Product Name: Microcrystalline Cellulose
Chemical Formula: (C6H10O5)n
CAS Number: 9004-34-6
Synonyms: Cellulose, Plant Fiber, Purified Wood Pulp
Manufacturer: See product label for supplier information
Intended Use: Pharmaceutical excipient, food additive, binder in tablets, anti-caking agent
Contact Information: Emergency telephone number provided on the packaging and available through Poison Control or company emergency service lines
Hazard Classification: Non-hazardous substance as per OSHA, no specific hazard class assigned
GHS Label Elements: No symbol or signal word required
Physical Hazards: Combustible dust may form explosive mixtures in air
Health Hazards: Inhalation of dust can cause slight respiratory irritation; prolonged exposure may lead to coughing and sneezing
Environmental Hazards: Minimal environmental impact, not classified as dangerous to ecosystems
Potential Symptoms: Eye, skin, and respiratory tract irritation on contact with dust; symptoms resolve after removal from exposure
Chemical Name: Microcrystalline Cellulose
Content: >99% pure, typically stabilized with trace moisture (up to 7%)
Impurities: Trace amounts of lignin or hemicellulose, not considered significant
Other Ingredients: No known additives or preservatives
Molecular Weight: Variable (polymeric)
Inhalation: Move the affected person to fresh air, provide water to rinse mouth if coughing persists; seek medical attention in the event of significant respiratory symptoms
Eye Contact: Rinse with copious amounts of water for several minutes; remove contact lenses if present; medical attention may be needed if irritation persists
Skin Contact: Wash area with soap and plenty of water; remove contaminated clothing
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water; if symptoms develop, seek medical advice
Delayed Effects: None expected from routine exposure
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, and carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Avoid using strong water jets, which can spread dust
Specific Hazards: Fine dust may become explosive if suspended in air; decomposition in fire gives off CO, CO2 and other carbon oxides
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Special Procedures: Cool surroundings with water to prevent fire spread; avoid creating dust clouds in firefighting operations
Personal Precautions: Avoid inhaling dust; use a dust mask if necessary; wear safety goggles
Environmental Precautions: Prevent large spills from entering drains or waterways
Cleaning Methods: Sweep up and transfer to suitable containers for disposal; use vacuum equipped with HEPA filter for finer dust; flush area with water after cleanup
Additional Advice: Clean spills promptly to minimize slip hazards
Handling: Minimize dust generation, use in well-ventilated areas
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after handling, avoid eating or drinking during use
Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry, and well-ventilated locations away from sources of ignition or heat
Container Requirements: Keep in tightly closed packaging; use containers made of compatible material such as polyethylene, fiberboard, or paper
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers and acids may cause degradation or combustion
Occupational Exposure Limits: ACGIH recommends total dust exposure below 10 mg/m³, OSHA PEL 15 mg/m³ (total dust), 5 mg/m³ (respirable fraction)
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation where dust formation may occur
Personal Protection: Respiratory protection such as NIOSH-approved dust mask for high concentrations; safety goggles to prevent eye irritation; gloves for prolonged handling
Work Practices: Keep work area clean, avoid using compressed air for dust removal
Appearance: White to off-white odorless powder
Odor: Odorless
pH: 5–7 (10% suspension)
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes before boiling)
Melting Point: Decomposes on heating above 260°C
Flash Point: Not flammable as a bulk solid; dust may ignite in air at temperatures above 400°C
Explosion Limits: Dust/air mixtures can be explosive above 20g/m³
Solubility: Insoluble in water and most organic solvents; disperses in water
Vapor Pressure: Not volatile
Bulk Density: 0.25–0.35 g/cm³
Auto-Ignition Temperature: 420°C
Partition Coefficient: Not applicable (insoluble)
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and use
Conditions to Avoid: High humidity, open flames, sources of ignition, strong oxidizing agents
Materials to Avoid: Concentrated oxidizers, strong acids, excessive moisture, heat sources
Hazardous Decomposition: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, small quantities of organic vapors
Hazardous Reactions: Does not polymerize or react violently under normal conditions
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 in rats above 5,000 mg/kg (practically non-toxic)
Inhalation: Low toxicity; excessive dust causes mechanical respiratory irritation
Skin Contact: Non-irritant in human and animal studies
Eye Contact: Mechanical irritant only
Chronic Exposure: Long-term exposure to dust may cause minor respiratory symptoms; no carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reproductive effects observed
Routes of Entry: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by IARC, NTP, or OSHA as a carcinogen
Sensitization: Not a sensitizer
Ecotoxicology: Biodegradable, low potential to accumulate in the environment
Aquatic Toxicity: Not toxic to aquatic or terrestrial life at normal concentrations
Mobility: Not mobile; settles readily in waterlogged environments
Degradation: Readily degraded by bacteria and environmental processes
Bioaccumulation: Not bioaccumulative
Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose as non-hazardous landfill waste in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations; incineration acceptable in facilities designed for combustible material
Unused Material: Recycle or recover where possible; otherwise, dispose of as ordinary industrial or municipal waste
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse thoroughly before discarding; recycle if feasible
UN Number: Not regulated
Proper Shipping Name: Microcrystalline Cellulose
Transport Hazard Class: None
Packing Group: Not assigned
Marine Pollutant: No
Special Precautions: Keep away from moisture and ignition sources during transportation
REACH Status: Registered and compliant
TSCA: Listed
FDA Limits: Approved GRAS food additive in the United States
OSHA: Not hazardous under OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
WHMIS: Not controlled
Other Regulatory: Included in pharmacopeias such as USP and EP for pharmaceutical applications