Material Safety Data Sheet: Cobaltous Oxide

Identification

Product Name: Cobaltous Oxide
Chemical Formula: CoO
CAS Number: 1307-96-6
Use: Used in ceramics, pigments, glass manufacturing, and as a chemical intermediate
Manufacturer/Supplier: Refer to supplier’s label for specific contact information
Emergency Contact: Look to the local poison control hotline or emergency response number listed on the specific product packaging for urgent situations
Synonyms: Cobalt(II) oxide, Cobalt mono-oxide

Hazard Identification

Classification: Acute toxicity (oral, inhalation), Skin irritant, Eye irritant, Carcinogenic potential
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed, May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled, Suspected of causing cancer, Causes skin irritation, Causes serious eye irritation
Risk Phrases: Irritating to respiratory system, Harmful by inhalation and if swallowed, Possible risk of irreversible effects
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact
Target Organs: Lungs, skin, eyes, gastrointestinal tract
Symptoms: Shortness of breath, burning sensation in eyes and skin, coughing, gastrointestinal distress

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Cobaltous oxide
Concentration: Typically yli 98% pure
CAS Number: 1307-96-6
Impurities: Trace levels of other cobalt oxides, nickel (< 0.1%), iron (< 0.1%)
Occupational Exposure Limits: For cobalt compounds, OSHA PEL 0.1 mg/m³ (TWA), ACGIH TLV 0.02 mg/m³ (TWA, inhalable), NIOSH REL 0.05 mg/m³ (TWA)

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move affected persons to fresh air, keep at rest, monitor for breathing distress, seek medical attention if symptoms develop
Skin Contact: Wash exposed area with soap and water for at least 15 minutes, remove contaminated clothing, seek medical attention if rash or irritation develops
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes, lifting eyelids, remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, obtain medical advice as irritation persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, call a toxicologist or doctor immediately, provide medical supervision
Note to Physician: Treat symptomatically, monitor for late-onset symptoms such as bronchospasm or skin sensitization, observe for delayed effects from cobalt exposure

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry powder, foam, or carbon dioxide extinguishers for nearby combustible material, as substance itself is not easily combustible
Special Hazards: Can release cobalt fumes and oxides when heated to decomposition
Protective Equipment: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and appropriate protective clothing to avoid contact with smoke or vapors
Fire-fighting Instructions: Cool containers exposed to fire with water spray, avoid using water directly on product, prevent firefighting water from entering sewers or watercourses

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Avoid dust formation, wear respiratory protection, close workplace to unauthorized personnel, ventilate area
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into waterways, soil, or drains, notify authorities if significant spills reach natural water bodies
Methods for Clean-Up: Collect spillage using vacuum with HEPA filter or wet methods to suppress dust, place in suitable containers for disposal, avoid sweeping or dry brushing
Decontamination: Wash spill area thoroughly with water after removal of material, contain and treat rinse waters as hazardous

Handling and Storage

Handling: Employ local exhaust ventilation to control airborne dust, wear gloves and eye protection, avoid ingestion and inhalation, do not eat, drink, or smoke in areas of use
Storage: Store in tightly closed containers, in a dry and well-ventilated place, away from food, acids, strong oxidizing agents, and incompatible materials
Special Precautions: Label containers properly, keep away from children and unauthorized users, handle empty containers as if they contain residues

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, general ventilation to maintain airborne concentrations below established exposure limits
Personal Protective Equipment: Respirators approved for particulates when exposure exceeds limits, chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene), safety goggles or face shield, protective clothing to minimize skin contact
Hygiene: Wash hands and exposed skin after handling, remove and launder contaminated clothing before reuse, maintain eye-wash stations and emergency showers in work area

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Olive-green to grayish-black powder
Odor: Odorless
Molecular Weight: 74.93 g/mol
Melting Point: 1935°C
Boiling Point: 3000°C
Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in acids
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable at room temperature
Density: Approx. 6.44 g/cm³
Flash Point: Not combustible
Autoignition Temperature: Not applicable

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions
Reactivity: Reacts with strong acids forming cobalt salts and with oxidizing agents
Hazardous Reactions: No dangerous reactions known with normal use
Decomposition Products: Cobalt and cobalt oxides released at high temperatures
Conditions to Avoid: High humidity, contact with incompatible chemicals (acids, oxidizers)

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Harmful if swallowed or inhaled, causes moderate irritation to skin and eyes
Chronic Toxicity: Prolonged or repeated exposure can lead to respiratory sensitivity, asthma, dermatitis, possible cancer risk from inhalation
Carcinogenicity: Classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans by IARC (Group 2B)
Sensitization: May cause allergic reactions or sensitization by inhalation or skin contact
Symptoms of Exposure: Cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, skin redness, burning eyes, gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting)
Reproductive/Developmental Effects: Some animal studies indicate potential reproductive toxicity, but evidence in humans remains limited

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Toxic to aquatic life including fish and invertebrates, particularly in dissolved form
Persistence and Degradability: Inorganic compound, does not biodegrade
Bioaccumulative Potential: Cobalt compounds may accumulate in aquatic organisms
Mobility in Soil: Low mobility in soil, but can migrate in finely divided form
Other Environmental Impacts: Significant releases can cause acute toxicity to aquatic systems and soil organisms, proper containment critical

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose as hazardous waste in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse thoroughly if regulations allow, otherwise treat as hazardous waste
Precautions: Never discharge into environment or drains, avoid generation of dust during disposal, keep waste segregated from incompatible wastes

Transport Information

UN Number: 3288
UN Proper Shipping Name: Toxic Solid, Inorganic, N.O.S. (Cobaltous oxide)
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic substance)
Packing Group: III
Labeling Requirements: Toxic, Environmentally hazardous if required by local regulations
Special Precautions: Avoid transport with food or feedstuffs, keep container sealed and upright

Regulatory Information

OSHA: Cobaltous oxide listed as hazardous, subject to workplace exposure limits
EPA: Listed as hazardous waste (characteristic for toxicity), subject to reporting under SARA Title III, Section 313
EU Reach: Listed in EINECS, specific handling and exposure limits enforced within EU member states
Canada: WHMIS classification: D2A (Very toxic material - carcinogenicity), D2B (Toxic material - irritation, sensitization)
RoHS: May be restricted in electronics manufacturing due to cobalt content
Other National Regulations: Country-specific regulations can add restrictions on use, transport, or disposal; always consult local regulatory authorities