Product Name: Ponceau 4R
Synonyms: C.I. Food Red 7, E124
Recommended Use: Food colorant, laboratory reagent, indicator
Chemical Family: Azo dyes
CAS Number: 2611-82-7
EC Number: 220-028-2
Manufacturer: Details supplied on packaging label
Contact Information: See regulatory documentation or safety dispenser label
Emergency Phone: Refer to local emergency services or manufacturer’s emergency contact number
Global Harmonized System Classification: Eye irritant (Category 2), Skin irritant (Category 2), May cause allergic skin reactions (Category 1B)
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes skin irritation, may cause serious eye irritation, may cause allergic skin reaction, may cause respiratory irritation if dust is inhaled
Pictograms: Exclamation mark, health hazard
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, avoid skin and eye contact, use only outdoors or in well-ventilated area, wash hands thoroughly after handling, wear protective clothing
Potential Health Effects: Eye contact leads to redness and itching; skin exposure leads to irritation and possible sensitization; inhalation triggers coughing and sore throat; ingestion may produce gastrointestinal upset
Environmental Hazards: Toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects; releases to environment should be controlled
Chemical Name: Disodium 6-hydroxy-5-[(2-methoxy-5-methyl-4-sulphonatophenyl)azo]-2-naphthalenesulphonate
Chemical Formula: C20H11N2Na3O10S3
Purity: ≥ 85% Ponceau 4R
Synonyms: C.I. 16255, FD&C Red 7
Impurities: Sodium chloride, unreacted parent compounds and trace metal salts (may be present)
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, lifting eyelids often; remove contact lenses if present and easy to do; seek medical attention if irritation persists
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, flush affected skin with soap and water for 15 minutes; seek medical attention if symptoms or rash appear
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air; assist breathing if necessary; monitor for breathing difficulty; consult a healthcare provider if symptoms continue
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water; do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel; drink water if conscious; seek medical attention for large ingestion or persistent symptoms
Acute/Delayed Effects: Eye redness, skin rash or swelling, coughing, gut discomfort; possible delayed allergic response from repeated exposure
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical extinguisher, carbon dioxide
Fire Hazards: Ponceau 4R does not readily burn but heated product may decompose to emit oxides of carbon, nitrogen, sulfur and sodium fumes
Special Protective Equipment: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear if involved in a fire
Thermal Decomposition: Decomposition can yield harmful gases; avoid inhalation of combustion products
Additional Advice: Evacuate area, cool containers with water spray to prevent pressure buildup; prevent firefighting runoff from entering drains
Personal Precautions: Use appropriate personal protective equipment—gloves, safety glasses, dust mask or respirator
Methods for Clean-up: Carefully sweep or vacuum spilled material and transfer to suitable containers for disposal; avoid creating dust; flush contaminated area with water
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into waterways, storm sewers, or soil; notify local authorities if significant contamination occurs
Containment: Close off spill area; avoid spreading; avoid raising dust; ventilate area
Handling: Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing; prevent dust formation; use with adequate ventilation; wash thoroughly after handling
Storage: Store in tightly sealed containers in cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances; protect from direct sunlight, heat sources, humidity, and oxidizing agents
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, strong acids
Hygiene Practices: Keep work area clean, provide eye wash station, no eating or drinking near storage or usage site
Occupational Exposure Limits: No established limits for Ponceau 4R in most jurisdictions; avoid prolonged exposure
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation for dust control; ensure access to eyewash stations
Personal Protection: Safety goggles for eye protection, chemical-resistant gloves for skin protection, lab coat or apron
Respiratory Protection: Dust mask or respirator if handling bulk quantities or in poorly ventilated areas
Environmental Controls: Prevent spills into drains and surface water; use containment catchment where necessary
Appearance: Dark red to maroon powder or granules
Odor: Odorless or faint chemical smell
Solubility: Soluble in water; insoluble in common organic solvents
pH (1% solution): 6.0 – 8.0
Melting Point/Range: Decomposes above 300°C
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes before boiling)
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Relative Density: Approx. 0.8–1.1 g/cm³
Particle Size: Fine powder
Flash Point: Not flammable
Other Information: Strong color intensity, may stain surfaces and materials
Chemical Stability: Stable under standard storage and handling conditions
Reactive with: Strong oxidizers, strong acids
Decomposition: Heating or burning produces carbon oxides, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, possible sodium compounds
Hazardous Polymerization: Not expected
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, exposure to light, moisture, contact with incompatible chemicals
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 in rats approx. 10,000 – 20,000 mg/kg, low acute toxicity for humans through oral exposure
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: May cause mild to moderate irritation on contact
Eye Damage/Irritation: Can lead to redness and trivial injury with direct exposure
Respiratory Effects: Dust may cause mild upper airway irritation
Sensitization: Skin allergy reported rarely, more common in individuals with dye sensitivities
Repeated Exposure: Long-term ingestion in laboratory animals linked to effects on kidneys and blood parameters at high doses\n
Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic organisms; may cause long-lasting effects if released in significant quantities
Persistence/Degradability: Azo bond in the structure resists breakdown, persists in aquatic environments
Bioaccumulation: Low potential; dyes of this type generally do not bioaccumulate significantly
Soil Mobility: Relatively mobile in water; can bind to particulate matter
Other Environmental Data: Wastewater treatment practices limit discharge; some breakdown products may persist or have unknown environmental impact
Waste Disposal Methods: Small amounts may be diluted and disposed via approved chemical waste routes; larger quantities require incineration or disposal as hazardous laboratory waste via certified facility
Container Disposal: Empty containers must be rinsed and disposed in accordance with local regulations to avoid contamination
Special Precautions: Do not release to the environment, sewers, or open water sources; consult regional, national regulations for permitted disposal options
UN Number: Not classified as hazardous cargo for ground, air, or sea transport
DOT Classification (US): Not regulated as hazardous material
IMDG/IATA: Not listed as dangerous good
Packing Group: Not applicable
Special Transport Precautions: Transport in closed, clearly labeled containers; prevent spillage during transfer; keep separate from incompatible chemicals
Labelling (EU): Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP/GHS): warning for skin/eye irritant, environmental hazard
US TSCA: Listed
FDA: Approved for limited use in food at regulated concentrations (E124, not allowed in some countries and foods)
EC EINECS/ELINCS: Listed
Other Authorizations: Japan ENCS, Australia AICS, Canada DSL/NDSL – included
Restrictions: Use restricted or banned in certain countries for food/drink coloring based on local health regulations; review regional standards
Worker Protection: Follow OSHA/NIOSH standards for occupational exposure and handling in workplace
Safety Training: Proper use and disposal requirements must be communicated to handlers; safety datasheet should be accessible at all stages of the product life-cycle