Material Safety Data Sheet for Zinc Gluconate USP

Identification

Product Name: Zinc Gluconate USP
Chemical Name: Zinc D-gluconate
Synonyms: D-Gluconic acid zinc salt
Molecular Formula: C12H22O14Zn
Molecular Weight: 455.68 g/mol
CAS Number: 4468-02-4
Manufactured by: Major pharmaceutical suppliers globally
Recommended Use: Nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications, zinc supplement
Emergency Phone Number: Reach out through local poison control or emergency services
Contact Details: Refer to supplier documentation or company safety officer

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous according to OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
Signal Word: Not required
Health Hazards: Ingestion in large amounts can cause nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal discomfort
Eye Contact: May lead to mild, temporary irritation
Skin Contact: Non-irritant for healthy skin, can trigger minor irritation on prolonged exposure
Inhalation: Dust can irritate upper respiratory tract, provoke slight coughing or dryness
Chronic Exposure: Overuse through supplements may disrupt copper absorption, inhibit immune response
Label Elements: Not regulated, but keep basic caution statements present

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Composition: Zinc Gluconate (≥97%)
Other Components: Water content up to 11%, minute presence of impurities (chloride, sulfate, lead, arsenic, cadmium—well below pharmacopoeial limits)
Ingredient Purpose: Delivers bioavailable zinc, dissolves readily in water

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to area with fresh air, loosen collars or belts, seek medical help if breathing becomes difficult
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water to dilute, do not induce vomiting, consult physician for severe cases
Skin Contact: Wash exposed skin with plenty of soap and water, remove contaminated clothing
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present, continue rinsing
Medical Notes: Allergic reactions are rare, look for any persistent irritation or discomfort, consult a healthcare professional if symptoms do not abate

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, CO2, dry chemical, foam
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: None known for this chemical
Specific Hazards: Product does not ignite easily, forms carbon oxides and zinc oxide fumes when under strong fire
Protective Equipment: Firefighters use self-contained breathing apparatus, chemical protective clothing
Additional Guidelines: Keep containers cool with water spray, stay clear of dust-laden smoke

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear dust masks, gloves, eye protection
Spill Cleanup Methods: Gather spilled material using a vacuum with HEPA filter or shovel, avoid generating dust
Environment Prevention: Prevent from entering drains and waterways; collect material for disposal
Disposal: Place in labelled waste container, follow local regulations for non-hazardous laboratory chemical disposal

Handling and Storage

Handling Precautions: Minimize creation and inhalation of dust, practice good industrial hygiene, wash hands after handling
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed container, shelter from moisture and sunlight, temperature below 30°C
Technical Measures: Keep away from incompatible substances like oxidizers
Packaging: Use pharmaceutical grade packaging to prevent moisture ingress
Special Requirements: Dedicated, labelled area for storage, segregate from physical hazards

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Ensure good ventilation in working area, use local exhaust if airborne dust becomes significant
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety glasses or goggles, gloves, dust mask or N95 respirator with frequent powder work
Exposure Limits: No established Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) exposure limit specific to zinc gluconate; refer to general nuisance dust (<10 mg/m³ total dust, <5 mg/m³ respirable fraction)
Hygiene Measures: Do not eat, drink, or smoke during handling, wash thoroughly with soap and water before breaks and after task completion

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless
pH value: 5.5–7.5 (10% solution in water)
Solubility: Freely soluble in water, insoluble in ethanol
Melting Point: Decomposes above 200°C
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes)
Density: 1.7–1.9 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Not relevant (solid material)
Flash Point: Not flammable
Odor Threshold: Not determined
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): Not determined

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage, susceptible to decomposition in excessive heat or moisture
Reactivity: Non-reactive in typical conditions
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong oxidizers, strong reducing agents
Hazardous Decomposition: Emits carbon oxides, zinc oxide at high temperature
Polymerization: Will not occur

Toxicological Information

Likely Exposure Routes: Ingestion, inhalation, skin and eye contact
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 in rats estimated > 5000 mg/kg, relatively low acute toxicity
Irritation: May cause mild irritation to eyes, throat, respiratory tract on heavy exposure
Chronic Toxicity: Long-term ingestion of large doses can disrupt copper metabolism, induce anemia, reduce immune function
Carcinogenicity: Zinc salts are not listed as carcinogens by IARC, NTP, ACGIH, OSHA
Reproductive Toxicity: No reliable evidence for zinc gluconate at standard supplemental levels
Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, upset stomach at excessive doses

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicology: Zinc salts may be toxic to aquatic organisms at high concentrations
Persistence and Degradability: Rapidly dissociates in water to zinc ion and gluconate, gluconate biodegradable
Bioaccumulation: Zinc does not bioaccumulate remarkably in higher organisms
Mobility in Soil: Zinc ion mobile in some soil types, binds to clay and organic matter
Other Adverse Effects: Avoid significant environmental release, prevent entry into lakes, streams, and soil

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose of unused or contaminated material in accordance with local, regional, or national regulations
Container Disposal: Rinse empty containers before recycling or discarding
Sewage Disposal: Do not discharge to drainage systems or watercourses
Special Precautions: Work with registered waste management companies or authorized disposal facilities

Transport Information

Road/Rail/Sea/Air Transport: Not regulated as a hazardous cargo according to ADR, IMDG, IATA, DOT regulations
UN Number: Not assigned
Packing Group: Not applicable
Transportation Precautions: Avoid spillage, keep packaging intact and tightly closed during transit
Labelling: Mark and identify according to local laws for traceability

Regulatory Information

TSCA Status: Listed in the United States TSCA inventory
FDA: Approved for dietary supplement use, must follow good manufacturing and control practices
OSHA: Not classified as hazardous
WHMIS (Canada): Not controlled
EU Regulations: REACH compliant, not listed under Annex XIV or XVII
Other: Meets quality and purity standards defined by national or regional pharmacopeias
Labelling: Comply with relevant regional and international requirements for food ingredients or pharmaceutical excipients