Material Safety Data Sheet: Copper Sulfate Monohydrate

Identification

Product Name: Copper Sulfate Monohydrate
Synonyms: Blue Stone, Blue Vitriol
Recommended Use: Laboratory reagent, fungicide, algicide, root killer, analytical chemistry
Manufacturer Information: Name, address, emergency phone number of supplier
CAS Number: 7758-99-8
EC Number: 231-847-6
Chemical Formula: CuSO₄·H₂O

Hazard Identification

Classification: Acute toxicity (oral, dermal, inhalation), Skin irritation, Eye damage, Aquatic acute hazard
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed, harmful in contact with skin or if inhaled, causes skin and serious eye irritation, very toxic to aquatic life
Pictograms: Corrosive, Health Hazard, Environment
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, wash hands thoroughly after handling, avoid release to environment, wear suitable protective equipment, in case of inadequate ventilation, wear respiratory protection

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Identity: Copper sulfate monohydrate
Content: Typically 98-100% by weight
Impurities or Stabilizing Additives: None expected at hazardous levels
Additional Components: Water of hydration, trace metals (occasional, below regulatory threshold)

First Aid Measures

If Inhaled: Move person to fresh air, keep at rest, seek medical attention if symptoms develop
If On Skin: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse skin immediately with water for at least 15 minutes, get medical help if irritation persists
If in Eyes: Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes, remove contact lenses if possible, continue rinsing, seek immediate medical attention
If Swallowed: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, get medical advice immediately
Symptoms: Burning sensation, redness, pain, gastrointestinal upset, possible blistering, metallic taste

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, foam
Unsuitable Media: High pressure water jets
Special Hazards: Decomposition releases toxic fumes including sulfur oxides and copper oxides
Protective Equipment: Firefighters require self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing
Firefighting Instructions: Minimize runoff, avoid inhalation of fumes, keep containers cool with water spray from a safe distance

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate unnecessary personnel, wear appropriate PPE (gloves, eye/face protection, respiratory protection for dust)
Environmental Precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe, don’t allow product to reach drains or water sources, notify authorities if hazardous release occurs
Cleanup Methods: Avoid raising dust, sweep up and shovel into appropriate, labeled containers for disposal, ventilate area, wash surfaces with plenty of water after cleanup

Handling and Storage

Handling: Wear protective gloves and safety goggles, use in a well-ventilated area, avoid breathing dust or contact with skin and eyes, keep away from food and drink
Storage: Store in tightly closed original containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances like acids and reducing agents, label containers clearly, store away from children and unauthorized personnel, avoid moisture and extreme temperatures

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL: 1 mg/m³ (as copper dust and mist), ACGIH TLV: 1 mg/m³
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust or general room ventilation
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene), safety goggles or face shield, lab coat or other body-covering clothing, approved dust respirator if dust exposure is possible
Hygiene Measures: No eating, drinking, or smoking while handling, wash hands thoroughly after handling, remove and wash contaminated clothing before reuse

Physical and Chemical Properties

Physical State: Solid, crystalline powder
Color: Blue
Odor: Odorless
Molecular Weight: 179.62 g/mol
pH (1% soln): 3.5–4.5
Melting Point: Disintegrates on heating at 110°C
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Solubility: Freely soluble in water, slightly soluble in methanol
Vapor Pressure: Not volatile
Specific Gravity: 2.28 at 20°C
Partition Coefficient (Kow): Not available

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended handling and storage conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Moisture, exposure to heat, incompatible materials
Incompatible Materials: Acetylene, reducing agents, strong acids, metals like magnesium, powders of aluminum
Decomposition Products: Toxic sulfur oxides, copper oxides
Hazardous Reactions: Reacts with metals to produce flammable hydrogen gas, reacts with ammonium salts, exothermic reactions with reducing agents

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral LD₅₀ (rat): 300 mg/kg; Dermal LD₅₀ (rat): >2,000 mg/kg
Inhalation: Causes irritation to respiratory tract
Skin Contact: Irritant, may cause burns
Eye Contact: May cause severe irritation or permanent damage
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure may cause anemia, liver and kidney damage, sensitization possible
Reproductive Toxicity: Not expected at typical exposures
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, OSHA

Ecological Information

Acute Aquatic Toxicity: Very toxic to aquatic organisms, LC₅₀ (fish, 96hr): 0.1 mg/L (varies by species), EC₅₀ (Daphnia, 48hr): 0.024 mg/L
Chronic Aquatic Effects: May cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment
Persistence and Degradability: Not readily biodegradable, copper ions persist in soil and sediment
Bioaccumulation Potential: Potential for bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms
Mobility: Moderate mobility in soil, copper binds to sediments
Other Hazards: Harmful to terrestrial flora and fauna in excess, toxic to bees if misapplied

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local, regional, national, and international regulations, treatment methods may include chemical neutralization and stabilization, do not release to waterways or environment
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse thoroughly before reuse or offer for recycling or reconditioning, puncture or crush to prevent reuse if allowed
Special Precautions: Follow hazardous waste procedures, transport with appropriate documentation, avoid contamination of municipal waste streams

Transport Information

UN Number: 3077
UN Proper Shipping Name: Environmentally Hazardous Substance, Solid, N.O.S. (Copper Sulfate Monohydrate)
Transport Hazard Class: 9 (Miscellaneous Dangerous Substances)
Packing Group: III
Marine Pollutant: Yes
Special Precautions: Ensure containment integrity, mark containers to indicate environmental hazard, emergency response procedures should be available during transit, comply with ADR, IMDG, IATA regulations as applicable

Regulatory Information

OSHA Status: Hazardous per OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
TSCA Inventory Status: Listed
SARA Title III: Immediate (Acute) Health Hazard, Delayed (Chronic) Health Hazard, Environmental Hazard
CERCLA Reportable Quantity: 10 lbs (4.54 kg)
Right-To-Know Legislations: Listed on California Proposition 65, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and CEPA DSL for Canada
Other Regulations: Subject to local regulations for storage, labeling, transport, and use; ensure compliance with REACH, CLP, and other applicable global standards