MSDS: Magnesium Chloride Prill

Identification

Product Name: Magnesium Chloride Prill
Chemical Name: Magnesium Dichloride
Synonyms: MgCl2, Magnesium Chloride Hexahydrate
CAS Number: 7786-30-3
Recommended Uses: Ice melt, dust control, concrete set accelerator, de-icing agent, desiccant
Supplier Info: Manufacturer or distributor contact, emergency phone number available on request for rapid response
UN Number: Not regulated (when not in solution)

Hazard Identification

Hazard Classification: Not considered hazardous under normal conditions, but may cause mild irritation to eyes, skin, or respiratory system
GHS Label Elements: No pictogram required, though safety advisories apply
Potential Health Effects: Prolonged skin contact can cause dryness or irritation, ingestion in large quantities may result in gastrointestinal discomfort or disturbance, inhalation of significant amounts of dust may cause mild respiratory irritation
Environmental Hazards: Large quantities may affect aquatic systems by increasing salinity, but not classified as environmentally hazardous at standard usage levels

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Identity: Magnesium Chloride (MgCl2)
Concentration: Typically 95–100% as prill
Impurities: Hydrated water content commonly present, minor traces of calcium, sodium, and potassium salts may exist
Additives: None commonly included unless specified by manufacturer

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air, seek medical attention for persistent cough, respiratory discomfort, or if symptoms worsen
Eye Contact: Rinse held-open eyes with low-pressure water for several minutes, consult a physician if irritation persists
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash affected area with soap and water, apply moisturizer if dryness occurs
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, seek medical advice if large amount ingested or if symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, or diarrhea develop

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, or dry chemical as appropriate for surrounding fire, magnesium chloride itself does not burn
Specific Hazards: At high temperatures, may release hydrogen chloride gas, which is irritating and corrosive
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing
Unusual Fire Hazards: Avoid contact with reactive metals and strong oxidizers under fire conditions

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use adequate ventilation, wear gloves, goggles, and dust masks to prevent contact and inhalation
Environmental Precautions: Prevent significant quantities from reaching watercourses or drains
Cleanup Methods: Sweep or vacuum up spilled material, store in suitable container for disposal; avoid generating airborne dust; wash area with water afterwards to disperse residue

Handling and Storage

Handling: Avoid dust generation, minimize prolonged skin contact, wash hands before eating or drinking
Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location away from moisture and incompatible substances, such as strong acids and oxidizers, ensure container integrity to prevent moisture ingress, which may cause clumping
Incompatibilities: Keep away from reactive metals like sodium, potassium, and acids that can release corrosive hydrogen chloride gas on contact

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No established OSHA or ACGIH exposure limits for magnesium chloride, but nuisance dust limits may apply: PEL: 15 mg/m³ (total dust), 5 mg/m³ (respirable fraction)
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation or process enclosures in dusty conditions
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety glasses or goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, dust mask or respirator (NIOSH-approved) for significant exposure, protective clothing to prevent skin contact
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after handling; avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in work area; remove contaminated clothing promptly

Physical and Chemical Properties

Physical State: Solid prills (small, round, white pellets)
Odor: Odorless
Melting Point: 714 °C (anhydrous); hexahydrate variant melts at lower temperature
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Solubility: Highly soluble in water, exothermic reaction when dissolving
Density: Approx. 2.3 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at ambient temperature
pH (10% solution): Typically 8–9
Appearance: White or nearly white round pellets, non-hygroscopic in pure form though may absorb moisture over time

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Reactivity: Reacts with strong acids to release hydrogen chloride gas, violent reaction possible with alkali metals and strong oxidizers
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Hydrogen chloride gas may form on thermal decomposition or contact with acids
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive moisture, contact with incompatible substances, extreme heat

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Low toxicity, estimated oral LD₅₀ (rat): >2800 mg/kg, amounts routinely encountered in workplace or public applications pose minimal risk
Skin Contact: Slight irritation may occur with prolonged or repeated exposure
Eye Contact: May cause temporary irritation, redness, or discomfort
Inhalation: Inhaling dust can irritate nasal passages and throat; no chronic effects expected from typical exposure levels
Ingestion: Large amounts may cause diarrhea, nausea, abdominal cramps; magnesium salts can act as a laxative
Chronic Effects: No evidence of sensitization, carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or reproductive toxicity under normal use conditions

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Increases salinity of water bodies, potentially affecting aquatic life at high concentrations
Persistence and Degradability: Dissolves and dissociates into magnesium and chloride ions, does not bioaccumulate
Mobility: Highly mobile in water; ions move freely in soil and water systems
Bioaccumulation: Not bioaccumulative
Environmental Fate: Excessive use on roads or land can contribute to soil and water salinization, which can affect sensitive plants and animals

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose in accordance with national, state, and local regulations; small quantities may be diluted with water and flushed to sewer where permitted
Container Disposal: Non-hazardous containers may be recycled or disposed of as non-hazardous waste after ensuring complete removal of product residue
Special Considerations: Minimize environmental release, avoid disposal near surface water or sensitive vegetation

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated as a hazardous material for land, air, or sea transport
Proper Shipping Name: Magnesium Chloride Prill
Hazard Class: Not classified
Packing Group: Not applicable
Special Precautions: Ensure containers are sealed and protected from moisture; prevent spillage in transit

Regulatory Information

TSCA Status: Listed on US Toxic Substances Control Act inventory
SARA Title III: Not listed as a reportable substance, not subject to Section 302, 304, 313
OSHA: Not classified as a hazardous chemical
REACH: Registered in the EU, no specific restrictions for intended uses
Canadian DSL: Listed
Other Regulations: Product use as road salt, dust suppressant, or industrial chemical may require compliance with local and state regulations regarding application and runoff