Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS): Curcumin

Identification

Product Name: Curcumin
Chemical Name: 1,7-Bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1,6-heptadiene-3,5-dione
Synonyms: Diferuloylmethane, Turmeric Yellow
Chemical Formula: C₂₁H₂₀O₆
CAS Number: 458-37-7
Molecular Weight: 368.39 g/mol
Recommended Use: Food coloring agent, dietary supplement, research and laboratory use
Manufacturer Information: Supplier names and laboratory addresses are essential for identification, including telephone numbers for chemical emergencies.

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Non-hazardous for intended use at typical concentrations
Label Elements: No pictogram or signal word required for non-industrial quantities, though bulk powder may warrant caution signs
Physical Hazards: May pose dust explosion risk in large quantities
Health Hazards: Dust inhalation can irritate airways, skin contact may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals
Environmental Hazards: Not classified as hazardous, though very high concentrations could affect aquatic life
Hazard Statements: May cause mild irritation to eyes, skin, lungs
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, wash hands after handling

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Main Ingredient: Curcumin (purity typically above 90%)
Other Ingredients: Minor content of demethoxycurcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin, residual solvents (very low levels)
Impurities: Trace natural extraction residues, turmeric oil fractions
Concentration Range: Curcumin 90-95%, secondary curcuminoids 2-6%, residuals less than 2%

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, observe for respiratory distress, rinse mouth with water if necessary
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash area with soap and water, seek assistance if irritation persists
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes under running water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present, consult doctor if symptoms develop
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, drink water to dilute, seek medical attention if feeling unwell or ingesting large quantities

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, foam, CO₂, or water spray
Special Hazards: Fine powder can fuel dust explosions in confined areas
Protective Equipment: Firefighters need standard protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus
Combustion Products: Forms oxides of carbon in fire
Advice for Firefighters: Control run-off, use extinguishing measures suitable for surrounding materials

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Avoid generating dust, ventilate area, wear dust mask and protective gloves
Environmental Precautions: Prevent large amounts from entering waterways and sewers
Methods for Cleaning Up: Carefully sweep up or vacuum, place in labeled container for disposal, clean remaining residue with damp cloth, ensure area is well ventilated

Handling and Storage

Handling: Avoid inhaling dust, minimize spills, use in well-ventilated area, wash hands after handling, keep away from strong oxidizers
Storage: Store in cool, dry, ventilated, and dark location, keep container tightly sealed, use containers that avoid light and moisture ingress, limit storage temperature to below 25°C to prevent degradation

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No established occupational exposure limit values for curcumin
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation for large-scale operations, process containment when possible
Personal Protective Equipment: Dust mask or respirator for powder handling, gloves and lab coat, eye protection such as safety goggles, washing facilities readily available

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Bright yellow-orange crystalline powder
Odor: Mild, characteristic earthy aroma
Melting Point: 183°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes prior to boiling
Solubility: Practically insoluble in water, soluble in ethanol, acetone, and DMSO
pH: Not applicable for solid state, neutral to slightly acidic in solution
Flash Point: Not defined, decomposition at higher temperatures
Vapor Pressure: Negligible
Density: 1.33 g/cm³

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal temperature and dry storage, sensitive to light, heat, and air exposure which accelerate degradation
Reactivity: Reacts with strong oxidizers, can degrade in alkaline or highly acidic environments
Conditions to Avoid: Direct sunlight, excessive heat, moisture, contact with reactive chemicals
Decomposition Products: Generates carbon oxides and volatile organics under fire conditions

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Very low acute toxicity based on animal studies and traditional use
Inhalation: High concentrations cause respiratory tract irritation
Skin Contact: Prolonged or repeated contact can cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals
Eye Contact: May cause irritation, redness, discomfort
Ingestion: Large amounts may produce mild gastrointestinal upset
Chronic Effects: No evidence of carcinogenicity or mutagenicity in standard studies, high doses for extended periods not advised

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Not identified as hazardous at expected concentrations, large releases to waterways could affect aquatic species
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable in soil and water, breaks down to non-harmful components
Bioaccumulation: Unlikely to bioaccumulate, rapid degradation in the environment
Mobility in Soil: Limited due to poor water solubility
Other Adverse Effects: None known if used responsibly

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Small quantities can be disposed of in regular waste, larger quantities should go through incineration or properly managed landfill
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse containers before disposal or recycling, avoid uncontrolled dumping
Local Regulations: Disposal methods follow local, regional, and national guidelines for non-hazardous organic chemicals

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated for transport as a hazardous material
UN Proper Shipping Name: Curcumin, not hazardous
Transport Hazard Class: Not applicable
Packing Group: Not applicable
Environmental Hazards: Not considered dangerous to the environment in transit
Special Precautions: Protect packaging from humidity and direct sunlight, avoid compressing or rough handling

Regulatory Information

US TSCA: Listed on the Chemical Substance Inventory
EU REACH: Registration not required for naturally sourced products within low volume limits
FDA Status: Approved as food additive and colorant in many countries, generally recognized as safe
Workplace Regulations: No OSHA workplace exposure limits
Specific Restrictions: No major restrictions for laboratory or food-grade use