Chemical Name: Montmorillonite
Common Names: Bentonite, Smectite
CAS Number: 1318-93-0
Recommended Use: Adsorbent, thickening agent, filtration, drilling mud, pet litter, desiccant
Supplier: Industrial Minerals Distributor
Address: 123 Industrial Road, Springfield, USA
Emergency Contact: CHEMTREC: 1-800-424-9300
GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous according to OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
Signal Word: None
Hazard Statements: Dust may cause respiratory tract irritation
Pictogram: None
Precautionary Statements: Avoid inhalation of dust; use adequate ventilation; wash hands after handling
Potential Health Effects: Inhalation of fine dust may trigger coughing, throat discomfort, or aggravation of existing respiratory conditions in sensitive individuals
Environmental Hazards: No significant environmental hazards reported, but large releases may cause turbidity in water
Montmorillonite: 60–95%
Quartz (Crystalline Silica): 1–10%
Other Minerals (feldspar, calcite, mica, gypsum): 1–35%
Impurities: Trace amounts of iron oxide, aluminum oxide
Synonyms: Sodium Bentonite, Calcium Bentonite
Molecular Formula: Al2O3·4SiO2·H2O
Inhalation: Move exposed person to fresh air; get medical attention if symptoms persist; support breathing as needed
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing; wash skin with soap and water; seek medical advice if irritation develops
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with water for at least 15 minutes; lift eyelids occasionally; obtain medical attention for persistent irritation
Ingestion: Rinse mouth; drink water to dilute; seek medical help if feeling unwell or large quantities swallowed
Key Symptoms: Mild irritation of eyes, nose, respiratory system; coughing in sensitive individuals
Flammability: Non-combustible mineral
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use media appropriate for surrounding fire
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: None known
Hazards from Combustion: Product does not burn, but packaging materials may emit hazardous fumes
Special Firefighting Procedures: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for fires in confined spaces; avoid inhalation of dust or vapor
Protective Equipment: Standard firefighting gear
Personal Precautions: Wear dust mask, goggles, gloves; avoid generating airborne dust
Spill Response: Shovel spilled material into suitable containers; use wet sweeping or vacuum with HEPA filter to avoid dust
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains, sewers, and watercourses; avoid releasing large amounts into environment
Clean-up Methods: Collect and dispose as non-hazardous mineral waste according to local guidelines
Safe Handling: Use with adequate ventilation; minimize dust creation; avoid prolonged or repeated skin contact
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after use; do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling
Storage Conditions: Store in dry, well-ventilated area; keep containers tightly closed; protect from moisture to prevent clumping
Incompatibilities: Strong acids or bases can affect chemical structure but present no significant reactive hazard
Occupational Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL for nuisance dust: 15 mg/m³ (total dust), 5 mg/m³ (respirable fraction); ACGIH TLV for respirable silica: 0.025 mg/m³
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation, general dilution ventilation
Personal Protective Equipment:
Respiratory: Use NIOSH-approved mask for dusty environments
Eye Protection: Chemical splash goggles or safety glasses
Skin Protection: Dust-resistant gloves, work clothes
Other Protective Measures: Eyewash and hand-washing stations on site
Appearance: Fine powder or granules, cream to gray in hue
Odor: Odorless
Odor Threshold: Not applicable
pH (in water, 5% slurry): 7–10
Melting Point: No melting under standard conditions; decomposes above 1000°C
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Flash Point: Not flammable
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Flammability: Non-flammable
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Vapor Density: Not applicable
Solubility in Water: Insoluble; swells and forms gel
Specific Gravity: 2.3–2.6
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not applicable
Autoignition Temperature: Not applicable
Decomposition Temperature: >1000°C
Bulk Density: 0.7–1.0 g/cm³
Particle Size: <10 microns (for powder forms)
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Reactivity: No dangerous reactions with normal industrial materials
Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur
Conditions to Avoid: Moist or humid environments may cause clumping, loss of pourability
Incompatible Materials: Hydrogen fluoride (reacts violently), strong acids
Hazardous Decomposition Products: None under normal use; at high temperatures, can produce water vapor and oxides of silicon and aluminum
Acute Toxicity: Low; LD50 (oral, rat) >5,000 mg/kg
Chronic Effects: Prolonged inhalation of fine crystalline silica dust may cause silicosis in industrial settings
Skin Contact: Prolonged exposure may cause dryness or irritation
Eye Contact: May cause temporary irritation
Carcinogenicity: IARC classifies respirable crystalline silica as Group 1 carcinogen; montmorillonite itself is not classifiable as carcinogenic
Mutagenicity: No evidence
Reproductive Effects: No evidence
Medical Conditions Aggravated: Pre-existing respiratory disorders (asthma, bronchitis)
Ecotoxicity: Not classified as hazardous to aquatic organisms or terrestrial plants
Persistence and Degradability: Mineral does not degrade, remains stable in soil and water
Bioaccumulation: Not expected; does not accumulate in biological systems
Mobility in Soil: Low; product settles rapidly, may form a barrier on soil or sediment
Other Adverse Effects: Suspended particles increase turbidity; large releases may impact aquatic life by physical means
Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose as non-hazardous mineral waste
Reuse: Material recovery or recycling possible for uncontaminated product
Landfill Disposal: Permitted in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations
Note: Avoid dispersing dust to air or water
UN Number: Not regulated
Proper Shipping Name: Montmorillonite / Bentonite
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as hazardous
Packing Group: Not applicable
Environmental Hazards: None known
Special Precautions: Keep containers dry, minimize dust during transport
Regulatory References: Complies with US DOT, IMDG, IATA regulations
TSCA Status: Listed
OSHA: Not hazardous under 29 CFR 1910.1200
EINECS: 215-288-5
Canadian DSL: Listed
WHMIS Classification: Not controlled
SARA Title III: No Section 313 reportable components
California Proposition 65: Product may contain trace crystalline silica, which is known to the state to cause cancer
Other: Meets FDA and FCC requirements for certain food and pharmaceutical applications if supplied as USP/NF grade