Cobalt Gluconate – Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

1. Identification

Product Name: Cobalt Gluconate
Chemical Formula: C12H22CoO14·xH2O
CAS Number: 71957-08-9
Recommended Use: Nutrition supplement, laboratory reagent, trace mineral sources
Manufacturer: Contact your supplier for details
Emergency Phone: Refer to supplier’s emergency contact line

2. Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Acute toxicity (oral, category 4); Skin sensitization (category 1); Carcinogenicity (category 2); Specific target organ toxicity — repeated exposure (category 2)
Pictograms: Exclamation mark, health hazard
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed, may cause an allergic skin reaction, suspected of causing cancer, may cause damage to organs through prolonged exposure
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, wear protective gloves and clothing, wash hands thoroughly after handling, do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product

3. Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Cobalt(II) gluconate
Synonyms: Gluconic acid, cobalt(2+) salt
CAS Number: 71957-08-9
Concentration: 99% minimum
Impurities: No significant impurities expected above regulatory thresholds

4. First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, keep them comfortable, seek medical attention if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash affected area under running water with soap, seek attention for irritation or persistent reaction
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously under running water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present, get medical help if discomfort continues
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, do not induce vomiting unless directed by a medical professional, contact poison control or a doctor immediately

5. Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Powerful water jets
Special Hazards: Product decomposes under heat to emit toxic fumes including carbon oxides and cobalt oxides
Protective Equipment: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing
Firefighting Instructions: Keep personnel upwind, use standard firefighting procedures, prevent runoff from entering water courses

6. Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear appropriate protective gear such as gloves, goggles, dust mask
Environmental Precautions: Keep product out of waterways, drains, and sewers
Clean-Up Methods: Sweep up and collect spilled material for proper disposal without creating dust, ventilate area, wash spill site once clean-up is complete
Reporting: Report significant spills to authorities as required by local regulations

7. Handling and Storage

Handling: Use with adequate ventilation, avoid forming dust or breathing powders, do not eat, drink, or smoke during use, wash hands after handling
Storage: Store in tightly sealed original packaging in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from incompatible substances such as strong acids and oxidizers, protect from moisture, store out of direct sunlight
Special Advice: Label all containers clearly and keep away from foodstuffs and feedstock

8. Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: ACGIH TLV (as Co): 0.02 mg/m³ (TWA); OSHA PEL (as Co): 0.1 mg/m³ (TWA)
Engineering Controls: Provide local exhaust ventilation or use process enclosures to control airborne concentrations
Personal Protective Equipment: Wear chemical-resistant gloves, protective clothing, tight-fitting safety goggles or face shield, NIOSH-approved respiratory protection in areas where dust may be generated
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and face before breaks and at end of work, remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse

9. Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Pink to red crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless
Odor Threshold: Not determined
pH (1% solution): About 5–7
Melting Point: Not available
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Solubility: Soluble in water
Density: Approximately 1.97 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Flash Point: Not flammable
Partition Coefficient: Not determined
Decomposition Temperature: Above 200°C
Viscosity: Not applicable

10. Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal storage and handling conditions
Reactivity: No dangerous reactions known under normal conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, exposure to moisture, direct sunlight
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, alkali substances
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon oxides, cobalt oxides, smoke

11. Toxicological Information

Likely Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin contact, eye contact
Acute Toxicity: May cause gastrointestinal distress if swallowed; inhalation can irritate respiratory tract
Skin Sensitization: Known to cause allergic responses in susceptible individuals
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure may affect blood, thyroid, and the respiratory system; classified as possibly carcinogenic (IARC Group 2B)
Symptoms: Rash, itching, coughing, sore throat, abdominal pain
Toxicological Data: Oral LD50 (rat): ~500–1000 mg/kg (as cobalt compounds)

12. Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects; avoid release into environment
Persistence and Degradability: Not readily biodegradable
Bioaccumulation Potential: Cobalt ion may accumulate in aquatic organisms
Mobility in Soil: Cobalt readily adsorbs to some soils, but may leach in sandy settings
Other Adverse Effects: Avoid disposal to natural water bodies or soil to reduce environmental impact

13. Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Dispose of as hazardous waste in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations; use a licensed chemical waste disposal contractor
Contaminated Packaging: Treat as hazardous; empty packages may contain hazardous residues
Special Precautions: Do not dump in drains, waterways, or general refuse bins; avoid dust generation during disposal

14. Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated (non-dangerous goods under most transport guidelines)
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified
Packing Group: Not assigned
Special Precautions for Transport: Protect package against physical damage and moisture, keep sealed
Environmental Hazards: Marine pollutant; avoid release into the environment during shipping

15. Regulatory Information

OSHA (US): Cobalt and inorganic compounds are regulated as hazardous
TSCA (US): Listed
REACH (EU): Registered
DSL/NDSL (Canada): Listed
Labeling Requirements: Comply with labeling provisions for hazardous substances; GHS labeling is mandatory
SARA 313: Subject to reporting as cobalt compound
California Prop 65: Listed as a chemical known to cause cancer
WHMIS (Canada): Classified as toxic and sensitizer
Other National/Local Controls: Observe local environmental, safety, and occupational health laws