Product Name: Ferric Oxide
Chemical Formula: Fe2O3
SYNONYMS: Iron(III) oxide, hematite, red iron oxide
CAS Number: 1309-37-1
Recommended Use: Pigments, polishing compounds, metallurgy, magnetic materials, coatings
Supplier Details: Manufacturer and distributor information provided on actual SDS
Emergency Phone: Refer to local emergency numbers specific to supplier location
Classification: Ferric oxide falls under "Not classified as hazardous according to GHS"
Potential Health Effects: Dust inhalation may irritate the respiratory tract, prolonged repeated exposure may aggravate existing lung conditions. Eye contact can produce mechanical irritation. Skin contact rarely causes concern, with minor dryness or irritation in sensitive cases.
Label Elements: Signal word: None required; Hazard pictograms: Not assigned; Hazard statement: Dust may cause mild irritation
Precautionary statements: Avoid breathing dust, wash hands after handling, use appropriate personal protection to keep dust exposure low
Chemical Identity: Iron(III) oxide
Concentration: Above 95% by weight
Impurities: Natural ores may contain trace metals like manganese, silica, or alumina; synthetics are highly pure
Additives: Not typical for straight ferric oxide unless processed for specific industrial grades
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, seek attention if coughing or difficulty breathing continues
Eye Contact: Flush eyes gently with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, remove contact lenses if present, seek attention if irritation persists
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin thoroughly with soap and water, consult a doctor if irritation or rash develops
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water, avoid inducing vomiting, seek medical advice if feeling unwell
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use extinguishing measures appropriate for surrounding fire, product itself is non-flammable
Specific Hazards: Ferric oxide alone does not burn; high heat may produce iron fumes; avoid inhaling any combustion or metal oxide dust
Protective Equipment: Wear full protective gear, self-contained breathing apparatus if dealing with dust clouds or decomposition in fire
Special Procedures: Prevent run-off from entering water systems, cool tightly closed containers exposed to fire with water spray
Personal Protection: Wear dust respirator, eye protection, gloves
Environmental Precautions: Minimize material release into drains or waterways, avoid excessive dust in outdoor cleanup
Cleanup Methods: Sweep or vacuum up without causing dust cloud, place in labeled containers for disposal, ventilate area completely
Spill Reporting: Follow local regulations for reporting large releases, ensure area remains secured from unnecessary access during clean up
Handling: Handle in well-ventilated areas to reduce dust buildup, avoid direct inhalation, wash hands after handling, do not eat or drink around open product
Storage Conditions: Store in dry, cool, well-ventilated space in tightly sealed containers, protect against damp conditions, keep away from incompatible substances such as strong acids
Special Requirements: Ground all equipment to prevent static buildup if handling large quantities as a fine powder; use dust extraction for regular workplace exposure
Occupational Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL: 10 mg/m³ (total particulate), 5 mg/m³ (respirable fraction); ACGIH TLV: 5 mg/m³ (respirable fraction) as iron oxide dust and fume
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation or general dilution ventilation
Personal Protection: Dust masks or NIOSH-approved respirator if airborne levels are high; safety goggles recommended in open process; gloves to prevent skin contact; coveralls if handling large volumes
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before breaks, after handling; avoid taking contaminated clothing home
Appearance: Fine red-brown powder
Odor: Odorless
Odor Threshold: Not applicable
pH: Insoluble in water, neutral suspension
Melting Point: 1565°C
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes)
Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in hot concentrated acids
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Density: 5.24 g/cm³
Other Properties: Non-combustible, does not self-ignite or react with moisture
Chemical Stability: Stable under most conditions of use and storage
Possible Reactivity: May react with strong acids to form iron salts and hydrogen gas, avoid contact with aluminum or magnesium under strong heating
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Iron oxides, low toxicity in normal use
Incompatibilities: Strong acids, strong reducing agents; avoid mixing with chlorinated compounds in heat
Polymerization: Does not occur with ferric oxide
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact
Acute Toxicity: Not classed as acutely toxic; high dust concentrations can irritate airways and eyes
Chronic Exposure: Excessive long-term inhalation can cause benign pneumoconiosis (“siderosis”), not usually associated with symptoms or disability
Carcinogenic Status: Not listed as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Other Health Effects: People with chronic respiratory conditions may be more sensitive to dust exposure, but iron overload disorders require significant, prolonged excess exposure not encountered by normal users
Environmental Impact: Not considered harmful to aquatic or terrestrial life in normal concentrations used industrially
Bioaccumulation: Not bioaccumulative, iron cycles naturally in soil and water
Mobility: Product settles rapidly in water, insoluble; high amounts can alter water color or turbidity but do not poison biota
Degradability: Inorganic product, breaks down only by physical or chemical weathering
Waste Handling: Sweep up and place in sealed, labeled containers
Disposal Method: Dispose of as non-hazardous industrial waste unless contaminated with hazardous substances, follow local or national guidelines
Special Precautions: Prevent entry of large quantities into waterways or drainage systems; avoid generating airborne dust during disposal
Container Disposal: Rinse and recycle or follow state/federal rules for solid waste management
UN Number: Not regulated for transport by road, air, or sea
Proper Shipping Name: Not dangerous for transport regulations
Hazard Class: None assigned
Packing Group: Not applicable
Transport Precautions: Ensure packaging is intact, material stays dry, avoid container breakage and limit dust escape during loading/unloading
TSCA Status: Listed
SARA 313: Not subject to SARA Title III Section 313 reporting
REACH: Registered as substance, subject to normal safety assessments and communication in European Union
OSHA: Covered under Hazard Communication Standard, no special handling beyond normal dust controls
Other Regulations: WHMIS (Canada): Not classified as hazardous; Environment-related rules may affect use in effluent or waste streams—check local laws
Label Requirements: No hazard symbol needed, but dust warning should be clearly marked