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CarCareTruthProducts · Ranked

Nitrocellulose

  • Polymers
  • CAS 9004-70-0
  • IUPAC: Cellulose nitrate

Nitrocellulose (CAS 9004-70-0) appears in 1 of the 1,812 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of June 2026).

Nitrocellulose in liquid lacquer formulations is primarily a flammability concern (physical hazard) rather than a health hazard. Not GHS-classified for health effects at concentrations found in consumer putties and lacquers. Not Prop 65–listed. The dry cured film is not a health hazard during normal use.

Nitrocellulose is a cellulose ester formed by nitrating plant cellulose. It is the classic film-forming resin in automotive lacquers and spot putties, providing fast drying, good adhesion, and a hard film. In liquid formulations, nitrocellulose dissolves in ketone and ester solvents; the resulting lacquer dries by solvent evaporation rather than chemical cure. The primary concern with nitrocellulose-based products is flammability — the solvent system required to dissolve it is highly flammable, contributing to H225 classification. The cured film itself presents no significant health or environmental concerns under normal use.

Health & environment profile

VOC
no
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
no
Aquatic toxicity
no
Biodegradable
no
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
yes
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
3/5
Purpose: Film-forming resin in lacquer paints and putties; provides fast drying, hard film, and good adhesion to metal and primed surfaces

Common questions about Nitrocellulose

What is Nitrocellulose used for in car care?
Film-forming resin in lacquer paints and putties; provides fast drying, hard film, and good adhesion to metal and primed surfaces
Is Nitrocellulose a VOC?
No. Nitrocellulose is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Nitrocellulose on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Nitrocellulose is not on California's Proposition 65 list.

1 product contain this

Related

Health and environment notes translate the manufacturer Safety Data Sheet, the GHS classification, and authoritative regulatory listings (California Prop 65, EPA). Not medical advice. They describe the ingredient itself; whether a hazard applies to a finished product depends on its concentration and how it's used.