Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS): Copper Hydroxide

Identification

Product Name: Copper Hydroxide
Chemical Formula: Cu(OH)₂
CAS Number: 20427-59-2
Synonyms: Blue Verditer, Cupric Hydroxide
Recommended Uses: Fungicide, catalyst, pigment, chemical intermediate
Supplier: Provided upon request
Emergency Phone: Contact regional poison control or listed manufacturer’s line

Hazard Identification

Hazard Classification: Acute toxicity (oral, inhalation, dermal), Eye irritation, Skin irritation, Aquatic toxicity
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: May be harmful if swallowed, causes skin and serious eye irritation, toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects
Pictograms: Exclamation mark, environmental hazard
Precautionary Statements: Wash hands thoroughly after handling, avoid release to environment, wear protective gloves and eye protection, seek medical advice if unwell

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical: Copper Hydroxide
Concentration: Up to 100%
Other Ingredients: None
Impurities: Trace copper carbonate, trace copper sulfate (typically less than 1%)
Hazardous Components: Copper compounds carry primary hazard concerns

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air, keep at rest, seek medical attention if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Rinse with plenty of water, remove contaminated clothing, wash with soap, consult physician for irritation
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present, seek medical assistance if irritation develops
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, give water to drink, seek urgent medical attention
Most Important Symptoms: Irritation, sneezing, coughing, redness of skin and eyes, gastrointestinal discomfort

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: None known for this material
Specific Hazards: Emits toxic fumes of copper oxide if heated, dust may form explosive mixture with air
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing
Special Procedures: Move containers from area if safe, cool surrounding containers with water spray to prevent rupture

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Avoid breathing dust, ensure adequate ventilation, isolate area, use personal protection recommended under Exposure Controls
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spilled material from entering drains and waterways, alert environmental authorities in case of significant spill
Methods for Clean-Up: Sweep or vacuum without generating dust, place in closed containers for disposal, decontaminate area with water and detergent
Disposal: Dispose in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations, do not allow to reach groundwater or sewer systems

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use only in well-ventilated areas, avoid contact with skin and eyes, prevent formation of dust or aerosols, wash thoroughly after handling
Storage: Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location, keep away from incompatible materials such as acids or reducing agents, avoid moisture
Safety Practices: Ensure containers are labeled, use secondary containment to avoid accidental release, keep separate from food and animal feed

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL (as copper dusts and mists): 1 mg/m³ (TWA); ACGIH TLV: 1 mg/m³
Engineering Controls: Use process enclosures, local exhaust ventilation or other engineering controls to keep airborne levels low
Personal Protective Equipment: Wear safety goggles, impermeable gloves, lab coat or full body suit, use appropriate respirator where ventilation is inadequate
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands, forearms and face after handling, do not eat, drink, or smoke in work area, remove contaminated clothing and protective equipment before entering eating areas

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Fine, blue-green powder
Odor: Odorless
Odor Threshold: Not applicable
pH: Alkaline in suspension
Melting Point / Freezing Point: Decomposes above 80°C, does not melt
Boiling Point/Range: Not applicable
Flash Point: Not flammable
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Flammability: Non-flammable
Explosive Properties: Not explosive
Vapor Pressure: Negligible
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, more in ammonia or acids
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not determined
Density: 3.37 g/cm³
Molecular Weight: 97.56 g/mol

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions, decomposes in heat to copper(II) oxide and water
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, strong acids, strong reducing agents, formation of dust
Incompatible Materials: Acids, aluminum, magnesium, strong reducing agents, ammonium salts
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Copper oxides, water vapor, hydrogen gas (on contact with strong acids or reducing agents)

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral LD₅₀ (rat): 1000-1200 mg/kg; inhalation and dermal toxicity are lower
Irritation: Causes skin and eye irritation with possible redness, pain, inflammation
Inhalation Risks: Cough, irritation of nose and throat, headache, dizziness for excessive exposures
Chronic Effects: Prolonged or repeated exposure can cause liver and kidney damage, hemolysis, anemia
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by IARC, OSHA, or NTP
Mutagenicity / Teratogenicity: Not reported, limited evidence available
Sensitization: Not reported for copper hydroxide, possible allergic reactions for sensitive individuals

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Very toxic to aquatic life, fish and invertebrates are sensitive to low concentrations, can cause long-term adverse effects
Persistence and Degradability: Does not degrade rapidly in environment, may persist in soils
Bioaccumulative Potential: Can accumulate in aquatic organisms, risk for food chain
Mobility in Soil: Immobile in most soil types, binds strongly to soil particles
Other Adverse Effects: Copper compounds may disrupt soil microbes, algae, and non-target plant species

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal: Treat as hazardous waste, comply with local, state and federal requirements, do not dispose of in household trash or municipal landfills
Container Disposal: Rinse containers before recycling or disposal, puncture and render unusable, follow governing rules for drums and pails
Contaminated Packaging: Dispose of as hazardous waste or as indicated by local guidelines
Environmental Precautions: Prevent from entering waterways, sewer systems, or soil

Transport Information

UN Number: 3077
Proper Shipping Name: Environmentally hazardous substance, solid, n.o.s. (copper hydroxide)
Transport Hazard Class: 9 (Miscellaneous Dangerous Substances)
Packing Group: III
Labels: “Environmentally hazardous” and “Miscellaneous” as required by shipping regulations
Special Precautions: Follow regulatory requirements, secure packaging to prevent leaks and spills, provide appropriate documentation

Regulatory Information

TSCA: Listed in Toxic Substances Control Act inventory
SARA 313: Subject to reporting as a copper compound
RCRA: Hazardous waste number D001 if discarded in bulk amounts
OSHA: Regulated as hazardous chemical
WHMIS (Canada): Classified as D2B (toxic material causing other chronic effects)
REACH (EU): Registered under relevant EU chemical legislation
Other Regulatory Listings: Check national inventories and state regulations for copper compounds