Du Pont
Page 1
Material Safety Data Sheet
---------------------------------------------------------------------"VAMAC" ETHYLENE/ACRYLIC ELASTOMER ALL IN SYNONYM LIST VAM041
VAM041
Revised 12-MAR-2008
---------------------------------------------------------------------Substance ID :130000036098
---------------------------------------------------------------------CHEMICAL PRODUCT/COMPANY IDENTIFICATION
---------------------------------------------------------------------Material Identification
"VAMAC" is a registered trademark of DuPont.
Tradenames and Synonyms
"VAMAC"
"VAMAC"
"VAMAC"
"VAMAC"
"VAMAC"
"VAMAC"
"VAMAC"
"VAMAC"
"VAMAC"
GXF
ULTRA IP
VMX3037
VMX3038
VMX3040
VMX3040-1
VMX3040-2
VMX3040-3
VMX3110
#
Company Identification
MANUFACTURER/DISTRIBUTOR
DuPont Packaging & Industrial Polymers
1007 Market Street
Wilmington,DE 19898
PHONE NUMBERS
Product Information
Transport Emergency
Medical Emergency
: 1-(800)-441-7515
: 1-(800)-424-9300
: 1-(800)-441-3637
---------------------------------------------------------------------COMPOSITION/INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS
---------------------------------------------------------------------Components
Material
ETHYLENE/METHYL ACRYLATE COPOLYMER
METHYL ACRYLATE
METHYL ALCOHOL
CAS Number
96-33-3
67-56-1
%
>98
<0.5
<0.5
Components (Remarks)
Material is not known to contain Toxic Chemicals under Section 313
of Title III of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act
of 1986 and 40 CFR part 372.
---------------------------------------------------------------------HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION
Printed on 12/17/2008
Du Pont
VAM041
Page 2
Material Safety Data Sheet
---------------------------------------------------------------------Potential Health Effects
ADDITIONAL HEALTH EFFECTS
Refer to Bulletin VAM020504-1 'Toxicity Information Related To The
Handling And Processing of "VAMAC"'.
ACUTE OR IMMEDIATE EFFECTS:
INGESTION
ROUTES OF ENTRY AND SYMPTOMS
Not a probable route of exposure.
Low toxicity.
SKIN Prolonged contact may cause irritation. Off gases may cause
dermatitis (reddening of the skin). Methyl acrylate has been
infrequently associated with skin sensitization in humans. Some
reactants or additives in this polymer may be infrequently
associated with allergic skin reactions in humans.
EYE Not a probable route of exposure for the polymer. Methyl
acrylate and off gases which can be released during enclosed
storage or at processing temperatures may irritate eyes. Polymer
may cause mechanical irritation.
INHALATION Polymers not respirable. Methyl acrylate vapors,
which can be released during enclosed storage or at processing
temperatures, may irritate eyes, nose, throat, causing redness and
itching.
CHRONIC EFFECTS None known. Rats exposed to inhalation of methyl
acrylate for 2 years at levels of 14, 45 or 135 ppm resulted in
irritation of nasal mucosa and atrophy of olfactory mucosa, and
dose related corneal opacity and vascularization of eyes.
Carcinogenicity Information
None of the components present in this material at concentrations
equal to or greater than 0.1% are listed by IARC, NTP, OSHA or ACGIH
as a carcinogen.
---------------------------------------------------------------------FIRST AID MEASURES
---------------------------------------------------------------------First Aid
INHALATION
If exposed to fumes from overheating or combustion, move to fresh
air. Consult a physician if symptoms persist.
SKIN CONTACT
In case of contact, immediately wash skin with soap and water.
Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
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Du Pont
VAM041
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Material Safety Data Sheet
If molten material gets on skin, cool rapidly with cold water. Do
not attempt to remove material from skin. Obtain medical treatment
for thermal burn.
EYE CONTACT
In case of contact, immediately flush eyes with plenty of water
for at least 15 minutes. Call a physician.
INGESTION
Not a probable route.
call a physician.
