Knowledge
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for Cobalt Sulfate
Identification
Product Name: Cobalt(II) Sulfate
Synonyms: Sulfuric acid, cobalt(2+) salt (1:1); Cobaltous sulfate; Cobalt sulfate heptahydrate
Chemical Formula: CoSO4 or CoSO4 · 7H2O (heptahydrate form)
CAS Number: 10124-43-3 (heptahydrate), 10026-24-1 (anhydrous)
Use: Used in storage batteries, electroplating, pigments, animal feed supplements, manufacture of other cobalt salts
Supplier/Manufacturer: Name, address, and contact information of manufacturer should appear here for traceability and emergency situations
Hazard Identification
Classification: Acute toxicity, Oral (Category 4), Skin sensitization (Category 1), Carcinogenicity (Category 1B), Reproductive toxicity (Category 1B), Specific target organ toxicity: repeated exposure (Category 1)
GHS Label Elements: Danger, skull and crossbones, exclamation mark, health hazard
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed, may cause allergic skin reaction, may cause cancer by inhalation, suspected of damaging fertility or unborn child, causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure
Routes of Exposure: Ingestion, skin and eye contact, inhalation
Emergency Overview: Red to pink crystalline solid, no significant odor, can be absorbed through skin
Composition / Information on Ingredients
Component: Cobalt(II) Sulfate Heptahydrate
Concentration: 98–100%
Chemical Name: Cobalt(II) Sulfate Heptahydrate
CAS Number: 10124-43-3
Molecular Weight: 281.1 g/mol
First Aid Measures
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses, continue rinsing, seek medical attention
Skin Contact: Wash with plenty of soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, seek medical attention if symptoms occur
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, if breathing is difficult provide oxygen, seek medical care
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, never give anything by mouth if person is unconscious, do not induce vomiting, seek immediate medical attention
Symptoms: Irritation, redness, coughing, shortness of breath, allergic skin reactions, inflammation
Fire-Fighting Measures
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, CO2, alcohol-resistant foam, water spray
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Do not use strong streams of water; avoid methods that may scatter material
Hazardous Combustion Products: Sulfur oxides, cobalt oxides
Protective Equipment: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus, full protective gear
Fire/Explosion Hazard: Non-flammable itself but may release toxic fumes under fire conditions, containers may become hot and burst
Accidental Release Measures
Personal Protection: Wear appropriate PPE: gloves, chemical goggles, protective clothing, respirator in case of dust or aerosol generation
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into sewers, rivers, or soil; avoid contamination of water sources
Spill Cleanup Methods: Sweep up and shovel into suitable containers for disposal, avoid generating dust, ventilate area, wash spill area after pickup
Handling and Storage
Safe Handling: Handle with care, avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing, use only in well-ventilated areas, avoid inhalation of dust
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed containers, in cool, dry, well-ventilated locations, protect from moisture, keep away from food and feedstuffs
Incompatibilities: Strong acids, oxidizing agents, reducing agents
Storage Precautions: Use corrosion-resistant storage containers, provide secondary containment in case of leaks
Exposure Controls and Personal Protection
Occupational Exposure Limits: OSHA TWA 0.1 mg/m3 (as cobalt), ACGIH TWA 0.02 mg/m3 (as cobalt, inhalable fraction)
Engineering Controls: Use process enclosures, local exhaust ventilation, or other engineering controls to reduce airborne levels
Respiratory Protection: Use NIOSH-approved respirator if exposure limits are exceeded or dust is generated
Hand Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves
Eye Protection: Chemical safety goggles or face shield
Skin Protection: Protective clothing such as lab coats, aprons, or coveralls
Hygiene Measures: Wash thoroughly after handling, remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse, do not eat, drink, or smoke during use
Physical and Chemical Properties
Appearance: Red to pink crystalline solid
Odor: Odorless
pH: 4.0 (10% aqueous solution at 20°C)
Melting Point: 96°C (decomposes)
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Solubility: Soluble in water, practically insoluble in ethanol
Density: 2.03 g/cm3 (heptahydrate)
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Partition Coefficient: log Pow: -2.75
Flash Point: Not applicable
Autoignition Temperature: No data available
Upper/Lower Flammability Limits: Not applicable
Stability and Reactivity
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Not expected under normal use and storage
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, moisture, incompatible materials
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, acids, reducing agents
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Sulfur oxides, cobalt oxides may be formed on thermal decomposition
Toxicological Information
Acute Toxicity: LD50 (oral, rat): about 424 mg/kg (hexahydrate)
Chronic Toxicity: Repeated or prolonged exposure may cause damage to lungs, heart, thyroid, skin sensitization, and may promote cancer formation and reproductive toxicity
Local Effects: Irritating to eyes, skin, and respiratory tract
Sensitization: May cause allergic skin reactions
Carcinogenicity: IARC: Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans), NTP: Reasonably anticipated to be a carcinogen
Reproductive Toxicity: Clinical reports indicate potential for adverse effects on fertility and fetal development
Ecological Information
Ecotoxicity: Highly toxic to aquatic organisms, LC50 (fish): 0.3–11 mg/L (96 h), EC50 (daphnia): 0.5–1.1 mg/L (48 h)
Persistence and Degradability: Inorganic compound, not readily biodegradable
Bioaccumulation: Some evidence of bioaccumulation in aquatic life
Mobility in Soil: Mobile in soils, potential to contaminate groundwater
Other Harmful Effects: May cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment
Disposal Considerations
Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national legislation, do not release into environment, avoid disposal to waterways, incineration or landfilling in approved chemical waste facility recommended
Contaminated Packaging: Empty containers may retain hazardous residue, treat as hazardous waste
Special Precautions: Do not reuse container, triple rinse before disposal, label containers clearly for safe handling by waste operators
Transport Information
UN Number: 3288
UN Proper Shipping Name: Toxic solid, inorganic, n.o.s. (Cobalt sulfate)
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic substances)
Packing Group: III
Marine Pollutant: Yes, according to IMDG Code
Special Precautions: Offer for transport only in secure, sealed and labeled containers, ensure carrier knows the hazards, follow DOT, IMDG, IATA requirements
Regulatory Information
TSCA: Cobalt(II) sulfate listed
SARA Title III: Section 313 toxic chemical
RCRA Status: May meet criteria for hazardous waste (EPA Waste Number D004)
DSL/NDSL (Canada): Listed
California Proposition 65: Listed as a substance known to the State of California to cause cancer
WHMIS Classification: D2A (Very toxic), D2B (Toxic), E (Corrosive Material)
EU Classification: Carcinogen Category 1B, Reproductive toxicity Category 1B, Environmental hazard Category 1
Other Information: Subject to workplace right-to-know laws in many jurisdictions, safety data should be made available to all handlers and first responders
