Material Safety Data Sheet for Copper Sulfate

Identification

Product Name: Copper(II) Sulfate Pentahydrate
Synonyms: Blue vitriol, Bluestone, Cupric sulfate
Chemical Formula: CuSO₄·5H₂O
CAS Number: 7758-99-8
Recommended Use: Laboratory chemical, fungicide, algicide, root killer, and in chemical education
Manufacturer/Supplier: Details available per source or distributor
Emergency Contact Number: Consult local regulations or safety officer for direct line

Hazard Identification

Classification (GHS): Acute toxicity (oral, dermal, inhalation), Eye irritation, Hazardous to aquatic environment
Hazard Statements: May cause skin and eye irritation, harmful if swallowed or inhaled, toxic to aquatic life
Pictograms: Exclamation mark, Environment symbol
Signal Word: Warning
Precautionary Statements: Wear protective gloves and eyewear, avoid breathing dust, keep out of waterways, wash thoroughly after handling
Potential Health Effects: Ingestion can cause nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal distress, in severe cases, liver and kidney damage; contact with skin or eyes can result in irritation or burns

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Copper(II) Sulfate Pentahydrate
Concentration: 98-100%
CAS Number: 7758-99-8
Other Ingredients: Trace moisture or impurities under 2% may occur, no significant hazard from these under standard use

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove individual to fresh air, provide artificial respiration as needed, seek medical attention if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, immediately wash skin with plenty of soap and water, seek medical advice if irritation develops
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, keep eyelids open and moving, consult a physician
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, rinse mouth thoroughly, seek immediate medical help, provide water only if victim is conscious
Most Important Symptoms and Effects: Severe eye irritation, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea; prolonged exposure can affect liver, kidneys, and blood

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry powder, foam, carbon dioxide
Disallowed Media: No specific materials known to be unsafe
Hazards During Fire: May release toxic fumes, including sulfur oxides and copper oxides if exposed to high heat
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Special Procedures: Prevent runoff from fire control or dilution from entering drains, ditches, or rivers
Explosion Sensitivity: Product does not burn or explode under normal conditions, large amounts might react with metals to release hydrogen

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use appropriate respiratory protection and gloves, avoid dust formation, ensure adequate ventilation
Environmental Precautions: Prevent material from entering water sources, sewers, or soil; copper sulfate is highly toxic to aquatic organisms
Spill Clean-Up Methods: Sweep or scoop up spillage in dry form, place in suitable, labeled containers for proper disposal, wash spill area with plenty of water provided effluent can be collected

Handling and Storage

Handling: Minimize dust generation, use local exhaust to reduce airborne exposure, avoid skin and eye contact, wash thoroughly after use, keep containers closed when not in use
Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, separate from foodstuffs, incompatible materials include magnesium, acetylene gas, strong bases, avoid moisture exposure to prevent clumping
Storage Class: Store as a hazardous substance with locked access for trained personnel
Special Considerations: Keep away from incompatible chemicals, keep containers tightly sealed

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL: 1 mg/m³ (as copper dusts and mists), ACGIH TLV: 1 mg/m³
Engineering Controls: Provide sufficient mechanical exhaust or ventilation to control dust, use process enclosures or local exhaust
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety goggles or face shield, chemical resistant gloves, lab coat or apron, approved dust mask or respirator
Hygiene Practices: No eating or drinking in work area, wash thoroughly after handling, launder contaminated clothing before reuse
Environmental Controls: Prevent discharge into environment, use containment dikes and emergency plans for large storage

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Blue crystalline solid
Odor: Odorless
Melting Point: 110 °C (dehydrates)
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes on heating)
Solubility in Water: 23.1 g/100 g at 20 °C
pH: 4.0 (50 g/L solution)
Density: 2.284 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Not significant at room temperature
Evaporation Rate: Not volatile
Other Data: Loses water of crystallization at moderate heat, forms a white anhydrous powder

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal storage and handling conditions
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong bases, magnesium, finely powdered metals, acetylene
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Produces sulfur oxides and copper oxides on thermal decomposition
Polymerization: Will not occur
Other Information: Moisture exposure leads to caking and loss of free-flowing properties, fire may increase hazards due to toxic fume release

Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Ingestion, inhalation, skin and eye contact
Acute Toxicity: LD₅₀ Oral (rat): 300 mg/kg, serious health risks if ingested in moderate to large amounts
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: May cause irritant dermatitis if contact persists
Eye Damage: Causes serious eye irritation and possible corneal damage with prolonged contact
Respiratory Effects: Dust inhalation can lead to coughing and respiratory discomfort, possible pulmonary edema in severe cases
Chronic Risks: Repeated exposure has led to liver and kidney damage, anemia, sensitization possible in sensitive individuals

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Extremely hazardous to aquatic organisms; LC₅₀ for fish (24 h): 0.1-2.3 mg/L (species-dependent)
Persistence/Degradability: Does not break down rapidly, accumulates in sediments, persists in water
Bioaccumulative Potential: Copper ions accumulate in aquatic species, disrupt food chains, affect algal growth
Mobility in Soil: Highly mobile in wet conditions, binds to organic matter and clay
Other Effects: Can poison livestock and wildlife if water bodies or feed contaminated, alters soil microbiota

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose of as hazardous waste, use licensed contractor, comply with local, state, and federal regulations
Container Handling: Rinse containers before recycling or disposal, avoid contamination of drinking water systems
Special Considerations: Do not release to environment, neutralize if possible before disposal with sodium carbonate then remove solid for disposal
Additional Information: Consult local environmental authorities for recommended disposal options, label all waste clearly

Transport Information

UN Number: UN 3077
Proper Shipping Name: Environmentally hazardous substance, solid, n.o.s. (Copper sulphate)
Transport Hazard Class: 9 (Miscellaneous dangerous substances)
Packing Group: III
Environmental Hazards: Marine pollutant, toxic to aquatic life
Regulatory Information: Ensure correct labeling, shipping papers, and emergency response information accompany all shipments
Other Precautions: Store and transport in tightly closed containers, protect from moisture and rough handling

Regulatory Information

OSHA Status: Regulated as hazardous
TSCA Inventory: Listed
SARA Title III: Section 313 (toxic chemical) reporting required
RCRA Status: Hazardous waste, consult code D001, D002 for relevant data
DSL/NDSL (Canada): Listed
EU Regulations: Classified as dangerous for supply/use, subject to Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) requirements
Label Elements: Hazard pictograms for health and environment, appropriate GHS/CLP hazard and precautionary statements
Other Local Regulations: Follow guidelines for environmental protection and workplace safety as per region