However, in case of accidental ingestion,
---------------------------------------------------------------------FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
---------------------------------------------------------------------Flammable Properties
Flash Point
: Not Available
Fire and Explosion Hazards:
UNUSUAL FIRE, EXPLOSION HAZARDS
hazards.
HAZARDOUS COMBUSTION PRODUCTS
oxidation products.
Combustible but no unusual
Carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon
HAZARDOUS COMBUSTION PRODUCTS Carbon monoxide and
hydrocarbon oxidation products, including alcohols, ketones,
aldehydes, acrolein, esters and carboxylic acids, oxides of
phosphorous, phosphorous acids.
Extinguishing Media
Water, carbon dioxide, Foam, Dry Chemical.
Fire Fighting Instructions
Keep personnel removed and upwind of fire. Wear self-contained
breathing apparatus (SCBA) and full protective equipment.
---------------------------------------------------------------------ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
---------------------------------------------------------------------Safeguards (Personnel)
NOTE: Review FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES and HANDLING (PERSONNEL)
sections before proceeding with clean-up. Use appropriate
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT during clean-up.
Spill Clean Up
Shovel or sweep up.
Recover undamaged and minimally contaminated
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Du Pont
VAM041
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Material Safety Data Sheet
material for reuse and reclamation.
---------------------------------------------------------------------HANDLING AND STORAGE
---------------------------------------------------------------------Handling (Personnel)
See FIRST AID and PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT SECTIONS.
Storage
Storage of multiple pallets in unventilated area may cause methyl
acrylate concentration to exceed specified limits. Cool, well
ventilated storage recommended. Keep container closed to prevent
contamination.
---------------------------------------------------------------------EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION
---------------------------------------------------------------------Engineering Controls
Use sufficient ventilation to keep employee exposure below
recommended limits.
Personal Protective Equipment
EYE/FACE PROTECTION: Wear coverall chemical splash goggles.
Additionally, wear a face shield where the possibility exists for
face contact due to splashing or spraying of material.
RESPIRATOR: Where there is potential for airborne exposures in
excess of applicable limits, wear NIOSH approved respiratory
protection.
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING: Where there is potential for skin contact
have available and wear as appropriate impervious gloves, apron,
pants, jacket, hood and boots.
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
If there is potential for contact with hot/molten material, wear
heat resistant impervious clothing and footwear.
Exposure Guidelines
Applicable Exposure Limits
METHYL ACRYLATE
PEL
(OSHA)
: 10 ppm, 35 mg/m3, 8 Hr. TWA, Skin
TLV
(ACGIH)
: 2 ppm, 8 Hr. TWA, Skin, A4
Sensitizer
AEL * (DuPont)
: 2 ppm, 8 & 12 Hr. TWA, Skin
METHYL ALCOHOL
PEL
(OSHA)
: 200 ppm, 260 mg/m3, 8 Hr. TWA
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Du Pont
VAM041
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Material Safety Data Sheet
TLV
(ACGIH)
AEL * (DuPont)
: 200 ppm, 8 Hr. TWA, Skin
STEL 250 ppm
: 200 ppm, 8 & 12 Hr. TWA, Skin
* AEL is DuPont's Acceptable Exposure Limit. Where governmentally
imposed occupational exposure limits which are lower than the AEL
are in effect, such limits shall take precedence.
---------------------------------------------------------------------PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
---------------------------------------------------------------------Physical Data
Melting Point
% Volatiles
Solubility in Water
Odor
Form
Specific Gravity
:
:
:
:
:
:
Not Available
3 %
Insoluble
Acrylate-like
Bales.
1-1.1
---------------------------------------------------------------------STABILITY AND REACTIVITY
---------------------------------------------------------------------Conditions to Avoid
Temperatures above 282 C (540 F) .
Long hold up times.
Incompatibility with Other Materials
None reasonably foreseeable.
Decomposition
Decomposes with heat.
HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS Above 316 deg C oxidative
polymer cleavage occurs generating low molecular weight
alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, acrolein, esters, and
carboxylic acids, oxides of phosphorous, phosphorous acids.
