Material Safety Data Sheet: Basic Nickel Carbonate

Identification

Product Name: Basic Nickel Carbonate
Chemical Formula: NiCO3·2Ni(OH)2·4H2O
Other Names: Nickel(II) carbonate basic, Nickelous carbonate
CAS Number: 12607-70-4
Manufacturer: Listed on product label or shipping documents
Intended Use: Used as an intermediate in manufacturing nickel salts, catalysts, ceramics, pigments
Contact Information: Emergency phone numbers provided by producer, commonly available on accompanying paperwork
Emergency Phone: See packaging or supplier’s web resources for direct lines

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Acute toxicity, inhalation (Category 3), Skin sensitization (Category 1), Carcinogenicity (Category 1A), Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure (Category 1)
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Toxic if inhaled, May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled, May cause cancer by inhalation, Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure
Precautionary Statements: Use personal protective equipment, Prevent exposure from dust formation, Do not breathe dust, Wear protective gloves and eye protection, Wash hands thoroughly after handling, Contaminated work clothing must not leave workplace
Symbols: Skull and crossbones, Health hazard, Exclamation mark
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, ingestion, eye contact
Target Organs: Respiratory tract, skin, eyes, kidneys

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Basic Nickel Carbonate
Synonyms: Nickel carbonate hydroxide
CAS Number: 12607-70-4
Concentration: 100% (if material is pure; check certificate for batch specifics)
Impurities: Trace metals, water of crystallization, inspected during quality assurance
Other Components: May include less than 1% nickel oxide or related nickel salts in typical commercial batches

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove person to fresh air immediately. Seek medical attention if symptoms like shortness of breath or cough develop. Avoid direct mouth-to-mouth contact for rescue breathing. Keep the patient calm and warm.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing and footwear. Wash affected area with plenty of soap and water. Do not use solvents or thinners. If irritation, redness, or blistering occurs, obtain medical attention soon.
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes, keeping eyelids wide apart. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Obtain medical attention, especially if discomfort persists.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly with water. Do not induce vomiting. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get immediate medical help.
Important symptoms/effects: Wheezing, skin rashes, severe coughing, eye irritation, allergic responses

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical powder, foam, or carbon dioxide for surrounding fire. Water spray may be used to keep containers cool but avoid directing water on the product if possible.
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Avoid water jets due to possible dispersal of contaminated runoff.
Specific Hazards: Product itself is not flammable, but nickel oxides or carbon monoxide may form in fire. Runoff from firefighting may cause environmental damage.
Protective Equipment: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and full protective gear. Prevent skin and respiratory exposure to fumes.
Special Procedures: Approach fire from upwind if possible, and move containers from fire area if you can do so without risk.
Combustion Products: Nickel oxide, carbon oxides, irritating gases

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use dust respirator, impervious gloves, and safety goggles. Evacuate area unless response personnel equipped with protective clothing.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent material from entering drains, soil, and water courses. Notify authorities if large volumes are involved.
Spill Cleanup Methods: Sweep up carefully, avoiding dust generation. Place in labeled, sealable containers for disposal. Ventilate the area and wash spill site after cleaning.
Decontamination: Use water and mild detergent. Do not reuse contaminated cleaning materials.
Disposal: Dispose in accordance with local environmental regulations for hazardous materials.

Handling and Storage

Handling: Avoid formation of dust. Use only in well-ventilated areas or under local exhaust. Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling. Wash hands and face thoroughly after work. Use dedicated containers, tools, and equipment.
Storage: Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place. Keep away from acids, food, feed, and strong oxidizers. Do not store in containers made from aluminum or zinc. Protect from physical damage and moisture.
Storage Class: Toxic substances
Other Precautions: Restrict access to trained personnel. Avoid contamination of containers. Use secondary containment measures where practical.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: Nickel compounds: ACGIH TLV 0.1 mg/m³ (inhalable fraction), OSHA PEL 1 mg/m³ (total), NIOSH REL 0.015 mg/m³ (as Ni)
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation or process enclosure to minimize dust exposure
Respiratory Protection: Use approved respirators for nickel-containing dust
Eye Protection: Safety goggles or face shield
Skin Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves, protective clothing covering exposed skin
Hygiene Measures: Shower and change clothes after handling. Do not take contaminated clothing home.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Green crystalline or amorphous powder
Odor: Odorless
Molecular Weight: Approximately 442 g/mol (tetrahydrate)
pH: Slightly basic in suspension
Melting Point: Decomposes without melting
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Solubility: Practically insoluble in water, soluble in acids
Density: 1.97 g/cm³ (tetrahydrate)
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): Not established
Other: Decomposes on heating to produce nickel oxide and carbon dioxide

