Material Safety Data Sheet: Vegan Cobalt Gluconate

Identification

Product Name: Vegan Cobalt Gluconate
Chemical Formula: C12H22CoO14
Synonyms: Cobalt(II) gluconate, Cobalt Gluconate Dihydrate
Recommended Use: Ingredient in dietary supplements, food fortification
Supplier Information: Name, address, and contact number should be provided by the manufacturer or distributor
Emergency Phone: Contact number for emergencies, typically a 24-hour service

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Acute toxicity (oral) Category 4, Skin irritation Category 2, Eye irritation Category 2A, Sensitization, respiratory or skin Category 1
Label Elements: Warning symbol, hazard and precautionary statements
Hazards: Harmful if swallowed, can cause skin irritation, causes serious eye irritation, may cause an allergic skin reaction
Routes of Exposure: Ingestion, inhalation, skin contact, eye contact
Symptoms: Redness, rash, itching, nausea, shortness of breath, abdominal discomfort
Target Organs: Skin, eyes, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Main Ingredient: Cobalt Gluconate
Chemical Identity: Cobalt(II) gluconate
CAS Number: 71957-08-9
Concentration: 95% or higher (purity typically confirmed by supplier)
Impurities: Trace levels of other cobalt salts, water of crystallization; consult certificate of analysis for exact composition

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove person to fresh air; seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen
Skin Contact: Wash area with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing; medical attention if rash or irritation develops
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes, lifting eyelids occasionally; seek medical advice promptly
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting; get medical attention if unwell or if a large quantity has been ingested
Important Symptoms/Effects: Redness, burning, cough, nausea, allergic reaction

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Strong water jets
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon oxides, cobalt oxides
Firefighting Equipment: Self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing
Special Precautions: Avoid inhaling fumes; evacuate area if necessary; prevent contaminated runoff from entering water sources

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear gloves, goggles, lab coat or protective apparel; avoid dust formation
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains, surface water, and soil; notify authorities if large quantities are released
Containment Methods: Sweep up gently or use vacuum with HEPA filter; minimize dust generation
Clean Up: Collect in sealed containers; use damp cloths or absorbent materials for residues; dispose of appropriately

Handling and Storage

Precautions for Handling: Use adequate ventilation; avoid dust and direct skin or eye contact; wash hands after handling
Conditions for Storage: Store tightly sealed in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location away from incompatible substances including strong oxidizing agents and acids
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong oxidizers
Specific Requirements: Keep container clearly labeled; protect from extreme temperatures and moisture

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: Consult national and local guidance for cobalt compounds (there are established occupational exposure values in many regions; for cobalt 0.02 mg/m3 TWA as an example)
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust or general ventilation
Eye Protection: Chemical safety goggles
Skin Protection: Nitrile gloves, lab coat
Respiratory Protection: Dust mask or respirator (N95 or equivalent) if airborne dust is present
General Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly after use; keep food and drink away from the work area

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Fine, pale pink to reddish powder
Odor: Odorless
pH (1% solution): 5 – 8
Melting Point: Decomposes before melting
Boiling Point: Not determined
Solubility: Soluble in water
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Relative Density: Approx. 1.8 g/cm3
Flash Point: Not flammable
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not available
Other Information: Stable under recommended storage conditions, stable in aqueous solution for short periods; degrades under strong acids or bases

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable in normal laboratory and storage conditions
Reactivity: No significant reactivity hazards under normal use
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong oxidizing agents
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Cobalt oxides, carbon oxides when heated or burned
Conditions to Avoid: Excess heat, moisture, improper storage

Toxicological Information

Likely Routes of Exposure: Skin contact, ingestion, inhalation, eye contact
Acute Effects: Harmful if swallowed, may irritate respiratory system, skin, eyes
Chronic Effects: Risk of sensitization with repeated exposure; long-term exposure to cobalt salts linked to adverse effects on the heart and lungs
Symptoms of Exposure: Rash, itching, coughing, nausea, discomfort
LD50 (oral, rat): Value typically not publicly available, but similar cobalt salts show moderate toxicity (consult supplier)
Carcinogenicity: Classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans (IARC Group 2B) based on animal studies for cobalt compounds
Mutagenicity and Reproductive Toxicity: Some evidence of reproductive toxicity in cobalt salts; not enough data for this specific gluconate compound

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Cobalt compounds display moderate to high toxicity toward aquatic organisms including algae and invertebrates
Persistence and Degradability: Gluconate part may biodegrade, but cobalt residue is persistent and can accumulate in soil and sediment
Bioaccumulation Potential: Cobalt ions can bioaccumulate in aquatic life
Mobility in Soil: Moderate, depending on soil characteristics
Other Adverse Effects: Avoid uncontrolled release into the environment; follow local environmental regulations on disposal

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Dispose of solid residues and uncontaminated product through licensed hazardous waste contractor
Contaminated Packaging: Triple rinse, puncture, and dispose as hazardous waste or follow local guidelines
Environmental Precautions: Do not discharge to sewers, surface water, or soil
Recycling/Reuse: Not recommended for food or pharmaceutical use after use due to potential contamination
Regulatory Guidance: Adhere to local, national, and international regulations for heavy metal-containing wastes

Transport Information

UN Number: Not assigned for cobalt gluconate, but regulations on cobalt compounds may apply
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as a dangerous good in most countries for air, sea, or road transport
Packing Group: Not assigned
Special Precautions: Protect from moisture and excessive movement during transport; clearly label all containers
Environmental Hazards: Ensure good packaging to prevent accidental spillage

Regulatory Information

Hazard Communication: Subject to classification and labeling rules under OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (or equivalent in other regions)
Chemical Inventory Listings: Registered under major inventories such as TSCA (USA), EINECS (EU), DSL (Canada)
REACH Status: Registered for appropriate use, if supplied in the EU
Other Regulations: Cobalt compounds may have restriction or reporting requirements due to environmental and human health risk; check local occupational and environmental health regulations for specific limits or guidelines
SARA Title III: Cobalt compounds listed under Section 313 (Toxic Chemical Release Reporting)
Proposition 65 (California): Cobalt and its compounds listed as chemicals known to cause cancer
Workplace Restrictions: Controlled under local occupational exposure laws; regular risk assessments required
Food/Feed Legislation: Only supplied for permitted uses such as vitamin B12 fortification in accordance with food safety authorities; not for medical or veterinary drug formulation without regulatory approval