---------------------------------------------------------------------ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
---------------------------------------------------------------------Ecotoxicological Information
AQUATIC TOXICITY:
No information is available.
---------------------------------------------------------------------DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS
---------------------------------------------------------------------Waste Disposal
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VAM041
Du Pont
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Material Safety Data Sheet
Preferred options for disposal are (1) recycling, (2) incineration with energy recovery, and (3) landfill. The high fuel
value of this product makes option 2 very desirable for material
that cannot be recycled. Treatment, storage, transportation, and
disposal must be in accordance with applicable federal,
state/provincial, and local regulations.
---------------------------------------------------------------------TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION
---------------------------------------------------------------------Shipping Information
DOT
Proper Shipping Name
: Not regulated
---------------------------------------------------------------------REGULATORY INFORMATION
---------------------------------------------------------------------U.S. Federal Regulations
TSCA Inventory Status
: In compliance with TSCA Inventory
requirements for commercial purposes.
State Regulations (U.S.)
STATE RIGHT-TO-KNOW LAWS
No substances on the state hazardous substances list, for the
states indicated below, are used in the manufacture of products on
this Material Safety Data Sheet.
SUBSTANCES ON THE PENNSYLVANIA HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES LIST PRESENT
AT A CONCENTRATION OF 1% OR MORE (0.01% FOR SPECIAL HAZARDOUS
SUBSTANCES): None known.
WARNING: SUBSTANCES KNOWN TO THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA TO CAUSE
CANCER, BIRTH DEFECTS OR OTHER REPRODUCTIVE HARM: None known.
SUBSTANCES ON THE NEW JERSEY WORKPLACE HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE LIST
PRESENT AT A CONCENTRATION OF 1 % OR MORE (0.1% FOR SUBSTANCES
IDENTIFIED AS CARCINOGENS, MUTAGENS OR TERATOGENS): None known.
---------------------------------------------------------------------OTHER INFORMATION
---------------------------------------------------------------------Additional Information
MEDICAL USE: CAUTION: Do not use in medical applications
involving permanent implantation in the human body. For other
medical applications see DuPont CAUTION Bulletin No. H-50102.
---------------------------------------------------------------------The data in this Material Safety Data Sheet relates only to the
specific material designated herein and does not relate to use in
Printed on 12/17/2008
VAM041
Du Pont
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Material Safety Data Sheet
combination with any other material or in any process.
Responsibility for MSDS : T. P. PRICE
DUPONT PACKAGING & INDUSTRIAL POLYMERS
Address
: CHESTNUT RUN PLAZA 713
WILMINGTON, DE 19880-0713
Telephone
: 302-999-4664
Printed on 12/17/2008
DuPont™ Vamac®
Safe Handling and Processing
of Vamac® and Compounds
made from Vamac®
Technical Information — Rev. 3, February 2012
Read and understand the Material Safety Data Sheet (M/SDS) before using DuPont™
Vamac® ethylene acrylic elastomers.
Toxicity Information Related to the Handling and Processing of Vamac®
Vamac® ethylene acrylic elastomers are made from ethylene, methyl acrylate and a cure site monomer.
Normally, they are blended with typical rubber ingredients and then processed and cured. There are
many different compounds made from Vamac® elastomers, and they use various mixing and processing
conditions and curing processes. This literature reviews the safe handling of Vamac® elastomers and
gives a general overview of handling compounds based on Vamac® elastomers.
Vamac® Polymer and Methyl Acrylate Monomer
Vamac® elastomers or polymers fall into two general categories. The majority of them are terpolymers
made from ethylene, methyl acrylate and a cure site monomer. These terpolymers are normally cured
with diamines. The other category of Vamac® polymers is dipolymers which are made from ethylene and
methyl acrylate. Dipolymers are normally cured with organic peroxides.
All Vamac® elastomers contain some residual methyl acrylate monomer (CAS number 96-33-3). A typical
level of residual methyl acrylate monomer is 0.15% by weight (1500 ppm). Most of this monomer is lost
during the processing and curing steps and very little is found in the finished parts. Methyl acrylate
exposure in the workplace where Vamac® elastomers are processed can be controlled within the desired
limits by the use of proper ventilation (for example local exhaust ventilation).
