MSDS: Propylene Glycol Alginate Ester

Identification

Product Name: Propylene Glycol Alginate Ester
Chemical Family: Alginic acid derivatives
Common Names: PGA, Propylene glycol alginate
Recommended Use: Food additive, Stabilizer, Thickener
Supplier: Contact details for local distributor, address, emergency number
CAS Number: 9005-37-2

Hazard Identification

Hazard Classification: Not classified as hazardous according to OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
Signal Word: None
Hazard Statements: No known significant effects or critical hazards
Pictograms: None
Precautionary Statements: Prevent dust formation, avoid inhalation of powder
Health Hazards: May cause minor irritation to respiratory tract if inhaled as dust
Environmental Hazards: Not expected to be hazardous to environment in normal use; spills in bulk may create slip hazard

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Ingredient: Propylene Glycol Alginate Ester
Content: 95–100% by weight
Synonyms: PGA
Impurities: Minor levels of water, propylene glycol, sodium chloride
Molecular Formula: Variable; depends on esterification degree
Relevant CAS Numbers: 9005-37-2 for principal component

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove to fresh air. Consult a doctor if symptoms persist.
Skin Contact: Wash off with soap and running water. Seek medical advice for persistent irritation.
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of running water, holding eyelids apart. Remove contact lenses. Get medical attention if discomfort continues.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth. Do not induce vomiting. Drink plenty of water. Seek medical attention for large ingestions or symptoms.
Symptoms: May include mild irritation, sneezing, coughing, or discomfort

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry powder, foam, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: None known for small quantities
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, possible small amounts of aldehydes
Fire Fighting Instructions: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing
Special Hazards: Powder can form explosive mixtures with air in confined spaces; accumulated dust may present a minor risk in presence of ignition source
Additional Advice: Avoid breathing smoke, stay upwind in case of large fire, use extinguishing methods appropriate for surrounding fire

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Prevent dust formation, ventilate area, use suitable PPE to avoid inhalation or contact
Environmental Precautions: Prevent bulk product from entering waterways or sewers
Containment Methods: Sweep or vacuum up spilled product using methods minimizing dust generation
Clean Up Methods: Collect in a suitable, closed container for reuse or disposal
Decontamination: Wash area with water after removal
Spill Size Considerations: For small spills in workplace, routine cleaning is generally adequate; for large spills, isolate area and follow regulatory requirements

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use in well-ventilated area, avoid generating dust, minimize exposure by wearing protective equipment, use local exhaust ventilation where necessary
Storage Conditions: Store in dry, cool, well-ventilated place, keep tightly closed in original packaging
Incompatible Materials: Avoid strong oxidizers; prevent moisture ingress to avoid clumping
Packaging Materials: Use polyethylene-lined bags or drums as commonly recommended by suppliers
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands before eating, drinking or smoking; remove contaminated clothing

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No official exposure limit established, treat as nuisance dust (10 mg/m3 total dust ACGIH TLV)
Engineering Controls: Employ dust extraction systems, local exhaust, general ventilation
Respiratory Protection: Dust mask for nuisance particulate; use NIOSH-approved respirator if high airborne concentrations occur
Eye Protection: Safety glasses or goggles recommended
Hand Protection: Standard industrial gloves
Skin Protection: Suitable long-sleeved clothing
Additional PPE: Protective footwear in bulk handling areas

Physical and Chemical Properties

Physical Form: Off-white to light tan powder or granules
Odor: Slightly characteristic, bland
pH: 3.0–4.5 (1% aqueous solution)
Solubility: Dispersible or partially soluble in cold water
Melting Point: Decomposes before melting; no defined melting point
Boiling Point: Not applicable (polymer)
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Density: 1.2–1.4 g/cm3
Flash Point: Not determined/not flammable under normal conditions
Autoignition Temperature: Not established
Explosive Properties: Fine dust may create explosion hazard in confined spaces
Other Properties: Hygroscopic, clumps if exposed to moisture

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions of use and storage
Reactivity: Not reactive with most common substances
Hazardous Reactions: None known under recommended conditions
Conditions to Avoid: High humidity/moisture, excessive heat, open flames in areas with airborne dust
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents
Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, small amounts of formaldehyde or other aldehydes under strong heating

Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin and eye contact, ingestion
Acute Toxicity: Not expected to be acutely toxic; studies report oral LD50 in rats >5,000 mg/kg
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Not classified; no significant hazard observed
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Mechanical irritation possible
Respiratory Sensitization: Not established; dust can irritate respiratory tract
Ingestion: Large amounts may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort
Long-Term Effects: No significant chronic toxicity reported; not carcinogenic or mutagenic in available studies

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Not expected to be acutely harmful to aquatic or terrestrial life
Persistence/Degradability: Biodegradable under environmental conditions
Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate due to high water solubility and breakdown by natural processes
Mobility in Soil: Readily disperses in water; low mobility in particulate form
Other Harmful Effects: Bulk release may cause temporary water cloudiness, not considered a major risk to environment

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Collect product and send for landfill disposal or incineration in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations
Waste Code: Not regulated as hazardous waste in most jurisdictions
Safe Handling for Disposal: Prevent dust generation, avoid release to environment
Packaging Disposal: Rinse and recycle or dispose of according to local guidelines
Reuse/Recycling: Possible if uncontaminated and within shelf life

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated for transport
UN Proper Shipping Name: Not applicable
Transport Hazard Class: Not a hazardous material
Packing Group: Not assigned
Environmental Hazards: Not considered hazardous for transportation
Special Precautions: Secure packaging to prevent tearing or moisture ingress; protect from rain and rough handling
Transport Regulations: Compliant with standard transport guidelines for non-dangerous goods (road, air, sea)

Regulatory Information

US Regulations: Listed in FDA (21 CFR 184.1660) as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for food use; not listed under SARA Title III or CERCLA
EU Regulations: Identified as E405, permitted as a food additive under Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012
Other Jurisdictions: Approved as a food additive in Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries; requirements may differ
Label Requirements: Accurate chemical name, batch number, safety precautions
Worker Safety: OSHA-compliant in labeling and handling, employers must provide appropriate hazard information
Inventory Listings: TSCA, EINECS/ELINCS, AICS, DSL/NDSL, ENCS, IECSC as required for global compliance