MSDS Commentary: Ammonium Perfluorooctanoate

Identification

Chemical Name: Ammonium Perfluorooctanoate
Common Names: APFO, C8, PFOA Ammonium Salt
Appearance: White to off-white powder
Odor: Typically odorless
Use: Mainly in fluoropolymer manufacturing, acts as a surfactant and processing aid
CAS Number: 3825-26-1

Hazard Identification

Classification: Toxic to humans, persistent in the environment, can cause reproductive and developmental effects
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed or inhaled, can cause serious eye irritation, suspected of causing cancer, suspected of damaging fertility/
Pictogram: Skulls and crossbones for toxicity, exclamation mark for irritation, health hazard for long-term effects
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact
Potential Health Effects: Long-term exposure tied to increased cholesterol, kidney and liver effects, some cancers, immune system effects
Chronic Exposure: Bioaccumulates in people and wildlife; poorly eliminated from body, leading to continuous low-level exposure

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Substance: Ammonium Perfluorooctanoate
Purity: Often ranges from 90% to 100% in industrial form
Impurities: Trace perfluorinated substances can appear, which share similar toxicity and persistence concerns

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove person to fresh air; seek medical attention if symptoms persist
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes; remove contact lenses if present and easy to do; get medical advice
Skin Contact: Wash with plenty of soap and water; contaminated clothing should be removed and washed before reuse
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly, do not induce vomiting, seek immediate medical attention
Symptoms: Irritation of skin, eyes, and respiratory tract, rarely acute toxicity but chronic health risk is high

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide
Hazards: Releases toxic fumes of hydrogen fluoride, perfluorinated compounds, nitrogen oxides when heated or burned; firefighters need to minimize exposure
Protective Equipment: Full protective suits and self-contained breathing apparatus; nearby areas should be evacuated where possible
Special Considerations: Runoff from firefighting can contaminate waterways and soil, so efforts should keep contaminated water contained

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Avoid dust formation; ventilate area well; wear appropriate personal protection
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains, water courses, or soil; spills have long-lasting environmental impact especially to aquatic life
Cleanup Methods: Use damp non-combustible absorbent materials such as sand or earth; collect in containers for disposal by approved method
Decontamination: Careful washing of contaminated surfaces with water and detergent reduces residue; do not allow washings to enter the environment

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use in well-ventilated spaces; minimize dust generation; avoid breathing dust or vapor and contact with skin and eyes; maintain good personal hygiene after handling
Storage: Keep tightly closed in original container; store in cool, dry, well-ventilated location away from incompatible substances; no eating, drinking or smoking in storage areas
Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizers, strong acids, strong bases cause hazardous reactions
Hygiene Practices: Regular cleaning of work surfaces and equipment is essential to contain dust and residues

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No established workplace exposure limits in many regions, but low thresholds are recommended because of toxicity and persistence
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, dust capture systems, and process enclosure for large scale handling
Personal Protection: Nitrile or neoprene gloves, chemical resistant goggles, long-sleeved protective clothing, and respiratory protection like N95 or better
Environmental Precautions: Discharge to waterways, soil, or sewers must be strictly avoided
Monitoring: Regular health surveillance for workers and environmental monitoring should be part of any operation’s protocol

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White solid or powder
Odor: Odorless
Melting Point: Decomposes before melting
Solubility: Moderately soluble in water
Boiling Point: Not applicable, decomposes prior to boiling
pH: Slightly acidic aqueous solutions
Vapor Pressure: Extremely low
Molecular Weight: 449.13 g/mol

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions of storage and handling, resists biodegradation and hydrolysis
Hazardous Decomposition: Burns to produce highly toxic fumes, including hydrogen fluoride, perfluorinated compounds, nitrogen oxides
Incompatibility: Strong oxidizers, strong acids, strong bases
Polymerization: Not known to polymerize

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Low acute oral and dermal toxicity, but repeated exposure carries much higher risk
Target Organs: Liver, kidneys, immune system, reproductive and developmental systems
Carcinogenicity: IARC lists PFOA as possibly carcinogenic; evidence connects long-term exposure to several cancers in humans
Chronic Toxicity: Studies show cholesterol increases, hormone effects, immune suppression, some links to cancers, developmental delays. Data on bioaccumulation and long biological half-life is clear and concerning
Symptoms of Overexposure: Skin irritation, eye irritation, throat and lung discomfort from inhaled dust, often no acute symptoms despite substantial long-term effects

Ecological Information

Persistence: PFOA and related compounds are extremely persistent in water, soil, and living organisms
Bioaccumulation: Detected in fish, wildlife, and population blood samples with evidence for decades-long persistence
Ecotoxicity: High toxicity to aquatic invertebrates, fish, and amphibians at very low concentrations; disrupts growth and reproduction in many species
Mobility: Moves easily through soil to groundwater, resists breakdown from sunlight, microorganisms, or normal environmental processes
Concern: Even trace releases threaten long-term environmental and health safety, especially due to global distribution

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal: Incineration at extremely high temperatures in facilities equipped with scrubbers is preferred, ensuring destruction of fluorinated compounds
Hazardous Waste Regulations: Waste classified as hazardous in many regions, requiring controlled and documented disposal
Precautions: Do not discharge to surface water, sewers, or open landfills as this allows widespread contamination; empty containers remain hazardous unless properly decontaminated

Transport Information

UN Number: Regulated as a hazardous material in many jurisdictions
Transport Mode: Land, sea, and air shipping are possible, but all require secure, well-labeled containers
Packing Group: Typically regulated in Packing Group III for moderate danger
Special Precautions: Any accidental release in transit needs rapid cleanup and involvement of hazardous materials teams; reports of incidents should be filed with proper authorities

Regulatory Information

Global Regulation: Some countries have banned or restricted the production, sale, and use of APFO and related perfluorinated substances
Reporting Thresholds: Many regions mandate disclosure of quantities used or released even at very low levels
Worker Protection: Employers required to provide training, medical surveillance, and exposure monitoring wherever occupational exposure is possible
Labeling: Strict requirements for hazard communication through container labeling, warning statements, and safety training