High vapor concentrations can cause irritation to eyes, nose, throat and lungs. Overexposure can lead to
pulmonary edema and possible injury to liver and kidneys. Methyl acrylate can be absorbed through the
skin.
Methyl acrylate is regulated as an air contaminant in the United States under the Occupational Safety and
Health Act per 29 CFR 1910.1000 Air Contaminants, with an 8-hour time weighted average (TWA)
permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 10 ppm (skin)*.
The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (2011 edition) sets an 8-hour TWA
threshold limit value (TLV) of 2 ppm (skin). DuPont has established a 15-minute TWA of 5 ppm (skin) as
an acceptable exposure limit (AEL). DuPont applies this limit to its manufacturing and laboratory
operations for Vamac®.
Other regions of the world may have different allowable occupational airborne levels of methyl acrylate
monomer. Please consult the local regulations.
*A skin notation indicates that dermal exposure can be a significant contributor to the overall exposure (i.e., in addition to inhalation
exposure) and subsequent internal doses in the body.
The odor threshold for methyl acrylate is approximately 14 parts per billion (ppb). Therefore, sense of
smell is not a reliable indicator of the methyl acrylate airborne concentration in an area. Repeated
exposure can desensitize the nose.
Adequate control of exposure to methyl acrylate and other decomposition products from processing can
be realized by proper ventilation. The ventilation requirements of each plant location and operation may
differ sufficiently to warrant individual methyl acrylate monitoring of each area. Areas where DuPont™
Vamac® is stored should be assessed as well as the processing areas. Actual concentration of methyl
acrylate in air can be determined by using a gas analyzer.
The DuPont brochure on “Proper Use of Ventilation During Processing of Plastics” has some good
suggestions on how to limit worker exposure to air borne chemicals. Please contact your local DuPont
representative if you would like a copy.
Compounds made from Vamac® – Handling Precautions while Processing
There are many possible steps used to process compounds made from Vamac® including mixing,
molding, de-molding, extrusion, curing, post curing, etc. During the processing steps, some gaseous
byproducts will be vaporized into the air in the immediate work area. The composition of these vapors will
depend on the compounding ingredients added to the compound along with the process conditions such
as temperature and pressure. Many of the rubber compounding ingredients have a substantial vapor
pressure at elevated temperatures and can contribute significantly to the amount of volatiles. Therefore,
only general guidelines for handling precautions can be provided.
As mentioned previously, most of the Vamac® polymers used today are based on terpolymers (i.e.
Vamac® G and Vamac® GLS) and these are cured with diamines. The following discussion relates to
terpolymers. Dipolymers are cured with peroxides and will have different volatiles.
A typical compound made from a Vamac® terpolymer may have a formulation that has the ranges listed
below:
• 100 parts polymer
• 50 to 80 parts carbon black
• 0 to 20 parts of a plasticizer
• 1 to 3 parts of a release package
• 1 to 3 parts of an anti-oxidant
• 1 to 2 parts of a curative – usually hexamethylene diamine carbamate (HMDC)
• 1 to 5 parts of an accelerator – diorthotolyl guanidine (DOTG) or Diazobicyclo undecene (DBU)
The compound will usually be mixed on an internal mixer at about 100 °C (212 °F) and then sheeted off
on a roll mill. It will then either be extruded into a hose or molded. Typical process temperatures for
extruding hoses are about 60 to 90°C (140 to 194°F). For molding, the temperature can be around 180°C
(356°F). For most of the molding cycle the mold is closed and under pressure (limited volatiles) but at the
end of the molding cycle the mold is open to atmospheric pressure and this is when the volatiles
concentration will be the highest.
In the final processing step a hose will be cured in an autoclave at about 175 °C (347 °F) under pressure.
Molded parts are usually post cured for several hours at about 175 °C (347 °F) at ambient pressure.
