MSDS for Cobalt Sulfate Monohydrate

Identification

Product Name: Cobalt Sulfate Monohydrate
Synonyms: Sulfuric acid, cobalt(2+) salt (1:1), monohydrate; Red Cobaltous Sulfate
Chemical Formula: CoSO4·H2O
CAS Number: 10026-24-1
Recommended Use: Laboratory reagent, pigment production, fertilizer additive, battery component, electroplating
Supplier Contact: Manufacturer’s address, phone number, available hours for immediate response
Emergency Phone Number: Chemtrec line or manufacturer’s designated emergency response

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Acute toxicity (oral, dermal, inhalation), skin sensitization, carcinogenicity, aquatic toxicity
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Toxic if swallowed, may cause allergic skin reactions, suspected of causing genetic defects, may cause cancer, harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects
Pictograms: Skull and crossbones, exclamation mark, health hazard, environment
Routes of Entry: Inhalation, ingestion, eye and skin contact
Precautionary Statements: Wash hands thoroughly after handling, do not eat or drink near the product, avoid release to the environment, wear protective gloves and clothing, do not breathe dust or fumes

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Cobalt sulfate monohydrate
CAS Number: 10026-24-1
Concentration: >98%
Impurities: Trace metals at low ppm levels, possible iron, nickel, and magnesium traces from production processes
Molecular Weight: 173.01 g/mol

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, loosen tight clothing, keep at rest, seek medical advice if symptoms such as coughing, irritation, or shortness of breath persist
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly, do not induce vomiting, offer water to drink, get medical attention immediately for evaluation of toxicity or potential organ effects
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water for at least 15 minutes, remove contaminated clothing and shoes, seek medical attention for ongoing irritation or allergic reaction
Eye Contact: Flush with water for several minutes holding eyelids open, remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, continue rinsing, call a physician for persistent discomfort or visual disturbance
Symptoms to Watch: Sore throat, nausea, abdominal pain, redness, rash, itching, respiratory distress

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Avoid high-pressure water streams that may spread material
Hazards from Combustion: Releases sulfur oxides, cobalt oxides, may produce highly toxic fumes
Protective Actions: Firefighters wear full protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus, fight fire from safe distance
Explosion Risk: Product does not itself burn but heating above decomposition can create hazardous gases
Special Procedures: Cool fire-exposed containers with water, avoid runoff entering water supplies or sewers

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Protection: Evacuate area, ventilate, wear dust mask or respirator, gloves, goggles, avoid direct contact
Containment: Block any entry to water systems or drains, use inert absorbent (sand, earth) to contain spills
Cleanup Method: Sweep or scoop up carefully to avoid dust raising, store in sealed labeled containers for disposal
Environmental Precautions: Prevent contamination of soil, groundwater, and surface water, notify authorities for significant spills

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use in well-ventilated areas, avoid breathing dust, avoid spills or leakage, keep away from food or beverages, maintain good hygiene practices such as washing after use
Storage: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area, keep container tightly closed and properly labeled, segregate from incompatibles such as strong acids and bases, avoid heat and direct sunlight
Incompatibilities: Acids, bases, strong oxidizers, reducers lead to hazardous reactions
Special Precautions: Store in original containers, avoid contamination with other chemicals

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Permissible Exposure Limits: OSHA TWA 0.1 mg/m³ (as cobalt), ACGIH TLV 0.02 mg/m³ (as cobalt, inhalable fraction)
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, process enclosures, general ventilation to control dust
Personal Protection: Dust-proof goggles, gloves, long-sleeved clothing, respiratory protection (N95 or P100 as necessary, according to local regulations), eye wash station and safety showers in work area
Hygiene Measures: Remove contaminated clothing and shoes, wash thoroughly after handling, no eating, drinking, or smoking during use
Skin Protection: Impervious gloves (nitrile, neoprene), barrier creams for extra precaution

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Pink to red crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless
pH: Acidic (approximately 3.0–5.0 in solution)
Melting Point: 96°C (decomposes)
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes before boiling)
Solubility: Soluble in water, forms pink solution, slightly soluble in ethanol
Density: 2.03 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Negligible
Odor Threshold: Not determined
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable (solid)
Flash Point: Not applicable

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal storage conditions and recommended handling procedures
Reactivity: Reacts with strong acids, strong bases, and oxidizers, forming toxic gases like sulfur oxides
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, moisture, incompatible materials
Decomposition Products: Sulfur oxides, cobalt oxides under high heat or fire
Polymerization: Does not occur

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin, LD₅₀ (oral, rat) ~424 mg/kg
Chronic Effects: Sensitization, possible carcinogenicity (IARC Group 2B), reproductive toxicity, target organ risks (heart, thyroid, hematological system)
Irritation: Causes skin and eye irritation, possible allergic dermatitis, respiratory irritation
Symptoms of Exposure: Nausea, vomiting, metal taste, cough, sore throat, skin redness, rash
Mutagenicity: Suspected genetic effects based on animal studies
Carcinogenic Potential: Classified as a possible carcinogen for humans based on evidence from studies

Ecological Information

Toxicity to Aquatic Life: Highly toxic to aquatic organisms, LC₅₀ (fish) <5 mg/L, causes long-term damage in water-based environments
Eco-Persistence: Cobalt ions can persist and bioaccumulate in aquatic plants and animals
Mobility in Soil: Moderately mobile, can leach into groundwater
Degradability: Inorganic substance, not readily biodegradable
Avoid Release: Prevent spills from reaching soil, surface water, and storm drains to avert ecological impacts

Disposal Considerations

Methods: Collect and containerize residual product, dispose at approved hazardous waste site
Disposal Regulations: Follow local, regional, and national regulations for hazardous waste, do not discharge to drains or waterways
Packaging: Do not reuse empty packaging, triple rinse, and puncture before discarding according to regulatory requirements
Recommendations: Work with licensed waste disposal companies for proper documentation and handling to limit environmental harm

Transport Information

UN Number: UN 3288
Proper Shipping Name: Toxic solid, inorganic, n.o.s. (Cobalt sulfate monohydrate)
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic substance)
Packing Group: III
Labels: Toxic
Marine Pollutant: Yes, avoid transport in bulk near marine environments
Special Provisions: Ensure packaging is secure, labeled, and complies with mode-specific requirements (IMDG, IATA, ADR)

Regulatory Information

OSHA: Hazardous Chemical; subject to workplace safety and hazard communication standards
IARC: Cobalt sulfate classified as Group 2B — possibly carcinogenic to humans
TSCA: Listed in the U.S. Toxic Substances Control Act Inventory
SARA 313: Listed — reportable as cobalt compound
REACH (EU): Substance of Very High Concern (SVHC), subject to authorizations/restrictions
Other Regulations: Subject to reporting under CERCLA, workplace and environmental exposure limits in several jurisdictions, check country and regional-specific regulations for uses in agriculture, industry, and product formulation