Chemical Name: Ferrous Chloride
CAS Number: 7758-94-3
Synonyms: Iron(II) chloride, Iron dichloride
Recommended Use: Wastewater treatment, chemical intermediate, dye process
Supplier: Major chemical manufacturers and distributors globally
Emergency Phone: National Poison Control or emergency response provider
Classification: Acute toxicity (oral), Skin corrosion/irritation, Eye damage/irritation
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed, causes skin and serious eye irritation, toxic to aquatic life
Pictograms: Corrosive, harmful, environment
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin, eyes
Symptoms: Burning sensation, cough, sore throat, abdominal pain, vomiting, skin burns, severe eye pain
Ingredient: Ferrous Chloride
Chemical Formula: FeCl2
Purity: Typically >98%
Impurities: Possible trace of ferric chloride, iron oxides
Molecular Weight: 126.75 g/mol
Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air, keep them calm and warm. Seek medical attention for any breathing difficulty or severe symptoms.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Rinse skin immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Obtain medical aids if irritation or burning continues.
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present. Continue rinsing and seek immediate medical care.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water. Do not induce vomiting. Get emergency medical attention.
Most Important Acute/Delayed Symptoms: Burning, cough, throat pain, abdominal discomfort, skin and eye blistering.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide.
Special Hazards: In case of fire, may produce toxic gases like hydrogen chloride and iron oxides.
Protective Equipment: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear.
Advice for Firefighters: Move containers from fire area if this can be done without risk. Avoid inhaling vapors.
Personal Precautions: Wear appropriate personal protective equipment including respiratory protection.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into sewers, surface water, or groundwater. Notify local environmental authorities if large spills occur.
Cleanup Methods: Absorb with inert material like sand or earth. Shovel into a suitable container for disposal. Wash spill site with large amounts of water.
Preventive Measures: Avoid dust formation and exposure to moisture.
Handling Precautions: Work in a well-ventilated area. Minimize contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. Avoid breathing dust or vapors.
Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry place using corrosion-resistant containers. Keep tightly closed and away from incompatible materials such as strong oxidizing agents and moisture.
Storage Temperature: No special temperature controls needed, but keep away from heat and sunlight.
Incompatible Substances: Oxidizers, alkalis, moisture, strong acids.
Exposure Limits: No established US OSHA PEL or ACGIH TLV for ferrous chloride itself, total iron dust may use 1 mg/m3.
Engineering Controls: Use adequate local exhaust or process enclosures to reduce airborne concentrations.
Respiratory Protection: Use a NIOSH-approved respirator in areas with potential dust formation.
Skin Protection: Wear chemical-resistant gloves, long sleeves, rubber or PVC apron.
Eye/Face Protection: Use safety goggles and face shield.
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands, forearms, and face after handling. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.
Appearance: Pale green to yellow crystalline solid
Odor: Faint metallic odor
Odor Threshold: Not established
pH: Acidic to neutral in water solution
Melting Point: 677°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes above 1023°C
Solubility in Water: Readily soluble
Density: 2.9 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not available
Flash Point: Not flammable
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Other Properties: Hydrolyzes in presence of water or moisture, releasing hydrogen chloride.
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions, but hydrolyzes in moist air.
Conditions to Avoid: Exposure to moisture, humidity, and high temperatures.
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, water, alkali metals, acids.
Hazardous Decomposition: Hydrogen chloride gas, iron oxides.
Reactivity: Reacts with water or humid air, producing corrosive fumes; reacts violently with oxidizing agents.
Likely Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin, and eye contact.
Acute Toxicity Data: Oral LD50 (rat): approx. 450 mg/kg
Inhalation: Irritation of respiratory tract, coughing, shortness of breath
Skin: Burns, blistering, or ulceration possible
Eyes: Severe irritation, damage to cornea, possible blindness
Ingestion: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, possibility of systemic toxicity
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure may cause dermatitis or other skin conditions, respiratory tract sensitization.
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by IARC, NTP, or OSHA.
Mutagenicity or Reproductive Effects: No conclusive data.
Toxicity to Aquatic Life: Very toxic, can cause long-lasting harmful effects to aquatic organisms including fish and invertebrates.
Persistence/Degradability: Dissolves and spreads in water readily, iron can accumulate in sediment.
Bioaccumulation: Unlikely for iron; chloride ion not considered to bioaccumulate.
Mobility: Highly mobile in the environment, may migrate in soil if released.
Other Adverse Effects: Disrupts aquatic oxygen availability, may impact benthic organisms and water pH.
Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose of as hazardous waste in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
Contaminated Packaging: Empty containers may retain product residue; treat as hazardous.
Waste Codes: Refer to local regulations and coordinate with waste management professionals.
Recycling/Recovery: Not suitable for recovery, avoid direct release into the environment.
UN Number: UN 1759
Proper Shipping Name: Corrosive solid, n.o.s. (Ferrous chloride)
Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive materials)
Packing Group: III
Marine Pollutant: Classified as hazardous for marine transport.
Special Transport Precautions: Use intact containers. Follow DOT, IMDG, IATA standards.
OSHA Status: Regulated as hazardous
SARA Title III: Not listed under Section 302 or 313, but subject to reporting under workplace safety rules
TSCA: Listed
EU Regulations: Classified according to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008. Requires labels for corrosion, acute toxicity, and environmental hazard.
WHMIS (Canada): Classified as Class D2B, E – toxic and corrosive material
Other National Inventories: Present in Japan, Australia, South Korea, Philippines chemical inventories
Label Elements: EC label: corrosive, harmful, toxic to aquatic habitats