storage conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, direct sunlight, strong acids and bases
Hazardous Reactions: Does not react dangerously under normal circumstances
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Degradation releases carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, small amounts of organic acids or aldehydes
Polymerization: Will not occur spontaneously
Acute Toxicity: Low oral or dermal toxicity; ingestion not expected to cause harm, inhaling dust may irritate airways
Skin Irritation: Not expected under normal use, molten material causes significant burns
Eye Irritation: Physical irritation from dust or particles possible
Sensitization: Not a skin sensitizer
Chronic Toxicity: No evidence of long-term effects from routine exposure to PLA
Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as a carcinogen by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Ecotoxicity: Low toxicity for aquatic and terrestrial organisms
Persistence and Degradability: Biodegradable under industrial composting conditions, will persist much longer in marine or landfill environments
Bioaccumulation Potential: Expected low bioaccumulation; breaks into lactic acid, a natural metabolic product
Mobility in Soil: Solid form is not mobile, pellet loss poses litter hazard
Other Adverse Effects: Microplastic pollution possible if not managed later in life cycle
Waste Disposal: Gather unused PLA as solid non-hazardous industrial waste if not contaminated; compost at facilities that accept PLA, landfill or incinerate as last resort
Packaging Disposal: Recycle where facilities exist, otherwise treat as ordinary industrial waste
Special Precautions: Avoid uncontrolled burning to limit release of combustion byproducts
UN Number: Not regulated
UN Shipping Name: Not classified as dangerous goods
Transport Hazard Class: Not applicable
Packing Group: Not applicable
Environmental Hazards: None significant for dry resin
Special Transport Notes: Prevent discharge of pellets/granules into environment during transport
OSHA Compliance: Not regulated as hazardous
TSCA Status: Listed
REACH Registration: Not classified as a chemical of concern per EU regulations
Other Regulations: Meets FDA, EU, and national guidelines for food contact based on specific tests; check local, state, or regional requirements for further restrictions or certifications
