Product Name: Cochineal Red (also known as Carmine, CI 75470, Natural Red 4)
Chemical Family: Anthraquinone dye derived from cochineal insects
Synonyms: Carmine lake, Natural Red 4, Crimson Lake
Recommended Use: Food coloring, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, textile dye
Manufacturer Information: Supplier contact details required for emergencies
Emergency Telephone Number: Local Poison Control Center or chemical emergency line
GHS Classification: Eye Irritant Category 2B, Skin Sensitizer Category 1
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: May cause allergic reactions upon skin contact; causes moderate eye irritation
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, fume, or spray; wash hands thoroughly after handling; wear protective gear if necessary
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin and eye contact, ingestion
Potential Health Effects: Redness, itching, swelling, respiratory irritation if inhaled
Main Active Ingredient: Carmine (Color Index No. 75470)
Chemical Formula: C22H20O13
Typical Concentration: 50%–98% carminic acid
Other Components: Protein traces from insect bodies, calcium carbonate as a stabilizer, neutral salts
Impurities: Carminic acid byproducts, trace heavy metals (controlled as per food-grade standards)
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air; seek medical attention for persistent symptoms such as coughing or wheezing
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water; consult a physician if large amounts swallowed or for sensitive individuals
Skin Contact: Wash with plenty of water and mild soap; remove contaminated clothing; seek medical advice for rash or irritation
Eye Contact: Rinse thoroughly with water for several minutes; remove contact lenses if present and easy to do; continue rinsing and get medical help if irritation persists
Special Notes for Physicians: Treat symptomatically based on exposure route and clinical signs
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, carbon dioxide, dry chemical, or foam
Special Hazards: May release irritating dust or fumes at high temperatures; combustible dust hazard in dry powder form
Fire-Fighting Instructions: Wear full protective clothing with self-contained breathing apparatus
Explosion Hazard: High concentrations of airborne powder may present a dust explosion risk in confined spaces
Thermal Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrous gases
Personal Precautions: Evacuate area if needed; avoid inhalation and direct contact
Protective Equipment: Wear dust mask, gloves, protective eyewear
Methods for Containment: Collect spilled powder carefully; avoid generating dust
Methods for Cleanup: Sweep up material and transfer to containers for disposal; ventilate area and wash spill site after material pick-up
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains, sewers, and waterways; report large releases to local authorities as needed
Handling: Use local exhaust ventilation when handling powders; keep container tightly closed; minimize dust generation; avoid prolonged or repeated skin contact
Storage: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area; protect from light and moisture; keep away from strong oxidizers; avoid storage near combustible materials
Special Requirements: Use only with proper labeling and in accordance with regulatory standards for food or lab use
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids or bases, strong oxidizing agents
Exposure Limits: No established occupational exposure limit for carmine; consider general nuisance dust limit (10 mg/m³ for total dust, 5 mg/m³ for respirable fraction)
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, containment for powder transfers
Personal Protective Equipment: Dust mask (NIOSH-approved) for powder handling; chemical safety goggles; nitrile gloves; lab coat or apron
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling; avoid eating, drinking, or smoking during use
Environmental Controls: Prevent accidental releases from entering watercourses
Appearance: Bright red to purple-red powder
Odor: Slight, characteristic
Odor Threshold: Not determined
pH (1% solution): 4.5 – 5.5
Melting Point/Freezing Point: Decomposes before melting, typically above 210°C
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes)
Flash Point: Not applicable
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Flammability: Not classified as highly flammable; powder can combust if dispersed and exposed to ignition source
Explosive Properties: Combustible dust hazard if suspended in air
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Solubility: Water soluble; more soluble in alkaline solutions
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not determined
Relative Density: 0.5 – 1.0 (bulk powder)
Viscosity: Not applicable
Chemical Stability: Stable when stored in sealed containers under recommended conditions
Reactivity: Non-reactive under normal storage and usage
Hazardous Reactions: None under recommended handling procedures
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids and bases
Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen oxides form upon heating or burning
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, open flames, static discharge, contact with incompatible chemicals
Acute Toxicity: Practically non-toxic by oral, dermal, or inhalation routes (LD50 in rats: typically above 5,000 mg/kg)
Skin Contact: May cause allergic dermatitis or irritation in sensitive individuals
Eye Contact: Causes mild to moderate eye irritation
Inhalation: Can trigger respiratory symptoms or allergic reactions in some users
Chronic Effects: Allergic reactions reported in occupational exposure; not classified as a carcinogen or mutagen
Medical Conditions Aggravated: Individuals with known allergies or asthma
Additional Information: No teratogenic, mutagenic, or reproductive toxicity reported in common studies
Aquatic Toxicity: Low toxicity in aquatic environments; expected to degrade slowly
Persistence and Degradability: Moderately persistent; breaks down under UV and microbial action
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low due to high water solubility and breakdown in the environment
Mobility in Soil: High water solubility suggests mobility through soil, but binds to organic material
Other Adverse Effects: Minimal risk at typical release concentrations; improper disposal can result in color contamination of water bodies
Disposal Methods: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations for dyes and coloring agents
Waste Treatment: Incineration or landfill at approved facilities; treat as non-hazardous industrial waste if uncontaminated
Container Disposal: Clean and triple-rinse containers before disposal or recycling
Precautions: Avoid release to surface water or sewer systems; report large spills as required
UN Number: Not regulated under standard international transport regulations
UN Proper Shipping Name: Not classified as dangerous goods
Transport Hazard Class: Not applicable
Packing Group: Not applicable
Environmental Hazards: Product does not require special precautions for bulk transport
Special Precautions: Transport in sealed containers; secure cargo to prevent breakage or spills
Labelling Requirements: GHS labelling with hazard pictograms and warning statements if required
Inventory Listings: Listed in major chemical inventories (US TSCA, EU EINECS, Japan ENCS, Australia AICS)
Food Regulations: Approved as food colorant under FDA (21 CFR 73.100), EU food additives legislation (E120), and other national agencies with prescribed limits
Occupational Exposure: No occupational exposure limits assigned in most jurisdictions; standard precautions for dusts apply
Environmental Regulations: Use and disposal regulated for potential water color contamination
Other Information: Not classified as carcinogen, reproductive toxin, or acutely toxic under major national or international regulations