MSDS for Magnesium Carbonate

Identification

Product Name: Magnesium Carbonate
Chemical Formula: MgCO₃
Synonyms: Magnesite, Magnesia Alba
Recommended Use: Laboratory reagent, pharmaceutical use, food additive (E504), drying agent, antacid, cosmetic ingredient, filler in construction materials, chalk for sports
Manufacturer/Supplier: Supplier address and emergency contact number should be listed according to the product label or shipping documentation
CAS Number: 546-93-0
UN Number: Not regulated

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS criteria
Hazard Statements: May cause minor eye irritation, negligible if inhaled or ingested under normal conditions, dust may cause mechanical irritation
Signal Word: None
Pictogram: None
Precautionary Statements: Avoid generating dust, wash hands thoroughly after handling, do not breathe dust, use only outdoors or in well-ventilated areas
Other Information: Non-flammable, not explosive, not considered an environmental hazard

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Magnesium Carbonate
Common Name: Magnesium Carbonate
CAS Number: 546-93-0
Concentration: 98-100% (by weight)
Impurities: May contain small amounts of calcium carbonate, silica, or other minerals depending on natural source

First Aid Measures

General Advice: Seek medical attention if symptoms persist after exposure
Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air, provide artificial respiration if necessary
Skin Contact: Wash skin thoroughly with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, continue rinsing
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water to dilute, do not induce vomiting, consult a doctor if large amounts swallowed
Most Important Symptoms: Dust may cause mild mechanical irritation to respiratory tract and eyes, prolonged skin exposure may cause dryness

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use extinguishing media appropriate for surrounding fire, magnesium carbonate itself does not burn
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: None identified
Specific Hazards: Product does not pose a fire risk, but dust accumulation in confined areas can present combustible dust concerns
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus for fire in vicinity
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Magnesium oxide, carbon dioxide at very high temperatures

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Avoid breathing dust, ensure adequate ventilation, wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including dust mask, goggles, gloves
Environmental Precautions: Prevent large quantities from entering drains, surface water, or soil
Methods for Containment and Cleaning Up: Sweep up and shovel spilled material, avoid creating dusty conditions, transfer to clean, labeled containers for reuse or disposal, clean area with water to remove residue

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling: Avoid dust formation, avoid inhaling dust, keep away from food and beverages, practice good hygiene, use with adequate ventilation
Safe Storage: Store in tightly sealed containers, in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, protect from moisture and incompatible substances (acids), avoid storing near strong oxidizers
Specific Uses: Only use for intended applications

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL (Particulates Not Otherwise Regulated): 15 mg/m³ (total dust); 5 mg/m³ (respirable fraction)
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation to minimize airborne dust, safety shower and eye wash stations in work area
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Respiratory protection (NIOSH-approved dust mask) if exposure limits are exceeded, safety goggles, gloves, protective clothing
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling, remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White, odorless, crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless
pH (suspension in water): 9-10
Melting Point/Freezing Point: Decomposes above 350°C with release of CO₂
Boiling Point/Range: Not applicable
Flash Point: Not flammable
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Flammability: Not flammable
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Solubility in Water: Practically insoluble (slight reaction with acids forming CO₂ gas)
Density: 2.95 - 3.0 g/cm³
Partition Coefficient: Not determined
Auto-ignition Temperature: Not applicable
Decomposition Temperature: >350°C

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under ordinary conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Moisture, exposure to strong acids (releases CO₂), high temperatures
Incompatible Materials: Acids, strong oxidizers, ammonium salts
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Magnesium oxide, carbon dioxide
Hazardous Reactions: None known under normal handling

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Low toxicity, practically non-toxic if swallowed, inhaled, or in contact with skin
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin and eye contact, ingestion
Potential Health Effects: Inhalation of dust may cause mild respiratory irritation, ingestion of large amounts may have a laxative effect, direct contact may cause eye or skin dryness
Chronic Exposure: No chronic health effects expected
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, OSHA
Additional Information: No evidence for mutagenic or reproductive effects in available studies

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Not expected to be hazardous to the environment in normal use or accidental release
Persistence and Degradability: Inorganic compound, not biodegradable, dissociates into naturally occurring minerals in soil and water
Bioaccumulative Potential: Not bioaccumulative
Mobility in Soil: Low solubility, limited mobility
Other Adverse Effects: Large spills may cause elevated pH in waterways, potentially harmful to aquatic organisms by physical effects (e.g., turbidity)

Disposal Considerations

Waste Management: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, national, and international regulations
Methods of Disposal: Recycle or reuse if possible, otherwise landfill in approved facility
Container Disposal: Dispose of empty containers as non-hazardous solid waste, make sure containers are completely empty before recycling or disposal
Special Precautions: Avoid generating dust during disposal

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated as a hazardous material for transport
Transport Hazard Class: None
Packing Group: None
Proper Shipping Name: Magnesium Carbonate
Environmental Hazards: None known
Special Precautions for User: Avoid dust generation during loading, unloading, and transport

Regulatory Information

U.S. TSCA Status: Listed
OSHA Hazard Communication Standard: Not classified as hazardous
SARA 313: Not subject to reporting
REACH Status (EU): Registered
WHMIS (Canada): Not classified as hazardous
Other Regulations: Complies with food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic regulations as specified by relevant agencies for appropriate grades
Labeling Requirements: Standard labeling for non-hazardous substances, include ingredient, safety, and handling information
Additional Information: Specific national or regional requirements may apply depending on jurisdiction and use