Ferrous Gluconate Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

Identification

Product Name: Ferrous Gluconate
Chemical Formula: C12H22FeO14
CAS Number: 299-29-6
Synonyms: Iron(II) gluconate, Gluconic acid, iron(2+) salt (2:1)
Recommended Use: Food additive, iron supplement, pharmaceutical raw material
Manufacturer/Supplier: Contact details as available on packaging or supplier documentation
Emergency Contact: Refer to supplier emergency phone number or local poison control

Hazard Identification

Hazard Classification: Not classified as hazardous according to GHS; may be harmful in large amounts due to iron toxicity
Signal Word: None required
Hazard Statements: May cause gastrointestinal discomfort if ingested in quantity; dust can irritate eyes and respiratory tract
Pictograms: None required
Potential Health Effects: Eyes and skin may experience mild irritation; excessive ingestion may result in nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and potential iron poisoning, especially in young children; no long-term chronic effects documented in normal exposure scenarios
Precautionary Statements: Avoid inhalation of dust, prevent eye and skin contact during handling, wash hands thoroughly after use

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Ingredient: Ferrous Gluconate
Chemical Name: Iron(II) D-gluconate
CAS Number: 299-29-6
Concentration: 97–100% by weight
Impurities: Small quantities of gluconic acid may be present; no hazardous impurities above regulatory disclosure amount

First Aid Measures

Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present; continue rinsing, seek medical attention if irritation persists
Skin Contact: Wash with plenty of water and mild soap; remove contaminated clothing, seek medical attention if irritation develops
Inhalation: Remove person to fresh air; provide oxygen if breathing is difficult, seek medical attention for persistent symptoms
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink plenty of water, do not induce vomiting; seek medical assistance for large ingestion, particularly for children
Symptoms and Effects: Nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting after ingestion; dust exposure may cause coughing or mild respiratory irritation

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Media: Strong water streams may disperse powder
Unusual Hazards: Material is not combustible, but packaging may burn
Specific Hazards: May release toxic iron oxides if involved in a fire
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear approved self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing
Special Procedures: Prevent firewater from entering drains or watercourses, contain runoff using sand or soil

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Avoid dust generation, ventilate area, use suitable personal protection like gloves, goggles, and mask
Environmental Precautions: Prevent large spills from entering drains, sewers, or waterways
Spill Cleanup: Sweep up and place in a suitable, labeled container; avoid raising dust during collection, clean area with water
Disposal: Dispose of in compliance with local and federal regulations for non-hazardous waste

Handling and Storage

Handling: Handle with care to avoid dust formation, keep containers tightly closed, do not eat, drink, or smoke during use, wash hands after handling
Technical Measures: Use local exhaust or adequate ventilation to minimize dust; keep away from incompatible materials
Storage Conditions: Store in original, well-sealed containers in a dry, cool, well-ventilated area; keep away from moisture, acids, and strong oxidizers
Packaging: Use suitable containers made of materials like plastic or glass; avoid damaged packaging to prevent spillage

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No established OSHA or ACGIH exposure limits for ferrous gluconate
Engineering Controls: Provide local exhaust ventilation where dust may be generated
Personal Protection: Use protective gloves, safety goggles, and dust mask or respirator in dusty environments
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before eating or drinking; remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse
Environmental Exposure Controls: Avoid release to the environment; use proper waste management practices

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Grayish-green to yellowish-gray powder or granules
Odor: Odorless
pH (1% solution): 4.0 – 5.0
Melting Point: Decomposes without melting above 190°C
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Solubility: Soluble in water; practically insoluble in alcohol
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Relative Density: Approximately 1.8 g/cm³
Other Properties: Hygroscopic, can absorb moisture from the air, stable under recommended conditions

Stability and Reactivity

Reactivity: Stable under normal conditions
Chemical Stability: Stable under standard temperatures and pressures; avoid exposure to excessive moisture
Hazardous Reactions: No dangerous reactions expected with normal use
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong oxidizers
Decomposition Products: Releases iron oxides and carbon oxides at high temperatures

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Moderate oral toxicity due to iron content; LD50 (oral, rat): >2,000 mg/kg
Chronic Effects: Prolonged overconsumption may result in iron overload, harming liver and pancreas; no evidence of carcinogenicity
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, eye or skin contact
Symptoms: Gastrointestinal distress from acute ingestion, minor irritation through skin or eyes
Sensitization: Not classified as a skin or respiratory sensitizer
Other Effects: Product not listed on IARC, NTP, or OSHA carcinogen lists

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Low toxicity to aquatic and terrestrial life at typical exposure levels
Persistence: Biodegradable in the environment, breaks down to iron oxides and gluconic acid
Bioaccumulation: Iron accumulates in biological systems only under repeated high exposure
Mobility: Mobile in soil and water, especially under acidic conditions
Aquatic Toxicity: No significant acute or chronic toxicity to aquatic organisms reported, iron may promote algal blooms if present in large quantities

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Can be disposed as non-hazardous waste, in accordance with local, regional, and national legislation
Container Disposal: Empty containers may be disposed of as general waste after thorough cleaning
Special Considerations: Prevent large quantities from entering water systems; consider incineration or landfill for large-scale industrial waste, following regulatory requirements
Recycling: Not applicable for individual users, viable at scale for industrial by-products

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated for transport
Shipping Name: Ferrous Gluconate
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified
Packing Group: Not applicable
Environmental Hazards: Not considered marine pollutant
Transport Precautions: Avoid generating dust while loading and unloading, use dry equipment

Regulatory Information

OSHA Status: Not regulated as hazardous under OSHA
TSCA: Listed in the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Inventory
SARA Title III: Not subject to reporting under Sections 302, 304, 313
California Proposition 65: Not listed
WHMIS Classification (Canada): Not controlled
Food Additive Regulation: Approved by FDA for use in food, follows good manufacturing practice conditions
Other State or International Regulations: Refer to local and national guidelines for safe handling and disposal practices