Material Safety Data Sheet: Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD)

Identification

Product Name: Hexabromocyclododecane
Chemical Formula: C12H18Br6
Synonyms: 1,2,5,6,9,10-hexabromocyclododecane, HBCD
CAS Number: 25637-99-4
Recommended Use: Flame retardant in polystyrene foams and textiles
Supplier: Manufacturer or distributor contact details should be included on the packaging
Emergency Contact: Access to local poison control center or emergency services is necessary in case of accidents

Hazard Identification

Classification: Chronic aquatic toxicity (Category 1), suspected human carcinogen, reproductive toxicity (Category 2)
Hazard Symbols: Environment, Health hazard pictograms
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes serious eye irritation, may cause respiratory irritation, suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child, very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects
Precautionary Statements: Avoid release to the environment, get medical advice if exposed, wear protective gloves and eye protection, wash skin thoroughly after handling, avoid breathing dust or fumes

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Hexabromocyclododecane
Concentration: Predominantly greater than 95% by weight
Impurities: Other brominated organic compounds less than 5%, trace impurities possibly present due to manufacturing
Molecular Weight: 641.7 g/mol
Isomer Content: Mixture of alpha-, beta-, and gamma-HBCD isomers, ratios may vary by supplier

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove person to fresh air, seek medical attention if discomfort persists
Skin Contact: Wash area with plenty of soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, consult a doctor if irritation develops
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present, continue rinsing, obtain medical advice
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, seek immediate medical attention, do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel, provide information about the substance to the medical responder
General: Show physician Safety Data Sheet to assist diagnosis and treatment

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Carbon dioxide, dry chemical, and foam extinguishers work for small fires, use water spray to cool containers exposed to flame
Hazards from Combustion: Releases toxic gases including hydrogen bromide, various brominated organic compounds, and carbon monoxide
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear full protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus
Advice: Move undamaged containers from fire area if safe, prevent runoff from fire control from entering waterways, avoid inhalation of smoke and gases

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Provide adequate ventilation, avoid dust formation, wear respiratory protection and chemical-resistant gloves
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spill from entering drains, surface, or ground water
Cleaning Methods: Collect material using non-sparking tools, place in suitable labeled containers for disposal, sweep or vacuum up to minimize dust release, avoid dry sweeping to reduce airborne particles
Disposal: Handle as hazardous waste, transfer all waste to a licensed facility as per local regulations

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling: Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing, minimize dust generation, provide fume extraction where possible, use chemical-resistant gloves and goggles, wash thoroughly after handling
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed containers in cool, dry, and well-ventilated place, away from strong acids and bases, keep away from direct sunlight and sources of ignition, restrict access to trained staff only
Container Requirements: Use containers free of cracks or corrosion, ensure proper secondary containment to prevent leaks

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: Workplace exposure limit values not universally established, use caution and reference local guidance
Engineering Controls: Use process enclosure, local exhaust ventilation, or other engineering controls to keep airborne levels low
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Respiratory protection for dust, chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene), protective goggles, impervious clothing and footwear
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before breaks and after use, remove contaminated clothing before entering eating areas, maintain eyewash facilities and emergency showers in work area

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White to off-white crystalline solid or powder
Odor: Odorless
Melting Point: 170 - 180°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Vapor Pressure: Low (< 0.001 Pa at 20°C)
Water Solubility: Insoluble
Density: 2.07 g/cm³ (approximate)
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): 5.6 - 5.8
Flash Point: Not applicable (decomposes on heating)
Decomposition Temperature: >190°C, releases toxic fumes
pH: Not applicable for solid

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions in dry, sealed containers
Reactivity: Avoid strong acids, alkalis, and oxidizing agents
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Thermal decomposition produces hydrogen bromide, brominated organic compounds, and carbon oxides
Polymerization: Not expected under typical storage or use environments
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, open flames, direct sunlight, moisture

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral LC50 in rats reported at >5000 mg/kg, low acute toxicity
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Mildly irritating to skin and eyes in some animal testing
Respiratory Sensitization: Inhalation of dust may produce respiratory tract irritation
Carcinogenicity: Some animal studies suggest possible links to cancer
Reproductive and Developmental Effects: Evidence suggests risk to developing embryo/fetus and possible effects on fertility
Chronic Exposure: Prolonged or repeated contact can produce allergic reactions in sensitive individuals
Other Health Effects: Potential to accumulate in body tissues over long-term exposure
Noted Symptoms: Eye and skin irritation, respiratory discomfort, possible effects on hormonal and nervous systems

Ecological Information

Environmental Impact: Highly persistent, bioaccumulative in aquatic and terrestrial food webs
Aquatic Toxicity: LC50 (fish, Daphnia) at <1 mg/L, very toxic to aquatic organisms
Persistence and Degradability: Inherently persistent, slow to degrade in soil or water
Bioaccumulation: High log Kow leads to significant accumulation in fish and other wildlife
Mobility in Soil: Likely binds strongly to sediment, not readily transported in groundwater
Other Effects: Potential for long-range environmental transport, detected in Arctic and remote regions, may impact reproductive health in wildlife

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Incinerate in a licensed facility equipped to handle halogenated materials, do not dump into sewers or natural water bodies
Disposal Containers: Use appropriately labeled, sealed containers which prevent escape of dust or powder
Contaminated Packaging: Dispose as chemical waste, do not reuse packaging for other materials
Regulatory Compliance: Strictly follow local, regional, and national guidelines for persistent organic pollutants
Clean-Up: All cleanup residues and PPE should be considered hazardous waste and handled accordingly

Transport Information

UN Number: Not classified for transport under most global regulations but may attract specific regional requirements
Transport Hazard Class: Not assigned, but handle as environmentally hazardous substance
Packing Group: Not applicable
Shipping Labels: Environmental hazard label and warning diamond, as appropriate
Special Precautions: Avoid transport with foodstuffs or animal feed, secure to prevent spills, keep container tightly closed during transit
Emergency Response Guide: Reference regional transportation rules for emergency actions in case of a spill or accident

Regulatory Information

Global Restrictions: Identified as a Persistent Organic Pollutant (POP), restrictions and phase-out in several jurisdictions under Stockholm Convention
European Union: Listed on REACH Authorization List, strict controls for use and distribution
United States: Regulated under TSCA, some state bans and use restrictions apply
Asia-Pacific: Several countries restrict use, check local chemical inventories
Worker Safety: Occupational exposure standards are being reviewed; precautionary principle applies in absence of firm exposure limits
Labeling Requirements: GHS-compliant hazard and precautionary statements required on all packaging
Community Right-to-Know: Reportable under environmental and worker safety legislation in several countries