Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for Ferrous Citrate

Identification

Product Name: Ferrous Citrate
Chemical Formula: C6H5FeO7
Synonyms: Iron(II) citrate, Ferric citrate
CAS Number: 2338-05-8
Recommended Use: Food supplement, laboratory chemical, iron fortification
Supplier: Chemical distributors, laboratory suppliers
Contact Information: Emergency contact numbers and addresses typically listed on packaging

Hazard Identification

Classification: Eye irritant, Skin irritant, Harmful if swallowed
Hazard Statements: May cause irritation to eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Can be harmful if ingested in significant amounts, especially for children due to potential iron overdose.
Signal Word: Warning
Pictograms: Exclamation mark symbol
Precautionary Statements: Wear suitable protective clothing, avoid breathing dust, keep out of reach of children, wash thoroughly after handling, seek medical advice if exposed or feeling unwell.

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Identity: Ferrous citrate
CAS Number: 2338-05-8
Concentration: 98-100%
Impurities: Minimal, usually not specified unless known contaminants are present
Molecular Weight: Approximately 245 g/mol

First Aid Measures

Eye Contact: Flush gently with water for at least 15 minutes, remove contact lenses if present, seek medical attention for persistent irritation.
Skin Contact: Wash immediately with soap and plenty of water, remove contaminated clothing, seek medical attention if irritation develops.
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, ensure breathing is easy, seek medical help if coughing or breathing difficulty occurs.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water to dilute, do not induce vomiting, seek medical attention, especially for children or if large amounts are ingested due to risk of iron poisoning.
Notes for Physician: Treat symptomatically and monitor for signs of iron overload.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Do not use high pressure water stream directly on product
Specific Hazards: Thermal decomposition can release toxic fumes of iron oxides and carbon oxides.
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Full protective suit, self-contained breathing apparatus
Firefighting Procedures: Move containers from fire area if it can be done safely, avoid inhalation of combustion gases

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate area, restrict access, use protective equipment including gloves, goggles, dust mask
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, or confined areas, report large releases as required
Methods for Cleanup: Sweep up and place into dry, labeled containers for proper disposal, ventilate area, avoid creating dust, wash any contaminated surfaces

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use in well-ventilated areas, avoid forming dust, do not eat or drink near product, wash hands after use
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed containers, in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, away from sources of moisture and incompatible substances (strong oxidizers, acids)
Incompatibilities: Keep away from oxidizing agents, acids, and moisture
Special Advice: Label containers clearly and keep away from children

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: Not established for ferrous citrate; for iron salts, limits may be suggested by national authorities (e.g. 1 mg/m³ for iron salts as Fe)
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation can reduce airborne dust, regular air monitoring in production environments
Personal Protective Equipment: Gloves (nitrile or latex), safety goggles, laboratory coat, dust mask or respirator
Hygiene Measures: Do not eat, drink, or smoke while working with product, wash thoroughly after handling

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Pale greenish or yellowish-brown powder
Odor: Odorless
Melting Point: Decomposes before melting
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water
pH (aqueous solution): Slightly acidic
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable (solid material)
Flash Point: Not flammable
Density: Approximately 2.0 g/cm³

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Generally stable under recommended storage conditions
Reactivity: Reacts with strong oxidizing agents and acids
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Iron oxides, carbon oxides under high heat (fire conditions)
Conditions to Avoid: Excess moisture, incompatible materials, excessive heat
Polymerization: Does not occur

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Iron salts can be toxic if swallowed in large amounts, especially to children, with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, convulsions
Chronic Toxicity: Chronic exposure to elevated iron levels can impact liver, pancreas, heart
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact
Symptoms: Irritation to eyes, skin, and mucous membranes; cough or respiratory distress if inhaled
Carcinogenicity: Ferrous citrate is not classified as carcinogenic by IARC or OSHA

Ecological Information

Environmental Impact: Iron compounds tend to persist in soil and water environments
Aquatic Toxicity: May cause harm to aquatic organisms at high concentrations
Degradability: Inorganic compound, does not readily degrade biologically
Bioaccumulation: Low potential for bioaccumulation in aquatic life
Mobility in Soil: Can migrate in groundwater under certain conditions, particularly low pH

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national laws. Small quantities can often enter regular waste if not classified as hazardous.
Contaminated Packaging: Wash container thoroughly or send to appropriate waste treatment facility
Restrictions: Do not flush large quantities into sewer systems or open environment

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as dangerous for transport
Packing Group: Not applicable
Shipping Name: Ferrous Citrate
Special Precautions: Avoid moisture ingress, ensure package integrity during handling, label containers during storage and shipping

Regulatory Information

TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act): Listed
EINECS/ELINCS: Listed
SARA Title III: Not subject to reporting under Sections 302, 304, 313
California Prop 65: Not listed
Other Regulatory Listings: Compliant with REACH, not classified as dangerous under most international transportation regulations, check national lists for specific workplace exposure limits or restrictions