Material Safety Data Sheet: Ammonium Ferric Citrate

Identification

Product Name: Ammonium Ferric Citrate
Chemical Formula: C6H8FeNO7
CAS Number: 1185-57-5
Synonyms: Ferric ammonium citrate, Iron(III) ammonium citrate
Recommended Use: Laboratory chemicals, photographic chemicals, food additive, water treatment, nutritional supplement
Manufacturer Contact: Refer to supplier for specific emergency contact details
Emergency Phone Number: Provided by distributor or local poison control center

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Eye Irritation Category 2A, Skin Sensitization Category 1, Acute Toxicity Oral Category 4
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed, causes serious eye irritation, may cause allergic skin reaction
Hazard Pictograms: Exclamation mark
Route of Entry: Inhalation, skin contact, ingestion, eye contact
Potential Health Effects: Irritation to eyes and skin, gastrointestinal discomfort or vomiting if swallowed, allergic response after skin exposure
Medical Conditions Aggravated: Pre-existing eye, skin, respiratory, or gastrointestinal conditions

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Ammonium ferric citrate
Common Name: Ammonium iron(III) citrate
Concentration: 97-100%
Impurities: May include trace sodium, calcium, heavy metals below threshold limits
Ingredient with Hazard: Iron(III) compounds, ammonium salts

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove victim to fresh air. Seek medical attention if symptoms develop or persist. Do not delay care if breathing problems occur.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing and rinse skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Wash with mild soap. Seek medical help for persistent irritation.
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, holding eyelids open. If irritation continues, get prompt medical attention.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water without inducing vomiting. Give water to drink if conscious. Contact poison control or physician immediately. Watch for signs of gastrointestinal distress.
Acute Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, irritation of nose, eyes, and throat.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray, alcohol-resistant foam
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Strong water jets
Specific Hazards: Releases toxic iron and nitrogen oxide fumes when burned
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear full protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus
Special Procedures: Move containers from fire area if safe to do so. Use water to keep fire-exposed containers cool. Avoid runoff and spillage

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use personal protective equipment like gloves, goggles, and dust mask. Ensure adequate ventilation.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe—do not let product enter drains or surface water. Contain material to avoid environmental impact.
Cleanup Methods: Sweep up and collect spill, avoiding dust formation. Place in a suitable closed container for disposal according to local regulations. Wash spill site thoroughly after material pickup is complete.

Handling and Storage

Precautions for Safe Handling: Handle in a well-ventilated area. Avoid inhalation and direct contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. Use protective equipment around open containers or during transfer.
Safe Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place. Keep away from incompatible materials such as strong acids or strong bases. Protect from moisture and direct sunlight. Store away from food and feedstuffs.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No specific limits for ammonium ferric citrate. Maintain exposure to dusts below nuisance dust values—use local workplace regulations as primary reference.
Engineering Controls: Employ local exhaust or general ventilation if handling large quantities or if dust forms.
Personal Protection:
- Respiratory: NIOSH approved mask for dust/particulates
- Eyes: Chemical splash goggles
- Skin: Impervious gloves and lab coat or apron
- Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Remove and wash contaminated clothing before reuse.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Greenish brown to reddish brown amorphous powder or granules
Odor: Slight, characteristic odor
Odor Threshold: Not established
pH (1% solution): 6.5–8.0
Melting Point: Decomposes before melting
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes)
Solubility in Water: Readily soluble
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Relative Density: 1.8–2.0 g/cm³
Partition Coefficient: Not determined
Flash Point: Not flammable
Explosive Limits: Not applicable
Auto-ignition Temperature: Not self-igniting
Evaporation Rate: Not relevant for solids
Decomposition Temperature: Decomposes to oxides of iron and nitrogen above 200°C

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Reactivity: Non-reactive with common chemical substances under ambient conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Moisture, high temperatures, exposure to strong acids or strong alkalis
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, strong acids, strong bases, reducing agents
Hazardous Decomposition Products: May give off toxic fumes of ammonia, oxides of iron, and nitrogen oxides during decomposition or fire

Toxicological Information

Likely Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin, and eye contact
Acute Toxicity: LD50 (oral, rat): Estimated around 500–1000 mg/kg (can vary by form and purity)
Chronic Effects: Repeated exposure may cause skin or respiratory sensitization in some individuals
Symptoms: Irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, coughing
Carcinogenicity: No component listed by IARC, NTP, OSHA as a carcinogen
Mutagenicity: No evidence from data
Reproductive Toxicity: Not enough data to classify
Target Organs: No data on long-term organ-specific effects; iron overload can stress liver and other organs

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: May be dangerous to aquatic organisms in high concentrations due to iron content
Persistence and Degradability: Expected to be biodegradable in natural environments, especially with microbial action
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low for iron; iron compounds usually precipitate or bind to soil particles
Mobility in Soil: Limited, but may move through soil in dissolved form
Additional Remarks: Minimize entry to waterways and storm drains; avoid excessive release to surface waters

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Collect and place in a suitable chemical waste container. Dispose of product, contaminated packaging, and clean-up material according to federal, state, and local regulations. Avoid discharge into natural water bodies. Do not mix with other waste streams.
Hazardous Waste: Not classified as hazardous waste under US RCRA; check local regulations

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated for transport under UN, ADR, IATA, IMDG
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as dangerous goods
Packing Group: Not applicable
Marine Pollutant: Not classified as marine pollutant
Transport Precautions: Avoid generating dust or leaks during loading and unloading. Keep container sealed and secured upright

Regulatory Information

US Regulations: Subject to reporting under SARA Title III, Section 313 only if iron compounds are regulated in your jurisdiction
TSCA Inventory: Substance listed
OSHA: No specific OSHA PEL assigned; handle according to general chemical safety requirements
WHMIS (Canada): Classified as hazardous for eye/skin irritation
EU Regulations: Subject to REACH registration; labeled under EU CLP as hazardous for eyes and skin
Other Requirements: Always check local, national, and regional laws before use and transport