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Possible Hazardous Reactions: Reacts with strong acids to produce toxic gases. Incompatible with strong oxidizers and reducing agents.
Conditions to Avoid: Moisture, extreme heat, exposure to acids or oxidizers
Incompatible Materials: Acids, aluminum, zinc, strong oxidizing or reducing agents
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Nickel oxides, carbon dioxide
Polymerization: Not expected to occur under standard conditions

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: LD₅₀ for oral, inhalation, and dermal exposure not well defined, nickel compounds known to be toxic
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation most hazardous; skin and eye contact cause irritation or sensitization; ingestion may result in abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting
Symptoms: Coughing, sneezing, wheezing (inhalation); rash, redness, blistering (skin); eye watering, redness (eye); abdominal pain, vomiting (ingestion)
Chronic Toxicity: Known human carcinogen by inhalation, may lead to lung or nasal cancers, kidney damage, allergic skin reactions
Sensitization: Can trigger allergic reactions following skin contact
Mutagenicity: Some evidence for genetic mutations in laboratory animals
Reproductive Effects: No strong evidence in humans, animal studies suggest potential effects at high levels
Target Organs: Respiratory system, skin, eyes, kidneys

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects; LC₅₀ (fish, 96h) about 1-10 mg/L as Ni
Persistence: Poorly soluble in water but very persistent in soil and sediment
Bioaccumulation: Nickel compounds can accumulate in aquatic organisms
Mobility: Low due to low solubility; may move in finely divided form through leaching under acidic conditions
Other Adverse Effects: May damage aquatic plants and invertebrates at very low concentrations. Hazardous to drinking water supplies.

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Collect all material in sealed, labeled containers. Dispose through licensed hazardous waste facility. Avoid any disposal methods allowing dust to become airborne.
Waste Code: U073 (RCRA hazardous waste, if applicable)
Contaminated Packaging: Treat packaging as hazardous unless cleaned. Incinerate or landfill following local regulations.
Precautions: Do not discharge into drains, waterways, or soil. Treat washes as hazardous. Observe relevant federal, state, and local environmental regulations.

Transport Information

UN Number: UN 3077
UN Proper Shipping Name: Environmentally hazardous substance, solid, n.o.s. (Basic Nickel Carbonate)
Transport Hazard Class: 9 (Miscellaneous dangerous substances)
Packing Group: III
Labeling Requirements: Environmentally hazardous substance mark
Transport in Bulk: Regulated for bulk transport; avoid release to environment
Special Precautions: Keep containers tightly closed. Separate from acids, foodstuffs, and animal feeds during transit.

Regulatory Information

OSHA: Nickel compounds listed as hazardous, subject to exposure limits
TSCA: Listed on the U.S. Toxic Substances Control Act inventory
SARA 313: Subject to reporting as nickel compounds
CERCLA: Reportable Quantity (RQ) for nickel compounds is 100 lbs
Canadian Regulations: Listed on DSL; subject to WHMIS Classification D2A (very toxic), D2B (toxic)
EINECS/ELINCS: Listed
Label Requirements: Toxic symbol, Risk Phrases R40 (limited evidence of carcinogenic effect), R43 (may cause sensitization by skin contact), Safety Phrases S22 (do not breathe dust), S36/37 (wear suitable protective clothing and gloves)
Other: Check product label and SDS updates for the latest information based on regional regulations and guidance.