The problem with material safety data sheets
Abstract
Service (CAS) numbers. The spray included an organic carrier, a biocide and a resin substance. Unfortunately, no MSDS had been included. When I then tried to find further information about these chemicals, I ran into further problems. One of the CAS numbers I had been given did not exist. One, for the biocide, identified a substance with a different name to that which I had been given. The number given for the organic carrier identified a broad group of alkanes with a range of chain lengths. I wrote back to the supplier and requested further information. This helped clarify things, but still did not completely answer my questions. The biocide was sold under two proprietary names and was a quaternary ammonium compound, but I have not been able to ascertain its precise chemical formulation. I have still not identified any more precisely the organic carrier, it appears that the resin material does not have a CAS number and the suppliers are unable to tell me more on the basis of the commercial confidentiality of their own supplier. I am told that it is non-hazardous and that it comprises only a small proportion of the product as sold, and