During the curing step the HMDC curative will break down to hexamethylene diamine (HMDA) and carbon
dioxide (CO2). Also during the cure step the diamine/cure site reaction will generate water and ethanol.
The weight loss from these volatiles for a compound with 1.5 phr of HMDC and a total of 200 parts will be:
• 0.21% weight loss from CO2 produced when HMDC is converted to HMDA
• 0.17% weight loss from water generated during cure
• 0.43% weight loss from ethanol generated during cure
The total volatiles from the cure system (CO2, water and ethanol) are about 0.8% by weight for a typical
compound.
The amount and nature of the other volatiles encountered during the vulcanization of an elastomer are
difficult to assess since chemical side reactions can take place. These reactions and the volatiles
2
generated depend on the specific compound formulations and the type of curing system. The
concentration of volatiles in a given area will depend on many factors including the length of the heating
cycle, the size of the part, the access to the atmosphere, the size of the area and the degree of air
circulation.
The off-gases generated in the curing of a typical compound made from a Vamac® terpolymer are shown
in Table 1. These values are shown for information only and should not be used to predict concentrations
of off-gases in a given work area. If there are any questions, it is suggested that processors of
compounds made from Vamac® monitor for possible off-gases and measure the actual concentrations in
the workplace.
Table 1 – Off-Gases Generated During Isothermal Heating – 20 minutes at 177 °C
Off-Gas Concentrations are Given in Weight Percent of Compound
Ingredient
®
Vamac G
®
Vanfre VAM
®
Armeen 18D
Stearic Acid
®
PHR
Function
100
Terpolymer
1
Release agent
0.5
Release agent
2
Release agent
Naugard 445
2
Anti-oxidant
N-550 Black
70
Carbon black
®
Nycoflex ADB 30
20
Plasticizer
DOTG
4
Accelerator
Diak #1 (HMDC)
1.5
Curative
Total phr
201
™
Off-Gas Concentrations
Wt. Percent
Ethanol
0.1940
Acetone
0.0004
t-Butanol
0.0022
Benzene
0.0005
Aniline
0.0014
alpha Methyl Styrene
0.0081
o-Toluidine
0.0860
The allowable employee exposure level for these chemicals is different in the various regions throughout
the world. Please consult local regulations in order to ensure compliance.
Ortho-Toluidine (O-Toluidine)
There are two possible sources of O-Toluidine for a compound that uses the accelerator DOTG. The
O-Toluidine may be present at low levels in the DOTG itself. The O-Toluidine is also a decomposition
product from the DOTG at temperatures typically used in the molding presses and post cure ovens.
O-Toluidine (CAS 95-53-4) is classified as carcinogen by IARC, NTP, OSHA and ACGIH. Please consult
the MSDS for DOTG and O-Toluidine to ensure proper handling of these materials.
A qualitative study was run on a compound made from Vamac® that contained DOTG to observe
O-Toluidine levels. Head Space-GC/MS (gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy) was run on samples
after a simulated press cure (5 minutes at 177 °C) and after a simulated post cure (4 hours at 177 °C).
Trace levels of O-Toluidine were measured after the press cure simulation and higher levels were
observed after the post cure simulation.
A biological monitoring study was conducted on workers at two rubber plants in Germany and the study
observed levels of O-Toluidine in the air as well as in blood and urine samples of the workers [“Aromatic
Amines in the Rubber Industry – Biological Monitoring and Biochemical Monitoring”, T. Weiss, G. Korinth,
H. Drexler, J. Angerer, 2005]. The study suggests that skin is the primary route of incorporation of
O-Toluidine for accelerators (e.g. DOTG) that may release O-Toluidine. Customers and processors using
3
accelerators that may release O-Toluidine should evaluate the study and refer to industrial hygiene
regulatory standards applicable to their workplace and consider whether additional precautions may be
necessary to protect workers handling accelerators against overexposure via skin.
