Material Safety Data Sheet: Cobalt Gluconate (Vegan/Vegetarian)

1. Identification

Product Name: Cobalt Gluconate
Chemical Formula: C12H22CoO14
Other Names: Cobalt(II) gluconate
Recommended Uses: Dietary supplement, mineral additive, laboratory reagent
Synonyms: Gluconic acid, cobalt(2+) salt
Manufacturer/Supplier: Information specific to your vendor or distributor
Contact Details: Emergency phone number, standard business contact information
CAS Number: 71957-08-9

2. Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Acute Toxicity (Oral) Category 4, Skin Sensitizer Category 1, Eye Irritant Category 2
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed, causes skin irritation, may cause allergic skin reaction, causes eye irritation, may cause respiratory irritation
Pictograms: Exclamation mark
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, wear protective gloves and eye protection, wash thoroughly after handling, if on skin wash with plenty of soap and water, if in eyes rinse cautiously with water
Route of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, eye and skin contact
Target Organs: Skin, eyes, respiratory tract
Other Hazards: May cause sensitization in predisposed individuals

3. Composition / Information on Ingredients

Substance: Cobalt Gluconate
Concentration: ≥ 98% (typical assay for supplement grade)
Ingredient List: Cobalt(II) Gluconate, water of hydration (if present)
Impurities: Trace amounts of heavy metals, manufacturing by-products
No animal-derived components used in manufacture for vegan/vegetarian specification

4. First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, seek medical attention if symptoms develop
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin with soap and water, consult medical personnel if irritation persists
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with plenty of water, remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, continue rinsing, seek medical attention if irritation remains
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water if conscious, do not induce vomiting, seek medical advice
Most Important Symptoms: Skin redness, itchiness, rash, burning sensation in eyes, coughing
Immediate Medical Attention: Exposures involving allergic reaction or large doses

5. Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, carbon dioxide, dry chemical, foam
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: No known restrictions, select based on surrounding fire
Specific Hazards: Thermal decomposition can produce carbon oxides and cobalt oxides
Special Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Wear full protective gear, self-contained breathing apparatus
Decomposition Products: Toxic fumes possible
Fire and Explosion Hazards: Cobalt gluconate itself is not flammable, but organic components may support combustion
Advice for Firefighters: Control runoff, minimize exposure to smoke

6. Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use personal protective equipment, avoid dust generation, ventilate area
Environmental Precautions: Prevent product from entering drains or watercourses, warn authorities if a large spill contaminates the environment
Cleanup Methods: Sweep or shovel into suitable containers, minimize dust, decontaminate area with water after cleanup
Disposal: Dispose in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations

7. Handling and Storage

Safe Handling Advice: Avoid contact with skin, eyes, clothing, and breathing dust, use in adequately ventilated areas, handle with clean, dry gloves, do not eat or drink in the workspace
Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry, and well-ventilated locations, keep in tightly closed original container, avoid extreme temperatures, do not store with incompatible substances like strong acids or oxidizers
Special Requirements: Protect from sunlight and moisture, segregate from food and animal feed

8. Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: Cobalt compounds: < 0.02 mg/m3 (as Co, ACGIH TLV)
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, enclosed systems, dust extraction
Personal Protection:
Eye/Face Protection:
Chemical splash goggles
Skin Protection: Gloves made of nitrile, latex, or PVC, lab coat
Respiratory Protection: Approved NIOSH/MSHA respirator if exposure limit exceeded or ventilation inadequate
Hygienic Practices: Wash hands after handling, remove contaminated clothing

9. Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Purple to pink powder or crystals
Odor: Odorless
Odor Threshold: Not applicable
pH: Approximately 3.5 - 6.5 (1% solution in water)
Melting Point/Freezing Point: Decomposes before melting
Boiling Point: Not available
Flash Point: Not flammable
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Flammability (solid, gas): Not flammable
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Vapor Density: Not applicable
Relative Density: Approximately 0.75–1.00 g/cm3
Solubility in Water: Freely soluble
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not determined
Auto-ignition Temperature: Not applicable
Decomposition Temperature: > 150°C
Viscosity: Not applicable

10. Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Reactivity: No dangerous reaction known under normal conditions
Possible Hazardous Reactions: Reacts with strong acids to release toxic gases, may reduce or oxidize with incompatible chemicals
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, moisture, direct sunlight
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon oxides, cobalt oxides, potentially toxic fumes under fire conditions

11. Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Harmful by ingestion; LD50 (oral, rat): varies by source (approx. 2,000–3,000 mg/kg)
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Causes irritation upon contact
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Causes eye irritation
Respiratory or Skin Sensitization: May cause allergic reactions in sensitized individuals
Germ Cell Mutagenicity: Not classified
Carcinogenicity: IARC: Cobalt compounds classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B)
Reproductive Toxicity: Animal studies suggest effects on reproductive system with chronic overexposure
STOT Single Exposure: May cause respiratory irritation
STOT Repeated Exposure: Long-term exposure carries a risk of skin and respiratory sensitization
Aspiration Hazard: Not classified
Symptoms Related to Physical, Chemical, and Toxicological Characteristics: Cough, irritation, rash, redness, allergic dermatitis

12. Ecological Information

Toxicity: Toxic to aquatic organisms; cobalt ions may persist in the environment
Persistence and Degradability: Organic portion (gluconate) expected to be biodegradable; cobalt not readily degradable
Bioaccumulative Potential: Cobalt may accumulate in aquatic organisms
Mobility in Soil: Moderately mobile, risk of leaching in well-drained soils
Other Adverse Effects: High concentrations may harm aquatic life, increase caution with disposal

13. Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national environmental regulations
Product Disposal: Small quantities: dissolve in plenty of water, flush to drain if permitted; large quantities: contact licensed waste disposal contractor
Packaging Disposal: Triple rinse containers, dispose as controlled waste
Special Precautions: Avoid release into the environment, do not incinerate in open air

14. Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated as a hazardous material
Proper Shipping Name: Cobalt Gluconate
Transport Hazard Class: Not hazardous under most transport regulations
Packing Group: Not assigned
Environmental Hazards: Not classified as a marine pollutant
Special Precautions for User: Secure, sealed packaging, avoid release during transport

15. Regulatory Information

Safety, Health and Environmental Regulations/Legislation: Subject to workplace exposure limits for cobalt compounds, listed by OSHA, ACGIH, and relevant EU requirements
Inventory Status: Listed in TSCA, EINECS/ELINCS, and other chemical inventories
DSL/NDSL (Canada): Listed
Right-to-Know Information: Cobalt compounds require reporting in certain jurisdictions
Labeling Requirements: As per GHS, include hazard pictograms and warnings
Restrictions: In some countries, restricted for use in food supplements above a certain concentration