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MSDS / Safety Data › Polyacrylamide
Safety Reference · Flocculant

Polyacrylamide (PAM)

Cationic, anionic, and non-ionic grades — general handling and safety reference information.

General reference only — not the official SDS. This page is a general educational summary, not the legally required Safety Data Sheet for a specific manufacturer's product. Request and follow the actual SDS from your supplier before handling, storing, or disposing of this material.

Identification

Common Names
Polyacrylamide, PAM (cationic, anionic, non-ionic grades)
Chemical Family
High-molecular-weight synthetic polymer flocculant
CAS No.
9003-05-8 is the commonly referenced CAS number for polyacrylamide homopolymer; ionic copolymer grades (cationic/anionic) carry their own supplier-specific references — confirm with your supplier's SDS.
Appearance
White to off-white granular powder or beads
Used In
Full Kit, Essentials Kit (all three grades)

Hazard Overview

Polyacrylamide as a finished polymer has low acute toxicity, but two hazards are worth calling out specifically:

  • Residual acrylamide monomer: Polyacrylamide is manufactured from acrylamide, a recognized neurotoxin and probable human carcinogen. Finished polymer products typically contain only trace/residual monomer, but dust and solutions should still be handled with skin and inhalation precautions rather than treated as inert.
  • Slip hazard: Wet PAM (spilled solution, or dry powder that gets wet) becomes extremely slippery — a significant physical hazard on floors and equipment, independent of its chemical toxicity.

Dust can irritate eyes, skin, and the respiratory tract on contact or inhalation.

First Aid Measures

  • Eye contact: Flush immediately with clean water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
  • Skin contact: Wash thoroughly with water. If gelled polymer is on skin, do not rub — rinse gently until removed.
  • Inhalation: Move to fresh air. Seek medical attention if breathing difficulty or irritation persists.
  • Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth and seek medical attention.

Handling & Storage

Store dry powder in a sealed container away from moisture, since it will begin to hydrate and gel on contact with water or humid air. Avoid generating dust. Clean up any wet PAM promptly — it creates a serious slip hazard on hard floors.

Mix PAM gently over an extended period (see the dosing instructions) — vigorous mixing tears apart the flocs it is meant to form.

Personal Protective Equipment

  • Safety glasses or goggles when weighing, dosing, or mixing dry powder
  • Gloves
  • Dust mask when handling dry powder in a poorly ventilated space
  • Non-slip footwear / immediate cleanup around mixing areas

Spill & Disposal

Dry spills: sweep up carefully without adding water (adding water will turn the powder into a slippery gel). Wet/gelled spills: this becomes extremely slippery — cordon off the area, then remove with a scraper before washing the surface. Dispose of per local regulations; do not discharge concentrated solution directly to storm drains or waterways.