Material Safety Data Sheet: Calcium Propionate
Identification
Product Name: Calcium Propionate
Chemical Formula: C6H10CaO4
Synonyms: Calcium dipropionate, Propionic acid calcium salt
CAS Number: 4075-81-4
Recommended Use: Preservative for food, Feed additive, Industrial applications
Supplier Information: Manufacturer’s address and emergency telephone details available through supply chain documentation
Hazard Identification
GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS
Signal Word: None
Hazard Statements: Non-flammable, low toxicity; may cause irritation to eyes, skin, and respiratory system at high concentrations
Precautionary Statements: Avoid contact with eyes, minimize dust generation, use in well-ventilated areas
Composition / Information on Ingredients
Substance: Calcium Propionate
Chemical Percentage: Typically over 98% pure
Impurities: Trace amounts of water, propionic acid may be present as residuals
First Aid Measures
Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air, seek medical advice if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash affected area with water and soap
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously under water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if fitted, seek medical attention if irritation remains
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, get medical attention if large amounts swallowed or discomfort occurs
Fire-Fighting Measures
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, carbon dioxide, dry chemical
Fire Hazards: Material not considered flammable, decomposes at high temperatures releasing carbon oxides and irritating fumes
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Accidental Release Measures
Personal Protection: Avoid breathing dust, wear appropriate PPE including gloves and safety goggles
Environmental Precautions: Prevent runoff into waterways, inform relevant authorities if significant contamination occurs
Cleanup Methods: Sweep up or vacuum spilled material, place in containers for disposal, ventilate area and wash spill area with water
Handling and Storage
Handling: Maintain local exhaust, minimize dust formation, avoid inhalation or skin contact
Storage: Store in tightly closed containers in dry, cool, and well-ventilated areas, separate from acids and humidity sources, avoid exposure to direct sunlight
Exposure Controls and Personal Protection
Exposure Limits: No specific occupational exposure limits established for calcium propionate by OSHA or ACGIH
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust or general ventilation to control dust
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety goggles, dust mask or respirator, chemical-resistant gloves, protective clothing recommended in sustained handling scenarios
Physical and Chemical Properties
Appearance: White crystalline powder
Odor: Faint odor of propionic acid
pH: pH 7–9 (10% solution)
Solubility: Soluble in water
Melting Point: Decomposes above 330°C, does not exhibit definitive melting point
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes before boiling)
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at ambient temperature
Density: Approx. 1.16 g/cm³
Flash Point: Not flammable
Other Data: Stable under normal conditions
Stability and Reactivity
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal temperatures and storage conditions
Incompatibilities: Strong acids, strong oxidizing agents
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, propionic acid fumes
Polymerization: Product does not undergo hazardous polymerization
Toxicological Information
Acute Toxicity: Low oral toxicity (LD50 rat > 3000 mg/kg)
Inhalation: Dust may produce mild irritation of respiratory tract at high concentrations
Skin Contact: Prolonged contact may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals
Eye Contact: May cause irritation, redness, watering
Chronic Effects: No chronic toxicity symptoms at typical exposure levels
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Ecological Information
Ecotoxicity: Product is considered to have low environmental toxicity, quickly biodegrades in soil
Aquatic Toxicity: Low toxicity to aquatic life in tested concentrations
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable by soil and water microorganisms
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low likelihood of bioaccumulation
Mobility in Soil: Mobile in water, disperses readily
Disposal Considerations
Disposal Methods: Dispose of unused material in accordance with local, regional, national, and international regulations
Container Disposal: Rinse containers thoroughly before disposal or recycling, prevent release into sewers or waterways
Transport Information
UN Number: Not regulated as hazardous for transport
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified
Packing Group: Not classified
Shipping Name: Calcium Propionate
Additional Requirements: Protect from moisture during transport, standard care for dry chemicals applies
Regulatory Information
TSCA Status: Listed on the US TSCA inventory
DSL/NDSL (Canada): Listed
REACH (EU): Registered under EC 1907/2006
Other Regulations: Not subject to specific regulatory thresholds for hazards, meets requirements for food-grade use as approved by FDA and EFSA
