Product Name: Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose
Chemical Formula: C6H7O2(OH)2OCH2COONa
CAS Number: 9004-32-4
Synonyms: CMC, Cellulose Gum, Sodium Salt, Cellulose Carboxymethyl Ether
Recommended Use: Thickener, stabilizer, binder, film-former, used in foods, pharmaceuticals, detergents, ceramics, drilling fluids, textiles, and paper coatings
Supplier: Manufacturer information available on request
Emergency Contact: Telephone numbers for poison control and chemical emergencies feature on product label and SDS documents
GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS guidelines
Physical Hazards: Combustible dust risk during excessive handling, especially in powder form
Health Hazards: May cause mild mechanical irritation if inhaled or in contact with eyes; skin contact usually non-sensitizing
Environmental Hazards: Not expected to create adverse environmental impact in small quantities
Signal Word: None required
Pictograms: None required
Hazard Statements: Powder can form explosive dust-air mixtures
Precautionary Statements: Prevent release of dust, minimize inhalation and eye contact
Chemical Name: Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose
Content: >99% (w/w)
Hazardous Components: None at concentrations present
Impurities: Trace sodium chloride and sodium glycolate possible due to manufacturing process
Additives: None intentionally added
Eye Contact: Rinse instantly with water for several minutes, lift eyelids if necessary, remove contact lenses if present, continue rinsing
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash area with soap and water, seek medical advice if irritation appears
Inhalation: Go to fresh air, seek medical attention if symptoms persist such as persistent cough or discomfort
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water and drink plenty of water, seek medical attention if symptoms worsen
Immediate Medical Attention Needed: None expected for routine exposure, seek help for persistent symptom or repeated high exposure
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Strong water jet can shake up dust, increasing explosion risk
Specific Hazards: Forms combustible dust clouds if particles suspended in air ignited
Hazard Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, irritating and toxic fumes under fire conditions
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should use self-contained breathing apparatus, full protective gear
Firefighting Instructions: Use measures for surrounding fire, minimize dust disturbance, cool exposed containers
Personal Protection: Avoid dust formation, use protective eyewear, dust mask, gloves
Spill Cleanup Methods: Sweep or vacuum spills into dry, labeled containers, avoid dry sweeping for large spills to reduce dust
Environmental Precautions: Prevent runoff to drains, ditches, or watercourses
Methods for Disposal: Collect dry material for landfill or incineration per local regulations
Containment: Block further spillage with appropriate barriers
Safe Handling: Use with adequate ventilation, minimize dust generation, keep containers tightly closed, avoid eye and skin contact
Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area, keep contents sealed and away from moisture
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents
Packaging Recommendations: Store in original packaging or moisture-proof containers
Hygiene Practices: Wash thoroughly after handling, avoid eating or drinking in work area
Engineering Controls: General ventilation, local exhaust near potential dust sources
Exposure Limit: OSHA PEL for particulates not otherwise regulated: 15 mg/m3 (total dust), 5 mg/m3 (respirable fraction)
Respiratory Protection: Approved dust respirator for dusty conditions, especially above exposure limits
Hand Protection: Wear suitable gloves during prolonged handling
Eye Protection: Wear safety goggles to prevent irritation
Skin Protection: Use protective clothing if extended exposure anticipated
Appearance: White or off-white odorless powder or granules
Odor: Odorless
pH (1% solution): 6.5–8.5
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Melting Point: Decomposes before melting
Solubility: Soluble in water, swells to form viscous solution
Specific Gravity: 0.5–0.7 (bulk density)
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Explosion Limits: Dust: Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): ~40 g/m3
Flash Point: Not applicable (organic solid)
Decomposition Temperature: >200°C
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions of storage and use
Possible Hazards: May burn or decompose at elevated temperatures, produces carbon oxides
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, open flame, sources of ignition, high humidity
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents (e.g. peroxides, nitrates)
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, small amounts of other organic compounds
Polymerization: Will not occur under normal handling
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): >27,000 mg/kg (non-toxic); inhalation and dermal toxicity extremely low
Chronic Toxicity: No long-term adverse effects seen in animal studies after repeated exposure
Skin Irritation: Not classified as irritant
Eye Irritation: May cause transient, mild irritant effects
Respiratory Sensitization: Unlikely, but dust may cause mild mechanical irritation
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by IARC, NTP, OSHA
Reproductive Toxicity: No adverse reproductive or developmental effects found
Mutagenicity: Tests not shown any gene mutation hazard
Ecotoxicity: No known significant effects or critical hazards for aquatic or terrestrial environments
Persistence and Degradability: Biodegradable; broken down by natural microorganisms over time
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low, due to molecular size and water solubility
Mobility in Soil: Material is water-soluble and may disperse in aqueous environments
Other Adverse Effects: No evidence of significant environmental risk in normal use
Disposal Methods: Dispose by burial in licensed landfill or incineration according to local, regional, and national regulations
RCRA Status: Not classified as hazardous waste
Packaging Disposal: Decontaminate packaging if possible and recycle, incinerate, or landfill as appropriate
Precautions: Prevent product release into environment in large quantities
Advice: Consult authorities if unsure, always avoid discharge into drains or surface waters
UN Number: Not regulated
DOT Classification: Not hazardous for transport
ICAO/IATA: Not restricted
IMDG: Not classified as a marine pollutant
Special Handling Precautions: Avoid excessive vibration or impact, use dust-resistant containers
Packaging Instructions: Use strong, moisture-proof packaging material
Labeling Requirements: Not classified as hazardous, no statutory labeling required
International Inventories: Listed in TSCA (USA), DSL/NDSL (Canada), EINECS/ELINCS (EU), AICS (Australia), ENCS (Japan), and other chemical inventories
OSHA: Not hazardous according to 29 CFR 1910.1200
SARA Title III Sections 302, 304, 311/312, 313: Not listed
California Prop 65: Not regulated
Other Regulations: Food and pharmaceutical grades subject to national health authority approvals