Some of the other accelerators used in compounds made from Vamac® are based on Diazobicyclo
Undecene (DBU). A commercially available accelerator that uses DBU is Vulcofac® ACT 55. A
compound containing Vulcofac® ACT 55 as the accelerator in place of the DOTG was included in the
Headspace GC/MS study. No O-Toluidine was observed in the off gases from either the simulated press
cure or simulated post cure steps.
Thermal Decomposition Products at Elevated Temperatures
If DuPont™ Vamac® polymers are subjected to abnormally high temperatures (about 316 °C or 600 °F and
above), decomposition products derived from random cleavage and oxidation of the polymer can be
obtained. Such temperatures can occur in a fire or during exposure to an unusual heat source. Some of
the major decomposition products identified by gas chromatography – mass spectroscopy include:
methanol, ethanol, acetone, dimethyl formal, ethyl acetate, the carboxylic acids: acrylic, propionic,
methacrylic, butanoic, pentanoic, hexanoic, undecanoic and corresponding methyl esters.
Compounding Ingredients
For information and recommendations on the safe handling of curatives and other compounding
ingredients used in formulations of Vamac®, contact the suppliers of those materials.
Waste Disposal
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) describing proper waste disposal of DuPont materials are available
on request.
Proprietary Materials
Sources of compounding ingredients mentioned in this bulletin are given below. Comparable materials
from other suppliers may give equally satisfactory results.
Physical Form
Vamac® ethylene acrylic elastomers are supplied in the form of bales, wrapped in either EMA fluxible
wrap or PE strippable wrap. The clear fluxible wrap need not be removed from the bale as it is intended to
melt into the compound during mixing. The blue strippable wrap must be completely removed from the
bale prior to processing to avoid potential contamination of the compound. It is important to ensure that
no remaining fragments of blue strippable wrap remain adhered to or caught up in the folds of the
polymer prior to mixing.
Material
Composition
Supplier
Ethylene/Acrylic Elastomer
DuPont
Wilmington, DE
Hexamethylene Diamine Carbamate
DuPont
Wilmington, DE
Di-o-Tolyl Guanidine
Sovereign Chemical
Akron, OH
Armeen 18D
Octadecyl Amine
Akzo Nobel Chemicals
Chicago, IL
®
Complex Organic
Phosphate Ester Acid
R. T. Vanderbilt Co. Inc.
Norwalk, CT
4,4-Bis-(,a,a’-Dimethylbenzyl)
Diphenylamine
Chemtura
Middlebury, CT
Carbon Black
Engineered Carbons
Borger, TX
Nycoflex ADB 30
®
Plasticizer
Safic-Alcan
Paris, France
®
Accelerator
Safic-Alcan
Paris, France
Vamac
®
™
Diak No. 1
DOTG
®
Vanfre VAM
®
Naugard 445
N-550
Vulcofac ACT 55
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Visit us at vamac.dupont.com
Contact DuPont at the following regional locations:
North America
+800-222-8377
Latin America
+0800 17 17 15
Europe, Middle East, Africa
+41 22 717 51 11
Greater China
+86-400-8851-888
ASEAN
+65-6586-3688
Japan
+81-3-5521-8484
The information set forth herein is furnished free of charge and is based on technical data that DuPont believes to be reliable and falls within the normal
range of properties. It is intended for use by persons having technical skill, at their own discretion and risk. This data should not be used to establish
specification limits nor used alone as the basis of design. Handling precaution information is given with the understanding that those using it will satisfy
themselves that their particular conditions of use present no health or safety hazards. Since conditions of product use and disposal are outside our
control, we make no warranties, express or implied, and assume no liability in connection with any use of this information. As with any product,
evaluation under end-use conditions prior to specification is essential. Nothing herein is to be taken as a license to operate or a recommendation to
infringe on patents.
Caution: Do not use in medical applications involving permanent implantation in the human body. For other medical applications, discuss with your
DuPont customer service representative and read Medical Caution Statement H-50103-3.
Copyright © 2012 DuPont. The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPont™, The miracles of science™, and Vamac® are trademarks or registered trademarks of
E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company or its affiliates. All rights reserved.
(11/06) Reference No. VME-A10628-00-D0212
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