Magnesium Chloride Spherical Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

Identification

Product Name: Magnesium Chloride Spherical
Chemical Formula: MgCl₂
CAS Number: 7786-30-3
Synonyms: Magnesium dichloride, Bischofite
Recommended Use: Used in deicing, dust control, industrial manufacturing, water treatment, and as a chemical reagent
Manufacturer/Distributor: Typically listed as supplier details including address, emergency phone number
Emergency Phone: Provided by manufacturer or local poison center

Hazard Identification

Hazard Classification: Eye Irritation (Category 2A), Skin Irritation (Category 3), Not classified as toxic by inhalation
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes moderate eye irritation, can cause mild skin irritation, harmful if swallowed in large amounts
Pictograms: Exclamation mark for irritation
Precautionary Statements: Wash hands thoroughly after handling, avoid eye and skin contact, use personal protective equipment
Routes of Exposure: Eyes, skin, ingestion, inhalation (dust form can irritate upper respiratory tract)

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Identity: Magnesium chloride
Percentage: 96%–99% MgCl₂ by weight in spherical form
Other Components: May contain trace amounts of calcium chloride, sodium chloride, moisture

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, seek medical attention if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin with soap and water
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, continue rinsing
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, do not induce vomiting, seek medical advice if large amount swallowed or symptoms occur
Sensitization: No known chronic effects, but prolonged exposure may cause local irritation

Fire-Fighting Measures

Flammability: Not flammable
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use media suitable for surrounding fire, such as water spray, dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide
Specific Hazards: Can release hydrogen chloride and magnesium oxide fumes if exposed to high temperatures
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus
Special Procedures: Contain run-off water to prevent environmental contamination

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate area if dust is generated, wear suitable gloves, safety goggles, and dust mask
Environmental Precautions: Prevent large quantities from entering waterways, alert authorities if accidental contamination occurs
Clean-up Methods: Sweep up carefully to avoid generating dust, shovel into suitable containers for disposal, wash area with plenty of water after collection

Handling and Storage

Handling: Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing, do not eat or drink while handling, use with adequate ventilation
Storage: Store in dry and well-ventilated area, keep container tightly closed, keep away from moisture, incompatible materials include strong oxidizers and acids
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong bases, oxidizing agents; avoid aluminum and steel storage without suitable liners due to possible corrosion

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No established OSHA or ACGIH limits for magnesium chloride, control dust levels as a general safety precaution
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust or general ventilation to keep airborne dust levels below irritant concentrations
Personal Protection: Safety glasses or goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, clean clothing, NIOSH-approved dust mask for dusty environments
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and face thoroughly after handling, launder contaminated clothing before reuse

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White to off-white spheroidal pellets or granules
Odor: Odorless
Odor Threshold: Not applicable
Melting Point: 714°C (1317°F)
Boiling Point: >1400°C (>2552°F)
Density: 2.32 g/cm³
Solubility in Water: Highly soluble (167 g/100 mL at 20°C)
pH: Typically 7–8 (in 5% solution)
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Evaporation Rate: Not relevant
Flash Point: Not applicable
Explosive Limits: Not applicable
Viscosity: Not applicable

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions, hygroscopic (absorbs moisture)
Reactivity: Non-reactive with most materials under normal conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Water/moisture (can cause hardening or caking), excessive heat
Hazardous Reactions: Can react with strong acids to release hydrogen chloride gas
Decomposition Products: Magnesium oxide fumes and hydrogen chloride under fire conditions

Toxicological Information

Likely Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact
Acute Toxicity: LD50 (oral, rat): approximately 2800 mg/kg, relatively low toxicity
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure may cause mild irritation of eyes, skin, respiratory, and digestive tracts
Carcinogenicity: Not classifiable as a human carcinogen
Mutagenicity: Not known to be mutagenic
Other Effects: Large ingestion quantities can lead to nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain; persons with kidney disorders may be at increased risk

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: May be harmful to aquatic life at high concentrations due to increased salinity
Aquatic Toxicity: LC50 (fish, 96hr): >400 mg/L
Degradability: Inorganic salt, fully dissociates in water
Bioaccumulative Potential: Does not bioaccumulate
Mobility in Soil: Highly mobile, dissolves and migrates easily in water
Other Adverse Effects: Spills may alter water and soil salinity, impacting vegetation and aquatic organisms

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose of in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations
Product Disposal: Small quantities can be diluted and flushed with water unless prohibited by regulations, larger volumes should go to an approved landfill or hazardous waste facility
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse thoroughly and recycle or dispose of as required

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated under ADR/RID, IMDG, IATA
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as hazardous for transport
Packing Group: None required
Shipping Name: Magnesium Chloride
Labeling Requirements: None for non-hazardous material
Special Precautions: Prevent package damage, secure against shifting during transport

Regulatory Information

TSCA: Listed on the US TSCA Chemical Inventory
DSL/NDSL (Canada): Listed
EINECS (EU): 232-094-6
OSHA: Not regulated as hazardous
SARA Title III: Not classified as a hazardous substance
California Proposition 65: Not listed
Other Regulations: Complies with relevant EU REACH requirements, not subject to specific labeling under GHS except for mild irritation