© 2026 Alchemist Worldwide Ltd,
All Right Reserved
Product Name: Potassium Alginate
Chemical Formula: C6H7KO6·xH2O
CAS Number: 9005-36-1
Common Names: Alginic acid potassium salt, E402
Recommended Use: Thickener, gelling agent for food, pharmaceutical, and biotechnological applications
Supplier information: Manufacturer contact details, including address, phone, and email for emergency advice
Emergency Phone Number: Provided by the supplier, ensures rapid response in event of major accident involving the product
Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS criteria
Label Elements: No symbol required; precautionary statements suggest handling with care
Pictogram: None needed for this item
Signal Word: None
Hazard Statements: Dust may cause mild respiratory or skin irritation; not expected to cause acute toxicity
Precautionary Statements: Avoid generating airborne dust, avoid prolonged contact with eyes and skin
Other Hazards: May present slip hazard if spilled in powder form on hard surfaces
Chemical Identity: Potassium Alginate
Concentration: 100%
Impurities: May contain trace moisture, sodium, or other seaweed-derived minerals
Additives: None anticipated in pure material
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air; seek medical attention if irritation or breathing difficulty follows
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water; remove any contaminated clothing
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; consult eye specialist if symptoms persist
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water and drink water to dilute; medical attention if large quantity taken or if symptoms persist
Most Important Symptoms: Slight eye, skin, or respiratory irritation if exposed to large quantities
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical powder, or carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: None known for this type of product
Specific Hazards: Product is not flammable but may give off fumes of oxides of carbon and potassium under fire conditions
Special Protective Equipment: Firefighters should use full protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus
Other Advice: Avoid breathing fumes created by combustion; stay upwind of fire
Personal Precautions: Use dust mask, goggles, and gloves to reduce exposure; prevent generation of airborne dust
Environmental Precautions: Prevent large quantities from entering drains or waterways
Containment Methods: Sweep up spilled material gently; avoid dry sweeping that raises dust
Cleanup Procedures: Collect residue in containers for disposal; rinse area with water to remove final traces
Safe Handling: Handle with protective equipment to limit dust inhalation or contact; avoid contact with eyes or skin
Avoid: Contact with moisture to prevent clumping and microbial growth
Storage Conditions: Keep in tightly closed containers, stored in cool, dry, well-ventilated place out of direct sunlight
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong oxidizers, and calcium salts
Special Requirements: Label containers clearly to prevent accidental misuse; keep away from foodstuffs
Occupational Exposure Limits: Not established for this specific substance
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust or general ventilation to minimize airborne concentrations
Personal Protective Equipment: Respiratory protection if dust present, safety goggles, chemical-resistant gloves
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after use, avoid eating or drinking while handling, change soiled clothing promptly
Appearance: Fine white to light brown powder
Odor: Nearly odorless
pH (1% solution): 6.0-8.0
Melting Point: Decomposes before melting
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Flash Point: Not applicable
Solubility: Readily dispersible in water to form viscous colloidal solution
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Density: About 1.6 g/cm³
Other Physical Data: Non-volatile, non-explosive; forms gel in presence of calcium ions
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal storage and use conditions
Conditions to Avoid: High humidity, contact with strong acids, strong oxidizing agents, excessive heat
Reactivity: Forms gels in presence of calcium or multivalent metal ions
Hazardous Decomposition: Under fire: oxides of carbon and potassium
Polymerization: Does not undergo hazardous polymerization
Likely Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin, eye contact, accidental ingestion
Acute Toxicity: Low toxicity; not known to cause acute systemic effects
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Mild and temporary in sensitive individuals
Eye Damage/Irritation: May cause mild, transient irritation
Respiratory Sensitization: Dust can trigger coughing or mild irritation in people with sensitivities
Chronic Effects: Not known to cause chronic ill health at typical exposure levels
Carcinogenicity, Mutagenicity, Reproductive Toxicity: No evidence from available data
Aquatic Toxicity: Low toxicity to aquatic life; biodegradable
Persistence/Degradability: Degrades naturally in environment, contributes little to pollution load
Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate
Mobility: Highly soluble in water, disperses easily
Other Adverse Effects: Addition in large volumes can temporarily increase water viscosity in small streams or pipes
Waste Management: Dispose of as non-hazardous waste in accordance with local regulations
Disposal Methods: Landfill or incineration, depending on country and context
Precautions: Avoid release to open water bodies; always use approved waste disposal contractors for bulk disposal
Contaminated Packaging: Clean containers prior to recycling or disposal; empty containers may contain water-activated residue
UN Number: Not regulated as a hazardous material for transport
Transport Hazard Class: None assigned
Packing Group: None applicable
Environmental Hazards: None during transportation
Special Precautions: Protect from moisture and physical damage during transit; use strong, sealed packaging
Relevant Regulations: Product qualifies as non-hazardous under most international chemical safety standards (GHS, OSHA, EU CLP)
Inventory Status: Listed on inventories such as TSCA (US), EINECS (EU), DSL (Canada)
Food/Pharmaceutical Use: Permitted additive (E402) in many countries under strict use conditions
Workplace Regulations: Standard PPE and ventilation controls apply for bulk handling
Hazard Symbols or Pictograms: Not assigned due to low risk
Consumer Information: Safe for intended use as thickener in foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, compliant with relevant national guidelines
