Product Name: Galactomannan
Synonyms: Guar Gum, Locust Bean Gum
Molecular Formula: Variable, commonly C6H10O5(C6H10O5)n
CAS Number: 9000-30-0
Recommended Uses: Thickening agent, food stabilizer, binder in pharmaceuticals, paper processing, textile printing
Supplier Contact Details: For emergency issues, contact manufacturing or distributing company’s specified hotline. Full address, city, and emergency telephone number provided on original packaging.
Hazard Classification: Not classified as hazardous according to OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200).
Acute Health Hazards: May cause minor respiratory irritation if dust is inhaled. Eye or skin contact could result in mild mechanical irritation.
Chronic Health Hazards: Extended high-level inhalation exposure can aggravate pre-existing respiratory disorders.
Warning Symbols: No pictogram required under standard regulatory guidance.
Signal Word: None
Precautionary Statements: Avoid creating airborne dust. Use adequate ventilation. Practice good hygiene.
Component: Galactomannan, natural polysaccharide
Content: 100% or as listed on bulk packaging
Impurities/Additives: Minimal—product consists mainly of galactomannan derived from plant seed endosperm
Allergens: Source plants (guar, carob) may cause sensitivities in persons allergic to legumes
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air. Provide warmth and rest. If cough or other symptoms persist, seek medical attention.
Skin Contact: Wash skin thoroughly with soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing.
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if easy to do. Seek medical advice if irritation remains.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth if material gets swallowed. No acute toxic effect is likely. Get medical advice for any unusual symptoms.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, dry powder, or carbon dioxide.
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Avoid high pressure water streams that may spread dust.
Hazardous Combustion Products: Burning produces carbon oxides and potentially irritating smoke.
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Use standard protective breathing apparatus and flame-resistant gear.
Special Procedures: Cool exposed containers with water mist. Remove containers from fire zone if safe.
Personal Precautions: Avoid contact with eyes and skin. Minimize inhalation of dust.
Protective Equipment: Wear suitable respirator, protective gloves, and safety goggles.
Environmental Precautions: Do not allow large amounts of product to enter drains or watercourses; report accidental release to appropriate agencies.
Methods for Clean-up: Sweep or vacuum up spilt product. Avoid generating dust. Place in suitable closed containers for disposal or reuse. Ventilate area to clear any airborne particulate.
Handling: Use appropriate tools to minimize dust creation. Wear personal protection. Maintain good work hygiene. Clean work surfaces regularly.
Storage: Keep in well-sealed, moisture-proof containers. Store in dry, well-ventilated place away from strong oxidizers, sources of ignition, and direct sunlight.
Storage Conditions: Keep temperature moderate. Protect from humidity, product caking or clumping increases risk of microbial growth.
Packaging Materials: Use lined paper, polyethylene, or fiber drums as recommended by supplier.
Exposure Limits: No OSHA PEL or ACGIH TLV specific to galactomannan. Use general dust exposure limits: OSHA PEL (total nuisance dust) 15 mg/m³.
Engineering Controls: Provide adequate ventilation, preferably local exhaust, to keep dust below occupational limits.
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety glasses or chemical goggles for eye protection. Respiratory protection (NIOSH-approved dust mask) for dusty processes. Wear gloves and protective clothing to prevent skin contact.
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before eating or drinking. Do not eat or smoke in work area.
Physical State: Fine to coarse powder
Color: Off-white to light yellow
Odor: Mild, typical of plant polysaccharides
Odor Threshold: Not applicable
pH (1% solution): 5-7
Melting Point/Freezing Point: Not applicable (product decomposes before melting)
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Flash Point: Not flammable at normal temperatures
Flammability: Product may burn if subjected to ignition source; dust can form explosive mixtures with air.
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Solubility in Water: Forms a viscous colloidal solution or gel
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not determined
Auto-Ignition Temperature: >400°C
Decomposition Temperature: >200°C
Viscosity: Highly viscous in water, dependent on concentration
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal storage and handling conditions.
Reactivity: No hazardous reactivity noted in standard use.
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents may decompose the polymer. High humidity and direct moisture cause gelation or spoilage.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: At burning temperatures, releases carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, possibly acrolein or other carbonyls.
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: None under recommended storage conditions.
Conditions to Avoid: High heat, direct flames, incompatible chemicals.
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 in rats >5000 mg/kg. Low hazard by ingestion for humans.
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Not a skin irritant in standard patch testing.
Eye Damage/Irritation: May cause temporary mechanical irritation only.
Respiratory Effects: Inhaled dust can cause upper respiratory tract irritation; asthma possible in sensitive persons.
Long-Term Effects: No evidence of carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reproductive toxicity based on animal studies and human experience.
Sensitization: Rare, generally limited to workers with high exposure or individuals allergic to legumes.
Ecotoxicity: Not expected to be toxic to aquatic life at typical release concentrations.
Persistence and Degradability: Biodegradable, breaks down under aerobic or anaerobic conditions.
Bioaccumulation Potential: No known bioaccumulation.
Mobility in Soil: Water-soluble, may migrate if spilled.
Other Adverse Effects: Large spills could cause increased water viscosity, affect aquatic ecosystems by reducing oxygen levels.
Waste Treatment Methods: Recover for reuse if practical. Dispose of unused product in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent releases to sewers or surface water.
Container Disposal: Rinse containers thoroughly, recycle if possible, otherwise treat as controlled waste.
UN Number: Not regulated
Proper Shipping Name: Galactomannan, not hazardous
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as dangerous for road, rail, air, or sea.
Packing Group: No special requirements
Special Precautions: Avoid moisture exposure during shipping to prevent clumping. Prevent large quantities of dust in enclosed spaces during loading/unloading.
Regulatory Reference: DOT, IATA, IMDG: Not classified as hazardous material.
U.S. Regulations: Listed under US FDA regulations (21 CFR) as safe for use in food. Not listed under SARA Title III, CERCLA, or TSCA as a hazardous substance.
Canada: DSL/NDSL: Listed, no special restrictions.
Europe: EINECS: Listed, E-number for food use (E412 for Guar Gum, E410 for Locust Bean Gum).
Worker Protection: OSHA standards for nuisance dust apply.
Other International Listings: Compliant with JECFA and Codex Alimentarius safety assessments for food stabilizers.
Labeling Requirements: Product labeling required to mention source (guar, carob) for allergen awareness.
Safety Assessment: Extensive global studies show safe use across food, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications, provided precautions against dust inhalation and spoilage.