April 26, 2011 Page 1 of 5 

 Polaris MICR-01 ink 

 

 

Research and Development Ink 

Material Safety Data Sheet 

HP Confidential

1.0 Product and Company Identification 

1.1 Product identification

Polaris MICR-01 black ink for research and development 

1.2 Company identification 

 Hewlett-Packard Company 

 1000 NE Circle Blvd. 

 Corvallis, OR 97330-4239 

USA 

 

1.3 Emergency telephone number

Hewlett-Packard Health Effects Line 

1-800-457-4209 (USA and Canada) or 

Intl + 1-503-494-7199 (all other areas) 

1.4 General information telephone number

1-412-378-0299 (toxicologist) 

Hazard rating NFPA/HMIS 

Health 1 

Flammability 0 

Instability/Reactivity 0 

Special 

2. Composition/Information on Ingredients 

Component CAS No. % by weight Workplace limits (PEL, TLV) 

Nanoparticles of metals confidential <30.00 Not established 

2-pyrrolidone 616-45-5 <15.00 Not established 

Water 7732-18-5 >25 Not established 

3. Potential Adverse Health Effects 

Primary Routes of Exposure 

Potential routes of overexposure to this product during R&D are skin and eye contact 

and inhalation of vapors and/or aerosols. 

 
Research & Development Ink 

 

 

 

 

April 26, 2011 Page 2 of 5 

 Polaris MICR-01 ink 

Acute Health Hazards 

Complete toxicity data are not available for this formulation. 

Any potential hazards are presumed to be due to exposure to the components. 

Nanoparticles of metals: Prolonged inhalation may cause lung inflammation. 

2-pyrrolidone: Contact with eyes or skin may cause irritation. Inhalation may cause 

respiratory tract irritation. Ingestion may result in nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. 

Chronic Health Hazards

None known. 

Carcinogenicity 

This ink contains cobalt at approximately 4%, which is classified as IARC group 2B 

(possibly carcinogenic to humans). 

 None of the other ingredients, equal to or greater than 0.1%, have been classified as 

carcinogens according to EU, MAK, IARC, ACGIH, NTP and OSHA criteria. 

4. First Aid Measures 

4.1 Emergency First Aid Procedures

Call the HEWLETT-PACKARD HEALTH EFFECTS LINE at 1-800-457-4209 

(Intl + 1-503-494-7199 outside USA and Canada). 

First aid for skin 

Wash affected areas thoroughly with soap and water. Clothing should be laundered 

before reuse. Seek medical attention if skin irritation persists. 

First aid for eyes 

Immediately flush with large amounts of clean, lukewarm water (low pressure) for at 

least 15 minutes. Contact the medical department immediately while the flushing of 

eyes is being done. 

First aid for ingestion 

Do not induce vomiting. Contact a physician immediately and provide this MSDS. 

First aid for inhalation: 

Remove person to fresh air. If shortness of breath occurs or other symptoms 

persist, seek medical attention, Show physician this MSDS, particularly section 2 

on nanoparticulates of metals. 

5. Fire Fighting Measures 

May emit harmful vapors when burned. Use standard personal protective 

equipment including respiratory protection. 
Research & Development Ink 

 

 

 

 

April 26, 2011 Page 3 of 5 

 Polaris MICR-01 ink 

Flash point: > 300degrees F (>148 degrees) C Autoignition temperature: 

 Not determined 

Extinguishing media: 

 Water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, 

foam 

Special fire fighting procedures: 

 Sufficient to protect against nanoparticles of metals 

Unusual fire and explosion hazards: 

 Potential for airborne nanoparticles of metal/s. 

6. Accidental Release Measures 

Spill or Leak Procedure 

Wear gloves (rubber, nitrile, or latex) while handling spills. Clean spilled area with 

absorbent materials and wash with soap and water. 

 If necessary, workers cleaning up the release may need to wear appropriate 

respiratory protection for protection against nanoparticles of metals. Gloves, faceshields 

and labcoats or the equivalent should be used to cover skin. Avoid contact with eyes or 

skin. 

7. Handling and Storage 

KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN 

Storage temperature: 41o – 95 oF; 5o – 35 oC Shelf life: 1 year

Handling and storage precautions: Keep container 

closed. Keep away from extreme heat. Wear gloves, 

goggles or face shields, and have arms covered while 

handling the ink; avoid contact with eyes and skin. Do 

not ingest. Keep out of the reach of children.

Special sensitivity: Potential 

for nanoparticles of metals.

8. Exposure Control / Personal Protection 

Potential routes of overexposure to this product during R&D are skin and eye contact 

and inhalation of vapors and/or aerosols. Contact your Health and Safety Department 

for assistance with proper protective equipment – eye protection, gloves and skin 

protection, increased ventilation, and air exhaust units at the point of operation.

9. Physical and Chemical Characteristics 

Appearance: black liquid Physical state: liquid at room temperature 

Boiling point: 205-208 

degrees F; (93-97 degrees C). 

Specific gravity: 1.38-1.42 g.ml 

pH: 7.5-8.0 Ink density: 1.42 

Solubility in water: soluble Vapor density: (air=1.0) >1 

Vapor pressure: not determined

10. Reactivity 
Research & Development Ink 

 

 

 

 

April 26, 2011 Page 4 of 5 

 Polaris MICR-01 ink 

Stability: Stable at recommended 

storage conditions 

Thermal decomposition products:

Oxides of carbon; potential for release of 

nanoparticles of metals. 

Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizers Hazardous polymerization: Will not occur 

11. Toxicological Information 

This formulation has not been tested for toxicological effects and potential adverse 

effects are not fully known. 

Refer to Section 3 for potential health effects associated with individual components and 

Section 4 for first aid measures. 

12. Ecological Information 

This formulation has not been tested for ecological effects and potential adverse effects 

are not fully known. 

13. Disposal Considerations 

Disposal instructions 

Avoid discharge into water courses or onto the ground. Disposal must be in 

accordance with current applicable laws and regulations, and material 

characteristics at time of disposal. Ensure collection and disposal with an 

appropriately licensed waste contractor. 

Contaminated packaging 

Since emptied containers may retain product residue, follow label warnings even 

after container is emptied. 

 

14. Transportation Information: 

General 

This product, as supplied, is not regulated 

nor classified as a hazardous 

material/dangerous good by United States 

Department of Transportation (DOT), 

International Air Transport Association 

(IATA), European Road Regulations (ADR), 

European Rail Regulations (RID), or 

International Maritime Organization (IMO). 

IATA

Proper shipping name Not applicable 

Hazard class Not applicable 

Packaging exceptions None 

Identification number 

(UN) None 

Packing group Not applicable 

15. Regulatory Information 
Research & Development Ink 

 

 

 

 

April 26, 2011 Page 5 of 5 

 Polaris MICR-01 ink 

US TSCA inventory: May contain components not listed on the TSCA inventory. 

These formulations cannot be distributed or processed for commercial purposes and 

may only be used under the supervision of a technically qualified individual who 

understands the risks associated with the sample and ensures that proper precautionary 

measures are taken when the sample is handled. 

US TSCA 12(b): Not applicable. 

16. Other Information 

DISCLAIMER: This Material Safety Data Sheet is provided without charge to customers 

of Hewlett-Packard Company. Data is the most current known to Hewlett-Packard 

Company at the time of preparation of this MSDS and is believed to be accurate. It 

should not be construed as guaranteeing specific properties of the products as 

described or suitability for a particular application.