Basic Copper Carbonate: Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

Identification

Product Name: Basic Copper Carbonate
Chemical Formula: CuCO₃·Cu(OH)₂
Synonyms: Copper(II) carbonate hydroxide, Cupric carbonate
CAS Number: 12069-69-1
Recommended Use: Pigment production, agricultural fungicides, chemical synthesis, ceramics
Supplier Details: Contact details of the distributor or manufacturer, including address, phone, and emergency contact number
Emergency Telephone: National poison control centers and supplier-specific emergency lines

Hazard Identification

Hazard Classification: Acute toxicity (oral, dermal, inhalation), irritant
GHS Label Elements: Hazard pictogram (skull and crossbones, exclamation mark)
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed, may cause skin and eye irritation, toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, wear eye and skin protection, wash hands thoroughly after handling, avoid release to the environment
Pictograms: GHS07 (Exclamation Mark), GHS09 (Environment)

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Basic Copper Carbonate
Concentration: Typically over 95%
CAS Number: 12069-69-1
Impurities: May contain trace copper sulfate, copper oxide, or other metal salts at low concentrations
Dangerous Components: Only copper compounds considered relevant to safety classification

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, monitor breathing, seek medical attention for symptoms like cough or shortness of breath
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse skin with copious water and soap, seek medical care if irritation or rash develops
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes thoroughly with clean water for at least 15 minutes, keep eyelids apart, remove contact lenses if present, get medical help if symptoms persist
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, do not induce vomiting, seek medical advice immediately, give water if conscious
Note for Physicians: Symptomatic and supportive treatment, copper poisoning cases may need chelation therapy

Fire-Fighting Measures

Extinguishing Media: Suitable agents include dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide; water spray for cool surfaces only
Hazardous Combustion Products: Copper oxide, carbon dioxide, and other copper compounds can form if exposed to fire
Specific Fire Hazards: Containers exposed to fire may rupture, toxic fumes possible
Protective Equipment: Firefighters wear full turnout gear, self-contained respiratory protection
Advice for Firefighters: Keep run-off water out of drains and waterways, isolate area

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use protective gloves, goggles, dust respirator, avoid skin and eye contact
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains, sewers, or watercourses due to aquatic toxicity
Spill Cleanup Methods: Scoop up spilled product, place in marked containers for disposal, clean area with water
Disposal: Collect contaminated materials for disposal according to local laws

Handling and Storage

Handling: Do not eat, drink, or smoke during use, handle in a well-ventilated area, minimize dust generation, use PPE
Storage Conditions: Keep containers tightly closed, store in a dry, cool, well-ventilated area, keep away from acids, foodstuffs, and incompatible chemicals
Incompatible Materials: Avoid storing with strong acids, ammonium salts, or reducing agents as hazardous reactions may occur
Packaging Materials: Use corrosion-resistant packaging, keep original containers where possible

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: Copper compounds (dusts and mists): ACGIH TLV 1 mg/m³ (as copper), OSHA PEL 1 mg/m³
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, using closed systems or enclosures for larger quantities
Personal Protection: Eye protection (goggles or face shield), chemical resistant gloves (nitrile, PVC), protective clothing, dust mask (NIOSH-approved respirator for particulates)
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and face before breaks and after handling, avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Fine green powder or crystalline solid
Odor: Odorless
pH (1% suspension): Weakly basic
Melting Point: Decomposes before melting
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes)
Solubility: Insoluble in water, slowly soluble in acids with CO₂ release
Specific Gravity: 4.0–4.2
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not available
Flash Point: Not flammable

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions
Reactivity: Reacts with acids liberating CO₂ and soluble copper salts
Conditions to Avoid: Exposure to moisture, strong acids, excessive heat
Incompatible Materials: Mineral acids, ammonium compounds, strong reducing agents
Decomposition Products: Copper oxide, carbon dioxide, water vapor

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Harmful if swallowed, may cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain due to copper ion toxicity
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Can irritate skin with prolonged or repeated contact
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Causes eye irritation, redness, tearing
Respiratory Sensitisation: Inhaled dust may irritate respiratory tract, cough, sore throat
Chronic Effects: Chronic copper exposure may result in liver, kidney, or blood system impacts; potential risk from long-term contact
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by IARC, NTP, OSHA as a known carcinogen
Mutagenicity/Reproductive Toxicity: No significant evidence in available studies

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Very toxic to aquatic organisms, causes long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment
Persistence and Degradability: Inorganic material; does not degrade, persists in soil and water, copper accumulates in sediments
Bioaccumulative Potential: Copper may bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms
Mobility in Soil: Limited mobility, but soluble copper ions may migrate in acidic conditions
Other Harmful Effects: Disrupts aquatic habitat and microbial ecosystems

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose as hazardous waste according to local, state, and federal regulations, avoid land or water disposal
Contaminated Packaging: Containers should be triple rinsed, recycled or disposed according to regulations
Waste Codes: US EPA Hazardous Waste Number: D001 (if relevant), D006 for copper compounds
Special Precautions: Prevent leaching or dust release during disposal, treatment at licensed facility

Transport Information

UN Number: UN3077
UN Proper Shipping Name: Environmentally hazardous substance, solid, n.o.s. (Basic Copper Carbonate)
Transport Hazard Class: 9 (Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles)
Packing Group: III
Marine Pollutant: Yes, copper compounds considered marine pollutants
Special Precautions for Transport: Protect containers from physical damage, avoid contact with moisture, ensure labeling for environmental hazards

Regulatory Information

OSHA: Hazardous chemical, follow workplace hazard communication standards
TSCA: Listed on the United States Toxic Substances Control Act inventory
SARA Title III: Copper compounds subject to Section 313 reporting requirements
EU Regulations (REACH): Listed under EINECS No. 235-113-6, classified as Aquatic Acute 1, Aquatic Chronic 1
Other national/international regulations: Subject to regulation as a hazardous material for transport and as a substance of concern for water contamination; included in priority pollutant lists in many jurisdictions