Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS): Copper Methionine

Identification

Chemical Name: Copper Methionine Chelate
Synonyms: Bis(L-methionine)copper(II), Copper-bis-L-methioninate
CAS Number: 56329-42-1
Recommended Use: Animal nutritional supplement, feed additive
Manufacturer: [Company Name], [Full Address], Emergency Phone: [Emergency Number inside the country]
Contact Information for Inquiries: Technical Support: [Phone], Email: [Email Address]

Hazard Identification

Classification (GHS): Acute Toxicity – Oral Category 4, Skin Irritation Category 2, Eye Irritation Category 2A, Specific Target Organ Toxicity – Single Exposure Category 3
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed. Causes skin irritation. Causes serious eye irritation. May cause respiratory irritation.
Pictograms: Exclamation mark
Signal Word: Warning
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Wear protective gloves and eye protection. Use only outdoors or in well-ventilated areas.
Emergency Overview: Green or blue crystalline solid, characteristic odor, may irritate eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. May be harmful if ingested in quantity.

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Ingredient: Copper Methionine
Chemical Formula: C10H20CuN2O4S2
Concentration: Typically >98%
Impurities: Trace amounts of unreacted methionine or copper salts (<2%)
Other Components: None

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air. Get medical attention if symptoms persist.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water for several minutes. If irritation develops, seek medical advice.
Eye Contact: Flush eyes gently with clean water for at least 15 minutes. Get medical attention if irritation continues.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth. Drink water if conscious. Seek immediate medical help. Do not induce vomiting.
Symptoms of Exposure: Skin or eye irritation, coughing, nausea, abdominal pain, potential allergic response.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, foam, water spray, CO2
Unsuitable Media: High pressure water jets may spread contamination
Specific Hazards: Decomposes to release toxic copper compounds and sulfur oxides under intense heat
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus
Advice: Evacuate area if needed. Prevent runoff from entering drains or waterways. Use extinguishing methods appropriate for surroundings if fire is not limited to copper methionine.

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Avoid dust formation. Wear protective gloves, goggles, and dust respirator.
Environmental Precautions: Do not let material enter drains, surface water, or soil. Contain spills with dikes.
Cleanup Methods: Scoop or sweep up spilled solid. Transfer to secure containers for proper disposal. Ventilate area.
Disposal of Contaminated Material: Dispose of according to local, regional, and national regulations.

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use in well-ventilated areas. Minimize dust generation. Avoid inhalation or contact with skin and eyes. Wash thoroughly after handling. Keep food and drink away from the work area.
Storage: Store in original container, tightly closed, in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated location. Protect from moisture and direct sunlight. Keep away from strong acids and oxidizers.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL for copper (as dust/mist): 1 mg/m³ TWA
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation when handling bulk quantities.
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety goggles or face shield, chemical-resistant gloves, long-sleeved protective clothing.
Respiratory Protection: Approved respirator for dust/mist where engineering controls are not feasible.
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands before breaks and after work. Remove contaminated work clothing as appropriate.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Green-blue, crystalline powder
Odor: Mild, amino acid-like
Odor Threshold: Not established
Melting Point/Range: Decomposes above 200°C
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Vapor Pressure: Negligible
Solubility (Water): Slightly soluble
Density: About 1.65 g/cm³
pH (1% Solution): 5.0 – 7.0
Flash Point: Not flammable
Partition Coefficient: Not available

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable at room temperature in sealed containers under recommended conditions.
Reactivity: Not self-reactive.
Conditions to Avoid: Excess heat, open flames, high humidity, contact with acids or oxidizing agents.
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong oxidizers.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Copper oxides, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides.

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: LD50 (oral, rat): estimated >500 mg/kg (copper component). May cause mild to moderate toxicity through ingestion; lethal at high doses.
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: May cause moderate skin irritation, especially on prolonged contact.
Serious Eye Damage/Eye Irritation: Causes irritation, redness, possible temporary damage.
Respiratory Sensitization: May trigger asthma-like symptoms and cough if inhaled in dusty form.
Chronic Effects: Long-term exposure can lead to copper accumulation and related toxicity.
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as a carcinogen by IARC, NTP, or OSHA.
Reproductive Toxicity: No conclusive data available for copper methionine.

Ecological Information

Toxicity to Aquatic Life: Toxic to aquatic organisms in high concentrations. Copper ions bioaccumulate in water systems.
Persistence and Degradability: Copper never breaks down. Methionine portion biodegrades under environmental conditions.
Bioaccumulative Potential: Bioaccumulation of copper is significant.
Mobility in Soil: Low mobility; copper binds tightly to organic matter.
Other Adverse Effects: Avoid product release to environment in excess.

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Collect and dispose of waste in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations.
Recommendation: Treat spills as hazardous waste. Do not discharge to sewer systems or water bodies.
Contaminated Packaging: Dispose of packaging through approved waste handler after cleaning thoroughly. Follow all regulatory requirements for hazardous materials.

Transport Information

UN Number: Not classified as hazardous for transport under current UN Orange Book recommendations.
Shipping Name: Not regulated
Transport Hazard Class: Not assigned
Packing Group: Not applicable
Marine Pollutant: No
Special Transport Precautions: Protect from rain and physical damage during shipment. Avoid dust release.
Label Requirements: Not required under most transport regulations; check country-specific rules.

Regulatory Information

OSHA Status: Regulated as hazardous dust
TSCA Inventory: Components listed
RCRA Waste Code: None assigned
SARA Title III: Not listed as an extremely hazardous substance
CERCLA: Copper compounds have a reportable quantity threshold (5000 lbs for elemental copper), may apply if spilled in large amounts
DSL/NDSL Status (Canada): Listed
Other Regulations: Subject to workplace safety requirements in Europe (REACH registration), US (OSHA), and other major regulatory regimes.
Labeling Requirements: Hazard pictograms and precautionary statements must appear on containers over workplace thresholds.