Product Name: Chitosan
Chemical Formula: (C6H11NO4)n
CAS Number: 9012-76-4
Common Uses: Water purification, biomedical materials, food additives, agricultural treatments, pharmaceuticals
Supplier: Refer to your local distributor or manufacturing source
Synonyms: Poly-(D-glucosamine), Deacetylated chitin
Contact Information: Reference SDS issuer with address and emergency phone number
Recommended Use: Ingredient in biomedicine, filtration, cosmetics, and agriculture
Classification: Not hazardous according to GHS criteria
Physical Hazards: Dust can cause irritation of eyes, nose, throat
Acute Health Hazards: Eye and respiratory tract irritation from inhalation; skin redness possible from contact
Chronic Effects: No evidence of long-term health hazards from regular handling
Label Elements: Non-flammable, non-toxic, avoid generating dust
Other Hazards: May provoke allergic reaction in sensitive individuals
Pictograms: Not required by OSHA or EU CLP due to low hazard level
Chemical Identity: Chitosan
Purity: Typically 85-98% deacetylated chitin
Deacetylation Degree: 75%-95%
Molecular Weight: Varies from 50,000 to 2,000,000 Da
Impurities: Trace chitin, minerals, water (≤10%), possible protein residues depending on source
Ingredient Breakdown: Main component is chitosan polymer; may include less than 1% residual acetic acid or heavy metals depending on supplier and purification process
Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air; support breathing if necessary; seek medical attention for persistent discomfort
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing; wash affected area with water and mild soap; consult medical attention if redness persists
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes gently with plenty of water for several minutes; remove contact lenses if present; seek help if irritation continues
Ingestion: Rinse mouth; drink water to dilute; get medical help if symptoms occur
Most Important Symptoms: Irritation of mucous membranes, especially in those with prior allergies to crustaceans or shellfish
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Media: High-pressure water may spread dust
Unusual Hazards: Dust can form explosive mixtures with air in confined spaces
Protective Equipment: Full protective clothing, self-contained breathing apparatus for large fires
Special Risks: Combustion can create carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, organic nitrogen compounds
Advice for Firefighters: Avoid inhaling combustion products; keep containers cool with water spray
Personal Precautions: Wear protective mask, goggles, and gloves to prevent irritation and contact; avoid breathing dust
Environmental Precautions: Prevent product from entering drains or waterways; minimize airborne dust
Cleanup Methods: Sweep or shovel into labeled containers; use dust suppressants or dampen to reduce airborne spread; ventilate spill area; dispose in line with local regulations
Precautions for Safe Handling: Avoid raising dust; keep container tightly closed; use local exhaust when processing
Safe Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry, ventilated space; avoid humidity and water exposure; keep away from strong oxidizers and acids
Other Control Measures: Use nonsparking tools; employ cleanliness to reduce dust buildup; segregate from food and feed
Occupational Exposure Limits: No official OSHA or ACGIH limit; general dust limit applies (10 mg/m³ for total dust)
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation; use process enclosures if needed
Personal Protective Equipment: Dust mask, safety goggles, nitrile or latex gloves, protective clothing
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands before eating and after work; keep workplace clean; remove contaminated clothing quickly
Appearance: White to pale beige powder or flakes
Odor: Practically odorless; faint marine note possible
pH (1% solution): 4-6.5
Melting Point: Decomposes before melting (approx. 260°C)
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Solubility: Insoluble in water at neutral pH, soluble in acids (e.g., acetic acid)
Density: 0.15–0.30 g/cm³ (bulk)
Flash Point: Not flammable
Auto-Ignition Temperature: Data not available
Explosive Limits: Not determined due to low volatility
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions
Reactivity: No rapid reactivity under standard conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, moisture, strong acids, and oxidizing agents
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, strong acids
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen compounds, amines at high temperature
Acute Toxicity: Low toxicity; LD50 (oral, rat) > 5,000 mg/kg
Skin Irritation: Low; mild reversible redness possible on prolonged contact
Eye Irritation: Can cause temporary discomfort
Respiratory Effects: Inhaling dust may aggravate existing allergies or asthma
Chronic Exposure: No evidence of carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or other long-term risks in animal studies
Allergenic Potential: Elevated risk in those with shellfish allergies
Other Information: Non-carcinogen per IARC and NTP
Aquatic Toxicity: Biodegradable, minimal hazard in water; used in water purification
Persistence: Rapidly breaks down in environment; does not bioaccumulate
Mobility in Soil: Limited mobility; binds with soil particles
Bioaccumulation: Negligible risk due to rapid degradation
Environmental Fate: Decomposes to glucosamine and other non-toxic compounds
Other Effects: Safe for aquatic and terrestrial organisms at expected concentrations
Waste Handling: Dispose in accordance with national, regional, and local regulations
Unused Product: Landfill or incineration in authorized facility
Contaminated Packaging: Decontaminate and recycle, or dispose as solid waste
Precautions: Do not release large amounts into waterways; keep dust to a minimum during disposal
UN Number: Not regulated
Shipping Name: Chitosan, not classified as hazardous
Transport Hazard Class: None assigned
Packing Group: Not applicable
Environmental Hazards During Transit: None expected
Special Transport Precautions: Keep containers sealed and dry; protect from moisture
Regulatory Status: No restrictions for air, sea, truck, or train shipment
TSCA: Listed
DSL (Canada): Listed
REACH (EU): Registered or exempt as naturally derived polymer
OSHA Status: Not hazardous
WHMIS Classification (Canada): Not controlled
Other Regulations: Does not require labeling under GHS or CLP for consumer use; FDA GRAS status for selected food applications; EFSA approved for specific uses
Regional Restrictions: Check country-specific standards for food, pharmaceutical, or agricultural application