Product Name: Light Calcium Carbonate
Chemical Formula: CaCO3
CAS Number: 471-34-1
Synonyms: Precipitated Calcium Carbonate, PCC, Carbonic Acid Calcium Salt
Uses: Filler in plastics, paper, rubber, paints, construction, food additive, pharmaceutical excipient
Supplier Contact Info: Company name, address, emergency telephone number, email, fax, and website details
GHS Classification: Not considered hazardous under normal conditions of use
Main Hazards: Dust inhalation may cause mild respiratory irritation; eye contact can cause mechanical irritation; skin contact may lead to dryness or mild irritation
Label Elements: No pictogram required; Signal word: None; Hazard statement: None under GHS classification
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust; wear protective clothing and eyewear
Other Hazards: Spilled powder may become slippery when wet, increasing the risk of falls
Chemical Name: Calcium Carbonate
Content: 98–100%
Impurities: Trace amounts of magnesium carbonate, silica, iron oxide, aluminum oxide may be present depending on production source and process
Other Additives: None intentionally added in industrial grades
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, seek medical advice if symptoms develop such as cough or difficulty breathing
Skin Contact: Rinse skin with soap and water to remove dust; remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse
Eye Contact: Flush eyes immediately with water for 10–15 minutes; seek medical advice if irritation persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth; drink water to dilute; seek medical assistance if large quantities have been swallowed or if gastrointestinal symptoms occur
Medical Attention: Symptomatic treatment recommended; provide product label or datasheet to physician
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder can be used to extinguish fires involving surrounding materials, as calcium carbonate is non-flammable
Unsuitable Media: None known for this product
Hazards from Combustion: Releases carbon dioxide when heated above decomposition temperature (>825°C)
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Use self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing to avoid inhalation of products from surrounding fires
Special Procedures: Avoid generating dust; cool containers with water spray if exposed to flames
Personal Protection: Wear dust mask, protective gloves, safety goggles and, if necessary, work boots
Environmental Precautions: Avoid discharge into storm drains and natural waterways
Methods for Clean-up: Sweep up and collect spillage using methods that minimize dust generation; place in sealable, labeled container for reuse or disposal; wash area with water to prevent residue
Decontamination: Ensure adequate ventilation is provided during clean-up
Safe Handling Practices: Use processes and controls to minimize dust generation and inhalation; keep containers sealed when not in use; wash hands after handling
Avoid: Inhalation and contact with eyes; sources of incompatible materials such as strong acids
Storage Recommendations: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated space, away from incompatible substances; keep container tightly closed
Packaging Materials: Paper bags, woven plastic sacks, drums or bulk silos typically used for storage and transportation
Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL: 15 mg/m3 (total dust), 5 mg/m3 (respirable fraction); ACGIH TLV: 10 mg/m3 (total dust)
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, dust collection systems, proper enclosure in dusty areas
Personal Protective Equipment: Dust masks or NIOSH-approved respirators, safety goggles, gloves, long-sleeve clothing to avoid skin contact in high exposure areas
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and face before eating, drinking, or smoking; change work clothing daily
Appearance: Fine white powder
Odor: Odorless
Melting Point: Decomposes at ~825°C, does not melt
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Solubility: Practically insoluble in water (0.0013 g/100 mL at 25°C); soluble in acids with evolution of carbon dioxide
pH: 9–10 (suspension in water)
Density: 2.7 g/cm3
Particle Size: Typically 0.1–20 μm depending on grade
Bulk Density: 550–900 kg/m3
Other Data: Stable under normal conditions, non-volatile, forms fine dust easily
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended handling and storage conditions
Reactivity: Reacts with strong acids to release carbon dioxide
Conditions to Avoid: Contact with acids, high temperatures above decomposition point
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids (e.g., hydrochloric, sulfuric acid), ammonium salts, aluminum and magnesium powders in the presence of moisture
Decomposition Products: Calcium oxide (CaO), carbon dioxide (CO2) above 825°C
Acute Toxicity: Practically non-toxic; oral LD50 exceeds 5,000 mg/kg body weight in rats
Chronic Exposure: Long-term exposure to dust may cause coughing, bronchitis, or aggravate existing respiratory conditions
Skin Contact: Repeated or prolonged exposure may cause mild irritation or dryness
Eye Contact: Dust in eyes may cause mechanical irritation or redness
Inhalation: High concentrations may cause temporary respiratory discomfort
Sensitization: No evidence of sensitization effects
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, OSHA
Mutagenicity and Reproductive Toxicity: No known adverse effects
Ecotoxicity: Low; calcium carbonate is a naturally occurring mineral in many ecosystems
Persistence and Degradability: Stable, does not decompose or bioaccumulate in the environment
Mobility in Soil: Immobile due to low solubility; may raise soil pH in large quantities
Aquatic Toxicity: Non-toxic to aquatic organisms at typical concentrations
Biodiversity Impact: No significant impact at normal environmental release levels
Disposal Methods: Dispose as non-hazardous industrial waste; reuse or recover where possible; landfilling, incineration not required under most regulations
Environmental Precautions: Avoid large discharges to water bodies; follow local, regional and national regulations
Packaging Disposal: Empty containers may be recycled or disposed with industrial waste if free of product residue
UN Number: Not regulated as a hazardous material for transport
Transport Hazard Class: Non-hazardous
Packing Group: Not applicable
Special Precautions: Transport in a dry, clean condition to avoid water contamination and caking; secure to prevent shifting or spillage during transit
Regulatory Status: Not subject to ADR, IMDG, IATA or DOT regulations for hazardous materials
Workplace Exposure Regulation: Covered by OSHA, ACGIH, local health and safety guidelines
TSCA Inventory: Listed
REACH Registration: Exempt as a naturally occurring substance
Other Regulations: FDA GRAS status for use in food; approved for use as food additive, pharmaceutical excipient, feed ingredient
Label Requirements: No specific hazard labeling required under GHS, OSHA, CLP
Right-to-Know Listings: Included in relevant state and national chemical inventories