Phthalic Anhydride Hazards Overview and Storage Considerations

1. Overview of the dangers of phthalic anhydride

Health Hazards: Phthalic anhydride is irritating to the eyes, nose, throat and skin. Inhalation of phthalic anhydride dust or vapour causes coughing, sneezing and epistaxis. For those with a history of asthma, it can induce asthma and cause skin burns.

Chronic Effects: Repeated long-term exposure to phthalic anhydride can cause skin rash and chronic eye irritation.

Explosion hazard: Phthalic anhydride is flammable, corrosive and irritating in the presence of open flames and high heat, and can cause burns to the human body.

Skin contact with phthalic anhydride: Immediately remove contaminated clothing, rinse with plenty of running water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention.

Eye contact with phthalic anhydride: Immediately lift the eyelids, rinse thoroughly with plenty of running water or saline for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention.

Inhalation of phthalic anhydride: quickly leave the scene to fresh air, keep the airway open, if breathing is difficult, give oxygen; if breathing stops, immediately perform artificial respiration and seek medical attention.

Ingestion of phthalic anhydride: Rinse mouth with water, give milk or egg white, seek medical attention.

Hazardous combustion products: carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide.

Extinguishing method: Do not shoot water directly to the molten material, so as to avoid serious flowing fire or violent splashing.

Extinguishing media: anti-solvent foam, dry powder, carbon dioxide.

2. Emergency treatment of phthalic anhydride

Isolate the leaked pollution area, restrict access, and cut off the fire source. It is recommended that emergency responders wear dust masks (full face shields), wear acid-alkali-proof work clothes, and do not directly contact the leaks.

Small spills: To avoid dusting, collect phthalic anhydride with a clean shovel in a dry, clean, covered container.

Large spill: Collect for recycling or transport to waste disposal site for disposal.

3. Precautions for the operation of phthalic anhydride

Closed operation, local exhaust. Operators must undergo special training and strictly abide by the operating procedures. It is recommended that operators wear self-priming filter dust masks, safety goggles, acid and alkali-proof plastic work clothes, and rubber acid and alkali-resistant gloves.

Keep away from fire and heat sources. Smoking is strictly prohibited in the workplace, and explosion-proof ventilation systems and equipment are used. Avoid phthalic anhydride to generate dust and avoid contact with oxidants, reducing agents, acids and alkalis.

When handling, it should be lightly loaded and unloaded to prevent damage to packaging and containers. Equipped with fire-fighting equipment and leakage emergency treatment equipment of the corresponding variety and quantity. Empty containers may have harmful residues.

4. Phthalic anhydride storage precautions

Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated warehouse, away from fire and heat sources. The packaging must be sealed and must not get wet. It should be stored separately from oxidizing agents, reducing agents, acids and alkalis, and should not be mixed.

Equipped with corresponding types and quantities of fire-fighting equipment, and storage areas should be equipped with suitable materials to contain phthalic anhydride spills.