Appearance:often provided for research as a 50% suspension in water, when it isa viscous white liquid; otherwise a white powder or cream-coloured solid. Molecular weight is typically in the range 60,000 - 140,000
Properties:Polymers with molecular weights ranging from 60,000 to 150,000 ( CNREA8 Cancer Research. 15 (1955),333. ). White powder, d: 1.406.
Safety:Chronic inhalation of dusts can cause pulmonary damage, blood effects, abnormal liver function. “Meat wrapper's asthma” has resulted from the cutting of PVC films with a hot knife. Can cause allergic dermatitis. Questionable carcinogen with experimental tumorigenic data. Reacts violently with F2. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of Cl− and phosgene.