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Product Name: Sodium Hexametaphosphate
Chemical Formula: (NaPO3)6
CAS Number: 10124-56-8
Synonyms: SHMP, Calgon, Graham’s salt
Recommended Use: Water softener, food additive, dispersing agent, sequestrant
Supplier: Industrial chemical producer or distributor address and contact information provided on request
GHS Classification: Eye Irritation Category 2A; Not classified as hazardous for transport
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes serious eye irritation, may cause mild skin irritation, dust inhalation might cause coughing or slight respiratory discomfort
Pictogram: Exclamation Mark
Precautionary Statements: Wear eye and face protection, wash thoroughly after handling, avoid breathing dust, ensure adequate ventilation in storage and handling areas
Health Effects: Dust can irritate eyes, nose, and throat, ingestion in large quantities can disrupt electrolyte balance
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, accidental ingestion
Chemical Name: Sodium Hexametaphosphate
Concentration: 96%–100%
CAS Number: 10124-56-8
Impurities: May contain minor amounts of sodium phosphate, water of hydration
Other Additives: No significant additives reported in commercial grades
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, seek medical advice if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Rinse skin with water, remove contaminated clothing, consult physician if irritation occurs
Eye Contact: Flush with water for at least fifteen minutes, hold eyelids apart, remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, seek immediate medical attention if irritation persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water to dilute, do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel, consult a physician
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry powder, carbon dioxide, foam
Unsuitable Media: None known
Specific Hazards: Decomposes at high temperature producing sodium oxides and phosphorus oxides that can irritate respiratory tract
Protective Equipment: Firefighters need self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing
Advice for Fire Service: Avoid water runoff, cool exposed containers, control spread of contaminated water
Personal Precautions: Wear protective equipment—goggles, gloves, dust mask, avoid contact with eyes/skin, ventilate area
Environmental Precautions: Prevent product from entering waterways, drains, or soil
Containment Methods: Stop release if safe, sweep up spillage without creating dust, collect in appropriate container
Cleaning Methods: Clean up residue with water, dispose as per local regulations, prevent dust generation
Precautions: Avoid dust formation, do not eat or drink in work area, wash hands before breaks and after handling
Handling: Use local exhaust or general ventilation, minimize dust, handle in closed system or equipment
Storage: Store in original container tightly closed, keep in cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from strong acids and moisture
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, magnesium, aluminum, moisture
Recommended Packaging: Corrosion-resistant containers with tight-fitting lids, label all containers appropriately
Occupational Exposure Limits: No specific regulatory exposure limits, recommended threshold limit value (TLV) for nuisance dust: 10 mg/m3 (inhalable fraction), 3 mg/m3 (respirable fraction)
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, facility eyewash stations, shower stations
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Safety goggles, PVC or nitrile gloves, disposable dust mask or respirator (N95 or higher) if exposure limits exceeded, protective clothing
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before breaks and after handling, avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing, do not smoke or eat in handling area
Appearance: White crystalline or glassy powder/granules
Odor: Odorless
pH (1% solution): 6.0–8.0
Melting Point: Softens at 612°C
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes)
Vapor Pressure: Not relevant (solid at room temp)
Solubility: Soluble in water (23.7 g/100 mL at 20°C)
Density: 2.484 g/cm3
Partition Coefficient: Not available
Explosive Properties: Not explosive
Oxidizing Properties: Not an oxidizer
Decomposition Temperature: >150°C
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal storage and usage conditions, hygroscopic
Conditions to Avoid: Exposure to moisture, high temperature, acidic conditions
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids (produces toxic gases), magnesium, aluminum
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Sodium oxides, phosphorus oxides released at high temperature
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Contact with acids may release phosphoric acid, contact with metals can generate hydrogen gas
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): ~3,050 mg/kg; Inhalation: No reliable data, dust may cause mechanical irritation
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Low hazard, may cause mild irritation after prolonged contact
Eye Damage/Irritation: Causes eye irritation, redness, tearing
Respiratory/Skin Sensitization: Not expected to cause sensitization
Chronic Effects: No evidence of chronic toxicity, long-term exposure to high dust levels may aggravate existing respiratory problems
Carcinogenicity: Not classifiable as a carcinogen by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Mutagenicity: Not reported
Reproductive Toxicity: Not reported
Ecotoxicity: Large discharges to water can cause phosphate pollution, may stimulate algae growth (eutrophication)
Persistence and Degradability: Inorganic compound, not readily biodegradable
Bioaccumulation Potential: Does not bioaccumulate
Soil Mobility: High solubility in water, migrates in surface and groundwater
Aquatic Toxicity: Fish 96 h LC50: >100 mg/L; Daphnia 48 h EC50: >100 mg/L (low acute aquatic toxicity)
Other Adverse Effects: Contributes to nutrient buildup in aquatic systems
Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose according to local, regional, national, and international regulations—product can be diluted and flushed to sewer with large volumes of water, but check phosphate limits for municipal treatment plants
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse containers, recycle or dispose as per local guidelines
Special Precautions: Avoid release to environment, prevent entry into drains, watercourses, and soil
UN Number: Not classified as hazardous
Proper Shipping Name: Sodium Hexametaphosphate
Transport Hazard Class: Not regulated
Packing Group: Not applicable
Environmental Hazards: Not classified as a marine pollutant
Special Precautions for Transport: Protect from moisture, avoid damage to packaging
Regulatory Agencies: DOT (United States), ADR (Europe), IMDG (Maritime), IATA (Air)
EU Regulation (REACH): Registered as a phase-in substance, no specific restrictions
TSCA (USA): Listed
WHMIS (Canada): Not controlled
OSHA: Not regulated as hazardous chemical
Other Requirements: All ingredients listed in chemical inventories in the regions of use
Label Elements: GHS-compliant labeling for workplace, warning for eye irritation, avoid dust inhalation and skin contact
