MSDS of Melamine

Identification

Product Name: Melamine
Chemical Formula: C3H6N6
Synonyms: 1,3,5-Triazine-2,4,6-triamine
CAS Number: 108-78-1
Recommended Use: Resin production, laminates, adhesives, dinnerware
Manufacturer/Supplier: Large chemical manufacturers and distributors handle melamine, and lab supply companies distribute smaller amounts.
Emergency Phone Number: Listed by the supplier on shipping documentation
UN Number: 2267 (for transport and emergencies)

Hazard Identification

Hazard Classification: Acute toxicity (Oral, Category 4); Skin and eye irritant (Category 2B); Not classed as carcinogenic but may cause kidney harm if misused
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed; Can irritate eyes and skin; May form dust clouds in processing
Pictograms: Exclamation mark
Routes of Exposure: Ingestion, skin and eye contact, inhalation of dust
Potential Health Effects: Kidney crystal formation if ingested in large amounts; Irritation to respiratory tract with dust exposure

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Melamine
CAS Number: 108-78-1
Concentration: >99% melamine in bulk commodity form
Impurities: Residual moisture, trace byproducts possible below regulatory concern

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air, rinse nose and mouth, seek medical help for coughing or breathing difficulty
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and running water, remove contaminated apparel, seek care if irritation continues
Eye Contact: Rinse carefully with water for minutes, hold eyelids open, remove contacts, get medical attention if redness or pain persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water without swallowing, do not induce vomiting, get medical help right away for large or accidental ingestion
Special Attention: Medical supervision for kidney effects after significant ingestion or repeated exposure

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, carbon dioxide, dry chemical
Unsuitable Media: Direct stream of water on powder may spread material
Special Hazards: Melamine can emit toxic gases like nitrogen oxides and cyanuric acid at high temperatures
Protective Equipment: Full turnout gear with self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighters; avoid inhaling smoke
Other Instructions: Prevent water runoff from contaminating sewers and water bodies

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear dust mask, chemical goggles, gloves; restrict access to spill area until cleanup
Environmental Measures: Contain dry product away from drains, waterways, and soil
Cleanup Procedures: Scoop up spilled powder with non-sparking tools, use dust suppressant to reduce airborne particles, place in closed containers for proper disposal
Additional Guidance: Avoid raising dust, ventilate area, wash area with plenty of water after cleanup

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling: Use with local exhaust ventilation, keep container tightly sealed when not in use, avoid contact with skin and eyes, and prevent dust generation
Storage Conditions: Store in dry, cool, and well-ventilated location, away from strong acids, oxidizers, and moisture sources
Packaging Materials: Polyethylene-lined bags, steel drums, or containers resistant to corrosion; avoid contamination with incompatible chemicals
Special Instructions: Segregate from food and feed, label containers clearly, keep storage area free of ignition sources

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: OSHA and ACGIH do not specify limits for melamine; workplace exposures are best kept below 10 mg/m³ dust
Engineering Controls: General mechanical ventilation or process enclosure, local exhaust at dust-producing areas
Personal Protection: Respiratory protection for dust (N95 mask or better), chemical safety goggles for eye protection, Nitrile gloves for skin
Other Controls: Safety showers, eye wash stations, maintain good hygiene practices like washing hands and removing contaminated clothes after use

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless
Melting Point: 354°C; decomposes above this temperature
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes before boiling)
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water (3.2 g/L at 20°C)
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
pH: Alkaline solution (pH 7-9 at 20°C, 10% in water)
Density: About 1.574 g/cm³
Flash Point: Data not available; not considered highly combustible
Auto-ignition Temperature: ~500°C
Other: Forms explosive dust-air mixtures under certain conditions

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Chemically stable under normal ambient and anticipated storage and handling conditions
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, strong acids, formaldehyde, nitrites
Hazardous Reactions: Melamine can react with formaldehyde to form resins, with strong oxidizers or acids can give off hazardous byproducts
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Ammonia, nitrogen oxides, cyanuric acid formed at high temperatures
Conditions to Avoid: Avoid dust formation, moisture, high heat sources, and mixing with strong chemicals

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 in rats ~3161 mg/kg, low acute toxicity in single exposure
Route-Specific Harm: Irritation to respiratory tract if dust is inhaled, gastric and kidney injury possible after consuming large amounts
Irritation: Mild irritant to skin, serious irritation possible with eyes and mucous membranes
Chronic Effects: Kidney stones and renal failure after repeated high-dose ingestion, with effects seen in pet food contamination incidents
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as a human carcinogen by IARC, NTP, or ACGIH
Other Effects: Not believed to affect reproductive health or cause mutagenicity by current scientific evidence

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Slight toxicity to aquatic life, but risk increases if large quantities enter waterways; LC50 (fish, 96 hr): 3,240 mg/L
Persistence and Degradability: Moderately persistent in soil, slow biodegradation
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low potential due to low solubility and mobility
Water Hazard Class: May present a hazard if discharged to nature in quantity
Other Information: Best practice keeps melamine away from storm drains, ensure compliance with local water protection regulations

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Method: Dispose of in accord with all government and local regulations; best managed in licensed industrial waste facilities
Packaging Disposal: Rinse and recycle or landfill in compliance with container guidelines
Special Advice: Do not pour waste or dilute solutions into drains, sewers, or surface water; avoid incineration unless permitted
Regulation: Waste code assignments depend on how melamine was used and what it was mixed with

Transport Information

UN Number: 2267
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as a dangerous good for most road, sea, or air transport under international regulations
Packing Group: III (for precaution with bulk powder)
Special Precautions: Ship containers sealed, avoid rough handling and moisture, label clearly
Marine Pollutant: Not regulated as such, but shipments must avoid spillage into water

Regulatory Information

US Regulations: TSCA-listed, OSHA hazard classification requires workplace safety data and training
EU Regulations: REACH-registered chemical, workplace exposure levels and child-safe packaging for consumer products
International Requirements: Follow workplace labeling rules, safety controls, and proper handling guidelines wherever melamine is used or moved
Specific Restrictions: Use in food or feed materials is strictly regulated worldwide after serious food safety incidents
Safety Standards: Ensure all users know location of safety showers, eye wash, and spill kits; provide material training refreshers each year