CELLULOSE | Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Chemical Identification
CAS #	9004-34-6
Formula	(C₆H₁₀O₅)n
Synonyms	hydroxycellulose; pyrocellulose

Physical Properties
Physical description	Odorless, white substance.
Boiling point	decomposes	Molecular weight	160,000-560,000
Freezing point/melting point	500-518°F (decomposes)	Vapor pressure	0 mmHg (approx)
Flash point		Vapor density
Specific gravity	1.27-1.61	Ionization potential
Lower explosive limit (LEL)		Upper explosive limit (UEL)
NFPA health rating		NFPA fire rating
NFPA reactivity rating		NFPA special instruction
Vapor hazard ratio (VHR)
Historical exceedance percentage
Target organs

Monitoring Methods Used by OSHA
Analyte code (IMIS no.)	0575 (total); request using analyte code 9135	C124 (resp); request using analyte code 9130
Sampling group
Sampler/Sampling media	Tared low-ash 37 mm PVC filter, 5 microns [SLTC108]	Tared low-ash 37 mm PVC filter, 5 microns, preceded by 10 mm nylon Dorr-Oliver cyclone for respirable samples. [SLTC108]
Sampling time^*	240-480 min	240-480 min
Sampling volume (TWA)^*	960 L	816 L
Sampling flow rate (TWA)^*	2 L/min	1.7 L/min ±5%
Sampling volume (STEL/Peak/C)^*
Sampling flow rate (STEL/Peak/C)^*
Analytical method instruments	Gravimetric	Gravimetric
Method reference	OSHA PV2121 (partially validated)	OSHA PV2121 (partially validated)
Notes	If the net weight of the sample yields a concentration below the PEL after considering the associated SAE , the SLTC will perform no further work on the sample and the sample air concentration will be reported as the calculated gravimetric air concentration. If the net weight corresponds to an amount greater than the PEL value after considering the associated SAE, the sample may be analyzed for the applicable component and appropriate results will be reported.	If the filter is not overloaded, samples can be collected up to an 8-hour period. If the net weight of the sample yields a concentration below the PEL after considering the associated SAE , the SLTC will perform no further work on the sample and the sample air concentration will be reported as the calculated gravimetric air concentration. If the net weight corresponds to an amount greater than the PEL value after considering the associated SAE, the sample may be analyzed for the applicable component and appropriate results will be reported.
Special requirements	FOR TOTAL DUST SAMPLES, DO NOT USE A CYCLONE!!!	Sampler must be preceded by a 10 mm nylon Dorr-Oliver cyclone.

Bulk/Wipe Method
Wipe Sampler/Sampling media
Bulk Method

On-Site Screening Techniques
Device
Model/Type
Sampling information (see manufacturer instructions)

**Exposure Limits**
OSHA PEL 8-hour TWA (ST) STEL (C) Ceiling Peak		NIOSH REL Up to 10-hour TWA (ST) STEL (C) Ceiling		ACGIH TLV© 8-hour TWA (ST) STEL (C) Ceiling		CAL/OSHA PEL 8-hour TWA (ST) STEL (C) Ceiling Peak
PEL-TWA	15 mg/m³ (total dust), 5 mg/m³ (respirable fraction)	REL-TWA	10 mg/m³ (total dust), 5 mg/m³ (respirable fraction)	TLV-TWA		PEL-TWA	10 mg/m³ (total dust), 5 mg/m³ (respirable fraction)
PEL-STEL		REL-STEL		TLV-STEL		PEL-STEL
PEL-C		REL-C		TLV-C		PEL-C
Skin notation	N	Skin notation	N	Skin notation	N	Skin notation	N
Notes: See 29 CFR 1910.1000 Table Z-1.		Notes:		Notes: Visit the ACGIH TLV site for specific data		Notes: As Particulates not otherwise regulated
Health factors: See NIH-NLM PubChem.		IDLH
Carcinogenic classifications: Not listed		Notes:
AIHA emergency response planning guidelines - ERPG-1/ERPG-2/ERPG-3:

Additional Resources and Literature References

NOAA: CAMEO Chemicals - Cellulose

NIOSH: Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards - Cellulose

Literature References

ACGIH: Documentation of the Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) and Biological Exposure Indices (BEIs) - Cellulose. See annual publication for most recent information.
OSHA Safety and Health Information Bulletin (SHIB 07-31-2005): Combustible Dust in Industry: Preventing and Mitigating the Effects of Fire and Explosions.
Breum, N.O., Schneider, T., Jorgensen, O., Valdbjorn-Rasmussen, T. and Skibstrup-Eriksen, S.: Cellulosic building insulation versus mineral wool, fiberglass or perlite: installer's exposure by inhalation of fibers, dust, endotoxin and fire-retardant additives. Ann. Occup. Hyg. 47(8): 653-669, 2003.
Çöplü, L., et al.: Lung health in workers exposed to reed dust. Respir. Med. 99(4): 421-428, 2005.
Kraus, T., Pfahlberg, A., Gefeller, O. and Raithel, H.J.: Respiratory symptoms and diseases among workers in the soft tissue producing industry. Occup. Environ. Med. 59(12): 830-835, 2002.
Kraus, T., Pfahlberg, A., Zöbelein, P., Gefeller, O. and Raithel, H.J.: Lung function among workers in the soft tissue paper-producing industry. Chest 125(2): 731-736, 2004.

CELLULOSE†

Chemical Identification

Physical Properties

Monitoring Methods Used by OSHA

Bulk/Wipe Method

On-Site Screening Techniques

Exposure Limits

Additional Resources and Literature References