Material Safety Data Sheet: Polyaluminium Chloride

Identification

Product Name: Polyaluminium Chloride
Chemical Formula: Aln(OH)mCl(3n-m)
Synonyms: PAC, Polyaluminum chloride, Aluminium hydroxychloride
Recommended Use: Water treatment, paper sizing, deodorizing, industrial effluent clarification
Supplier: Contact local distributor or manufacturer details on outer packaging
Emergency Phone Number: Listed on packaging or local poison control center

Hazard Identification

Classification: Irritant to eyes and skin, harmful if inhaled or ingested
Hazard Statements: Causes severe eye irritation, Skin contact can trigger redness or rash, Impacts respiratory system if fine dust inhaled
Signal Word: Warning
Pictogram: Exclamation mark (GHS07)
Precautionary Statements: Use personal protection, avoid breathing powder, wash thoroughly after handling
Other Hazards: Deliquescent (absorbs moisture from air), increases risk of slipping when spilled

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Component: Polyaluminium Chloride
CAS Number: 1327-41-9
Content (%): 28-32% (as Al2O3)
Impurities: May contain minor amounts of iron, heavy metals below regulatory thresholds; water present

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air, check for breathing difficulties, seek medical attention if persistent cough or irritation develops
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin with plenty of water and mild soap, medical attention for persisting irritation
Eye Contact: Rinse thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes, seek medical advice if irritation continues
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water to dilute dose, do not induce vomiting, get medical help quickly

Fire-Fighting Measures

Flammability: Not combustible, does not produce hazardous gases on burning
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, dry chemical, CO₂, or foam depending on surrounding fire
Protective Equipment: Wear full protective clothing, self-contained breathing apparatus
Special Hazards: Reacts with metals to release hydrogen, reacts exothermically with strong bases, moist powder can make surfaces slippery
Advice for Firefighters: Cool adjacent containers to prevent pressure buildup

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Avoid dust formation and inhalation, ventilate area, wear gloves and safety goggles
Environmental Precautions: Prevent large amounts from entering waterways or soil, notify local authorities if significant spill occurs
Containment: Sweep up material carefully, avoid creating dust clouds, scoop in sealable containers for disposal
Cleaning Methods: Wash area with large amounts of water after collection to avoid residue making floors slippery

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use only with adequate ventilation, handle with gloves and goggles, avoid eating or drinking while handling
Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry area away from incompatible materials (strong alkalis, metals), keep containers tightly closed
Incompatible Materials: Avoid mixing with strong bases or reducing agents, do not store with metal powders
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands and exposed skin before breaks and after handling; change out of contaminated clothing

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Provide local exhaust at points of dust generation, general room ventilation is usually sufficient for low volumes
Personal Protection: Wear suitable protective gloves, safety glasses or goggles, use dust mask (P2/P3 rating) when handling powder
Occupational Exposure Limit: No established TLV for PAC; avoid high airborne concentrations
Other Protective Measures: Wash hands with soap and water after use, keep emergency eyewash and showers nearby

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Pale yellow granules or powder, sometimes liquid form
Odor: Faint, characteristic
pH (1% Solution): 3.5-5.0
Melting Point: Not applicable (decomposes on strong heating)
Solubility: Highly soluble in water
Density: 1.15-1.20 g/cm³ (liquid); 0.8-1.0 g/cm³ (solid)
Boiling Point: Not relevant
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at ambient conditions

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions with container tightly closed
Reactivity: Reacts exothermically with strong bases, may produce heat and hazardous gases with metals or reducing agents
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Hydrochloric acid vapor or aluminum oxide if heated to decomposition
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, humidity, contact with metals or strong bases

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: May cause irritation to mouth, throat, and stomach if swallowed, irritates eyes and skin
Chronic Toxicity: Long-term exposure to dust may impact lung function, no known carcinogenic effects in humans
Symptoms of Exposure: Eye redness, skin rash, difficulty breathing, gastrointestinal upset if ingested
Sensitization: Not established as a skin sensitizer, but individuals with allergies may react
Additional Data: Animal studies indicate moderate oral and dermal toxicity, inhalation hazard with poor ventilation

Ecological Information

Toxicity to Aquatic Organisms: Harmful to aquatic life at high concentrations, particularly due to pH lowering
Persistence and Degradability: PAC hydrolyzes in water, forms insoluble aluminum compounds, does not bioaccumulate
Mobility: Dissolves quickly in water; spilled material can reach groundwater if not contained
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low; aluminum compounds typically precipitate and settle
Other Adverse Effects: Alters water pH, excessive use increases environmental stress in rivers and lakes

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose following local regulations for aluminum salts and chemical waste
Contaminated Packaging: Empty containers must be rinsed several times, then recycled or disposed as hazardous waste
Sewage Disposal: Avoid large quantities in waste water streams, treat with lime or similar neutralizer before discharge
Special Precautions: Consult regional environmental authorities for disposal guidance; recovery and recycling preferred where infrastructure allows

Transport Information

UN Number: Not classified as Dangerous Goods for transport under UN, IMDG, or IATA
Proper Shipping Name: Polyaluminium Chloride
Packing Group: No classification
Transport Hazard Class: Not regulated
Transport Precautions: Keep containers upright, avoid crushing, store away from food and feed during transit

Regulatory Information

Regulatory Status: Subject to chemical regulations under REACH (EU) and TSCA (US), included on EINECS/ELINCS inventories
Labelling: Signal word, hazard statements, and safety advice required under GHS and local standards
Restrictions: Water treatment grades must meet purity standards for potable water use
Employee Protection: Employers should implement training and chemical safety controls
Other Regulatory Notes: Not listed as a hazardous substance for routine transport, but use and discharge are regulated under environmental protection law