MSDS for Cobalt Carbonate

Identification

Product Name: Cobalt Carbonate
Chemical Formula: CoCO₃
CAS Number: 513-79-1
Synonyms: Cobaltous Carbonate, Carbonic Acid Cobalt(2+) Salt
Use: Pigments, catalysts, ceramics, animal feed supplements, battery chemicals
Supplier / Manufacturer: Company details, address, email, emergency contact number

Hazard Identification

Classification: Acute toxicity (oral, inhalation, dermal), skin sensitization, carcinogen (Category 2), environmental hazard for aquatic life
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed or inhaled. May cause allergic skin reaction. Suspected of causing cancer. Toxic to aquatic life.
Pictograms: Skull and crossbones, health hazard, exclamation mark, environment
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Wear protective gloves and clothing. Keep out of waterways.

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Component: Cobalt Carbonate
CAS Number: 513-79-1
Concentration: Greater than 98%
Impurities: Trace amounts of other cobalt compounds, such as cobalt oxide or hydroxide

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air, seek medical attention if breathing gets difficult or symptoms persist.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash thoroughly with soap and water, watch for skin irritation or rash, consult a doctor if symptoms worsen.
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, keep eyelids open, get medical help if irritation stays.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water, do not induce vomiting, get medical help right away.
Note to Doctor: Treat symptomatically, be aware of the toxic effects of cobalt compounds.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide. Water spray for larger fires.
Unsuitable Media: Do not use strong water jets that might spread powder.
Specific Hazards: Emits toxic and irritating fumes like cobalt oxides when heated.
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing.
Advice: Avoid dust, keep out of smoke, contain contaminated water used for firefighting.

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Ventilate area, wear respiratory protection, gloves, goggles, avoid contact and breathing dust.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent material from reaching drains, surface water, or soil. Alert authorities if product enters waterways.
Methods for Cleaning Up: Use HEPA vacuum or wet sweeping, avoid dry sweeping, collect in sealable container for disposal.

Handling and Storage

Handling: Handle in well-ventilated areas, minimize dust generation, avoid skin and eye contact, wash after use, don’t eat or drink in work area.
Storage: Store in tightly closed containers, in a cool, dry place, away from incompatible substances like acids and oxidizers, protect from moisture.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: ACGIH TLV for cobalt and inorganic compounds as Co: 0.02 mg/m³ (inhalable fraction)
Engineering Controls: Use enclosures, local exhaust ventilation to keep airborne levels below limits.
Respiratory Protection: Appropriate respirator if airborne dusts or fumes are present.
Skin Protection: Chemical resistant gloves, lab coats, or coveralls.
Eye Protection: Safety goggles or face shield.
Hygiene: Always wash hands after handling, do not bring contaminated gear home.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Pink to red crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless
Melting Point/Freezing Point: Decomposes before melting
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Density: About 4.13 g/cm³
Solubility in Water: Negligible
pH: Not measured
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Flash Point: Not flammable
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not available
Decomposition Temperature: Above 300°C (decomposes to cobalt oxide and CO₂)

Stability and Reactivity

Reactivity: Not reactive under normal use and storage conditions.
Chemical Stability: Stable under standard ambient temperatures and pressures.
Conditions to Avoid: Dampness, heat, strong acids, and oxidizers.
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids (will release carbon dioxide), strong oxidizers.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Cobalt oxides, carbon dioxide.

Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin contact, eye contact.
Acute Effects: Harmful by inhalation and ingestion, possible skin irritation or allergic response.
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure linked to asthma, skin allergies, respiratory effects, possible cancer risk (IARC Group 2B - possibly carcinogenic to humans).
Symptoms: Cough, shortness of breath, allergic rash, stomach upset.
Toxicity Data: LD₅₀ (Oral, Rat): 640 mg/kg for cobalt compounds; data vary.

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Harmful to aquatic organisms even at low concentrations.
Persistence and Degradability: Not easily biodegradable, persists in environment.
Bioaccumulation: Cobalt compounds may build up in certain aquatic species.
Mobility in Soil: Low water solubility limits movement through soil, but dust can travel.
Other Adverse Effects: Possible long-term environmental hazard due to cobalt’s toxicity to flora and fauna.

Disposal Considerations

Product Disposal: Treat as hazardous waste, send to licensed waste handler, follow local regulations.
Packaging Disposal: Decontaminate or puncture and dispose as industrial waste.
Precautions: Do not dump into sewers, on ground, or into any waterways.
Reuse / Recycling: Reuse allowed if uncontaminated and suitable for intended use, otherwise ensure proper disposal.

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated but treat as hazardous material according to local/national regulations.
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as dangerous goods under ADR, IMDG, or IATA; check specific country regulations.
Packing Group: Not assigned.
Special Precautions: Ensure packaging is secure, labeling follows regulations, avoid release during transport.
Environmental Hazards: Not a marine pollutant but spills cause environmental harm.

Regulatory Information

OSHA Hazardous Chemical: Listed.
TSCA (US): Listed.
IARC: Cobalt compounds are possibly carcinogenic (Group 2B).
REACH (EU): Registration required, subject to restrictions or authorizations.
WHMIS (Canada): Classified D2A/D2B (Toxic, sensitizer, possible carcinogen).
Other: Subject to control under various chemical regulations in different regions; restrictions apply to use in foods, feeds, and drinking water.