Product Name: Ferrous Sulfate
Chemical Name: Iron(II) Sulfate
Synonyms: Green Vitriol, Copperas
CAS Number: 7720-78-7
Molecular Formula: FeSO4·7H2O
Recommended Use: Manufacturing, water treatment, nutritional supplement, agriculture
Manufacturer Information: Contact information including address, phone number, emergency number
Emergency Phone: 24-hour emergency contact number
Classification: Acute toxicity – oral, severe eye irritant, skin irritant, harmful if swallowed
Hazard Pictograms: Exclamation mark, Health hazard
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes skin and eye irritation, may cause gastrointestinal damage or iron poisoning if ingested in large amounts
Precautionary Statements: Avoid contact with eyes, wash skin thoroughly after handling, do not eat, drink, or smoke when handling, wear protective clothing
Potential Health Effects: Inhalation causes respiratory irritation, skin contact leads to irritation or rash, ingestion of moderate doses may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, severe overexposure can cause liver and kidney injury
Environmental Hazards: Toxic to aquatic organisms due to iron content, may contribute to water discoloration and affect plant growth
Chemical: Ferrous Sulfate Heptahydrate
CAS Number: 7782-63-0
Concentration (%): Greater than 98%
Other Components: Minor traces of ferric oxide, insoluble materials (less than 1%)
Impurities: Possible trace metals such as lead, arsenic, or mercury (usually below regulatory limits)
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, seek medical attention if symptoms (coughing, difficulty breathing) persist
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse skin thoroughly with soap and water, seek medical advice if redness or irritation develops
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes immediately with plenty of water for 15 minutes, lift upper and lower eyelids occasionally, consult a physician
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, rinse mouth, seek immediate medical attention, if person is unconscious do not give anything by mouth
Notes for Physicians: Consider risk of iron poisoning, administer chelation therapy in severe cases, monitor for gastrointestinal corrosion and systemic toxicity
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: None identified in typical environments
Fire Hazards: Ferrous sulfate itself does not burn but may release toxic gases (sulfur oxides, iron oxides) under high temperatures
Special Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear to protect against fumes
Firefighting Procedures: Use water spray to cool containers and prevent dust clouds, avoid breathing vapors or dust
Personal Precautions: Use personal protective equipment (gloves, goggles, dust mask), avoid dust inhalation, ventilate area
Environmental Measures: Prevent runoff into waterways, avoid contamination of soil, notify authorities if significant spills occur
Clean-Up Methods: Sweep up and place material in a dry, labeled, closed container for disposal, avoid creating dust, wash spill site after material pickup is complete
Disposal: Collect and dispose following regulatory requirements, do not discharge to environment
Handling: Handle with care to prevent dust formation, wash thoroughly after handling, do not eat or drink during use, avoid contact with skin and eyes
Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances (alkalis, oxidizers), keep container tightly closed, avoid humidity and moisture to prevent clumping
Incompatible Materials: Strong alkalis, oxidizing agents, lime, steel storage surfaces can cause corrosion
Special Requirements: Use corrosion-resistant materials for piping and storage bins
Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL for iron salts (as Fe): 1 mg/m3 (TWA), ACGIH TLV: 1 mg/m3 (TWA)
Engineering Controls: Provide adequate ventilation, especially in confined areas, local exhaust recommended
Personal Protective Equipment:
- Eyes: Chemical safety goggles or face shield
- Skin: Impervious gloves, long sleeves, boots
- Respiratory: Approved dust mask or respirator in insufficient ventilation or during clean-up
Hygiene Measures: Do not smoke, eat or drink during use, wash hands before breaks and after handling chemical, remove contaminated clothing before entering eating areas
Appearance: Pale blue-green crystalline solid
Odor: No significant odor
Odor Threshold: Not applicable
pH (1% solution): About 3.0 – 4.0
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Melting Point: 64°C (crystals lose water of hydration at 90°C)
Solubility: Soluble in water (approximately 30 g/100 ml at 25°C)
Density: 1.9–2.0 g/cm3 (heptahydrate)
Vapor Density: Not volatile
Flash Point: Not flammable
Evaporation Rate: Not relevant
Partition Coefficient: Log Kow: -4.00
Auto-ignition Temperature: Not applicable
Explosive Properties: Not explosive
Oxidizing Properties: Not an oxidizer
Stability: Stable at room temperature under recommended storage conditions, humidity can cause agglomeration or release of sulfur oxides
Reactive With: Alkalis (produces iron hydroxide), oxidizing agents (may release toxic gases), lime
Conditions to Avoid: Moisture, exposure to air (may lead to oxidation to ferric sulfate), excessive heat
Decomposition Products: Sulfur dioxide (SO2), iron oxides, and other sulfur oxides if heated or in fire
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): 1,520 mg/kg, ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, severe poisoning can damage liver and kidneys
Chronic Toxicity: Chronic exposure may cause iron overload (hemosiderosis), skin sensitization, or tissue staining
Inhalation: May irritate respiratory tract, coughing, sneezing, or nosebleeds
Skin Contact: Prolonged exposure may cause dermatitis or sensitization
Eye Contact: Causes severe irritation, redness, possible corneal damage
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by IARC, ACGIH, NTP, or OSHA
Reproductive Toxicity: No known effects
Other Effects: Cases of iron poisoning most often involve children ingesting large quantities accidentally
Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic life due to iron and sulfate ions, possible reduction in water pH affecting aquatic organisms
Persistence and Degradability: Dissolves and dissociates in water, iron can accumulate in sediments and affect plant growth
Bioaccumulation: Does not bioaccumulate significantly in aquatic organisms
Mobility in Soil: Soluble in water, can migrate through moist soils, may cause localized contamination
Other Adverse Effects: Changes soil and water chemistry, over-application in fields can deteriorate soil quality and water bodies
Waste Disposal: Product or contaminated materials should go to an approved landfill or hazardous waste facility, do not discharge to surface water or sewers
Contaminated Packaging: Empty containers thoroughly, rinse before recycling or disposal, send to authorized companies for safe handling
Regulatory Information for Disposal: Follow local, regional, national, and international laws regarding iron salt disposal, hazardous waste classification may apply for large quantities
UN Number: Not classified as a dangerous good for transport
Proper Shipping Name: Ferrous Sulfate
Transport Hazard Class: Not regulated under ADR, IMDG, IATA for most forms
Packing Group: Not assigned for general transport
Environmental Hazards: Not a marine pollutant
Special Precautions: Prevent spillage and dust during loading or unloading, keep containers sealed and upright
OSHA Status: Regulated as hazardous based on iron salt content
TSCA (USA): Listed in Toxic Substances Control Act Inventory
REACH (EU): Registered substance, complies with regulations for use and labeling
SARA Title III (USA): Reportable under certain conditions only if accidental release exceeds threshold quantities
Canada WHMIS: Classified as D2B – Toxic Material Causing Other Toxic Effects
Other Regulations: Requires labeling for acute toxicity, environmental harm; workplace exposure limits apply for iron salts