Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for Chitin

Identification

Product Name: Chitin
Chemical Family: Polysaccharide polymer
Synonyms: Poly-(β-(1→4)-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine)
CAS Number: 1398-61-4
Recommended Use: Biopolymer applications in agriculture, biomedical, food, and industrial sectors
Manufacturer/Supplier: Refer to supplier’s label
Contact Information: Refer to safety data provided by the supplier or manufacturer
Emergency Contact: Local poison control or emergency numbers in case of accidental exposure or spill

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Not classified as a hazardous chemical under normal handling
Potential Health Hazards: Inhalation may cause minor respiratory irritation; skin contact rarely causes reactions but can trigger allergies in sensitive individuals; accidental eye contact might produce mild irritation; ingestion expected to be of low toxicity but can cause gastrointestinal discomfort if large amounts are consumed
Label Elements: Not subject to mandatory hazard labeling requirements
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust; avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing; wash hands thoroughly after handling
Other Hazards: Dust may form explosive mixtures with air in case of poor ventilation and significant dispersion

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Chitin
PURITY: Typically greater than 90%
Impurities: May contain trace amounts of protein, ash, calcium carbonate, and moisture depending on extraction source
Molecular Formula: (C8H13O5N)n
Molecular Weight: Variable (high molecular weight polymer)

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if symptoms such as coughing or breathing difficulty persist
Skin Contact: Wash affected area with mild soap and water; discontinue use if redness, rash, or irritation develop; consult physician if symptoms do not improve
Eye Contact: Immediately flush eyes with large amounts of clean water for at least 15 minutes; remove contact lenses if present and easy to do; seek medical advice if irritation persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth out with water; drink water to dilute; do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel; seek medical advice if large quantity taken or symptoms arise
Recommendations for Physicians: Treat symptoms; support respiratory and cardiovascular functions if necessary

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical powder, or carbon dioxide
Special Hazards: Combustible as an organic polymer; may form flammable dust clouds; thermal decomposition may release carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen oxides
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Full protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus; avoid inhaling combustion fumes
Firefighting Instructions: Use water spray to cool containers; prevent run-off water from entering sewers or natural waterways

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Avoid inhalation of dust; wear protective mask, gloves, and goggles
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spillage from entering drains or waterways; sweep up spilled material without creating dust
Cleanup Methods: Retrieve mechanically; use vacuum system equipped with HEPA filter for significant quantities; dispose of according to local waste regulations
Methods for Containment: Avoid dispersal of dust into air; isolate spilled area if necessary

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use in a well-ventilated area to reduce dust formation; avoid breathing dust and contact with skin or eyes; enforce good personal hygiene practices
Storage: Store in a cool, dry location, away from combustible or incompatible products; keep containers tightly closed; store in original packaging; avoid excessive humidity and direct sunlight
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents
Special Precautions: Implement safety measures in bulk storage to control dust

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No specific TLV or PEL assigned, but total nuisance dust limits (ACGIH: 10 mg/m3 inhalable, 3 mg/m3 respirable dust) apply
Engineering Controls: Provide local exhaust ventilation, especially during processing; use closed systems for large scale use
Personal Protection: Safety goggles to protect eyes; dust mask or respirator for airborne dust; gloves (disposable nitrile or rubber) recommended; protective clothing if prolonged exposure possible
Hygiene Measures: Clean hands after use; avoid eating, drinking, or smoking during handling

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White to off-white flaky powder or fibrous solid; odorless or faint marine odor
Odor: Negligible
Melting Point: Decomposes above 200°C
Solubility: Insoluble in water, organic solvents; soluble in concentrated acids
pH (1% in water): Neutral to slightly basic
Boiling Point: Not applicable (polymer)
Flash Point: Not available; combustible as organic solid
Density: 1.4-1.45 g/cm3 (approximate)
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Particle Size: Varies by grade and processing (10-300 microns typical)
Auto-ignition Temperature: Above 400°C (varies with conditions)

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Not expected under routine operations; dust may form explosive mixtures with air
Conditions to Avoid: Excess heat, ignition sources, oxidation conditions, and strong acids/bases
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, concentrated mineral acids
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides upon combustion

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Low hazard from ingestion or skin contact in mammals; oral LD50 expected above 5,000 mg/kg (rat)
Chronic Effects: No significant chronic toxicity reported; prolonged inhalation of dust may cause respiratory tract irritation
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogen by IARC, OSHA, ACGIH, or NTP
Mutagenicity: No evidence from available data
Reproductive Toxicity: No evidence from available data
Symptoms of Exposure: Respiratory irritation, possible dermatitis in sensitive individuals, mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Low toxicity to aquatic life and terrestrial organisms; not persistent in environment
Persistence and Degradability: Biodegradable under natural microbial activity
Bioaccumulative Potential: Not expected due to high molecular weight and rapid biodegradation
Mobility in Soil: Limited mobility due to insolubility and polymeric nature
Other Adverse Effects: Not known to contribute to ozone depletion or global warming potential

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Small quantities can be disposed of as non-hazardous solid waste; large amounts should be handled in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations; consult waste management authority
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse and dispose with general waste if permitted or recycle if facility exists
Precautions: Avoid dispersal of dust during disposal

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated for transport
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as dangerous
Packing Group: Not applicable
Proper Shipping Name: Chitin
Environmental Hazards: Not a marine pollutant
Transport Labels: No special markings required under international or domestic transport codes

Regulatory Information

International Inventory Status: Listed in EINECS, TSCA, DSL, and AICS as a biopolymer
Regulation Compliance: Not subject to specific reporting under SARA Title III, CERCLA, or RCRA; not classified under GHS for physical or health hazards
Workplace Regulations: Follow OSHA general requirements for nuisance dust and safe chemical handling
Other Regulatory Information: Generally recognized as safe for use in food contact applications in many regions but subject to food safety laws and country-specific regulations; medical or pharmaceutical uses require compliance with additional standards