I am currently working on methyl methacrylate polymerization, with benzoyl peroxide as initiator. Although I always work in the hood, I sometimes end up inhaling a little bit of methyl methacrylate and/or polymerization intermediates (or byproducts). Is any of these materials potentially harmful? Thank you!
I would try to be very careful to avoid exposure to acrylates and methacrylates. Chemists I have known have developed severe allergic reactions to these materals - they can undergo Michael addition with the amine terminus of proteins, and the immune system then perceives these "acrylated" proteins as invaders. Once polymerized into the polymer they are more or less harmless. It always pays to be cautious.
I would try to be very careful to avoid exposure to acrylates and methacrylates. Chemists I have known have developed severe allergic reactions to these materals - they can undergo Michael addition with the amine terminus of proteins, and the immune system then perceives these "acrylated" proteins as invaders. Once polymerized into the polymer they are more or less harmless. It always pays to be cautious.
Working with any chemical in the laboratory or in industry one must first be aware of its physical, chemical or health hazards. This can be accomplished by studying carefully beforehand its MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) found easily in the internet. For instance in your case, in the websites:
http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9927360
http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9923063
In addition, in MSDS's one can find vital information concerning exposure controls and personal protection, as well as ecological information and disposal considerations.
You should be especially pay attention on the very low auto-ignition temperature of benzoyl peroxide (80 degrees Celsius).
As regards the process itself, you should also take into account that polymerization with peroxides is in general a dangerous process.
Both these Methyl methacrylate and initiator classes can be harmful. initiate olymerization processes similar to that with benzoyl peroxide which may cause toxic side products during their thermal decomposition.
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