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Product Name: Tannin Chemical Category: Polyphenolic compound Recommended Use: Leather tanning, dye fixation, water treatment, food additive, wine and beverage clarification Manufacturer: Listed per supplier info, often sourced from plant extracts including oak, chestnut, quebracho, acacia, and plant galls Contact Phone: Emergency response phone maintained on product label Synonyms: Tannic acid, gallotannin, catechu, gallotannins, condensed tannins, vegetable tannin CAS Number: 1401-55-4 (for tannic acid; variations exist) Relevant Identified Uses: Industrial, laboratory, and food process applications
Classification: Not classified as hazardous per OSHA/CLP Hazard Statements: May cause skin and eye irritation on direct contact, inhalation of dust leads to respiratory discomfort, ingestion in large quantites may cause gastrointestinal effects Signal Word: None required for most tannin formulations Pictograms: None under GHS criteria Precautionary Measures: Avoid creating and breathing dust, wash exposed skin thoroughly, do not eat, drink, or smoke during handling, keep out of reach of children Potential Health Effects: Eyes—irritation or redness Skin—mild rash or dryness after prolonged exposure Respiratory—sneezing, coughing from dust inhalation Ingestion—nausea, cramps, diarrhea in large amounts Chronic Effects—Prolonged or repeated exposure may dry out skin
Chemical Name: Tannin (varied types such as hydrolyzable and condensed) Content: Range from 60-95% depending on plant source Other Components: Water content 2-15%, minor organic acids, saccharides, traces of minerals (iron, calcium, magnesium), other polyphenols Impurities: May have negligible traces of lignins, resins, or plant debris from extraction process
Eye Contact: Flush with plenty of clean water for at least fifteen minutes, seek medical attention if irritation persists Skin Contact: Wash exposed skin with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, moisturize if dryness develops Inhalation: Move to fresh air area, support breathing, medical attention if irritation or coughing continues Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water to dilute, never attempt mouth-to-mouth in case of unconsciousness, seek medical attention if symptoms appear or swallow large amounts Notes for Physician: Treat symptomatically, no specific antidote required
Flammability: Organic powder (tannin) can form explosive mixtures with air; typically burns with difficulty but will combust if exposed to strong ignition source Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Direct water jets may scatter the powder Hazardous Combustion Products: May emit carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, irritating smoke during combustion Special Equipment: Firefighters wear self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing Fire-Fighting Instructions: Avoid inhaling smoke, remove containers from path of fire if possible, cool exposed containers with water
Personal Precautions: Use dust mask, gloves, safety goggles Spill Response: Avoid creating dust, sweep up and place waste in closed, labeled containers for proper disposal Cleanup Methods: Vacuum or wet methods to minimize airborne dust; avoid dry sweeping in large releases Environmental Precautions: Prevent run-off into surface water, groundwater, drains, and sewers; tannin can color water and potentially impact aquatic life
Handling: Use in well-ventilated area, minimize dust formation, wear personal protection, keep away from open flames and hot surfaces Storage: Store in tightly-closed containers, kept in a dry, cool, well-ventilated place, avoid direct sunlight, separate from oxidizers and acids Storage Conditions: Humidity control important to prevent caking, store off the floor, away from water sources, prevent access by unauthorized persons or children
Exposure Limits: No OSHA PEL or ACGIH TLV specifically for tannin; treat as nuisance dust (respirable: 5 mg/m³, total: 10 mg/m³) according to general dust limits Ventilation: Ensure adequate exhaust in handling areas Respiratory Protection: NIOSH/MSHA-approved dust mask for dusty operations Eye Protection: Chemical safety goggles recommended Hand Protection: Impermeable gloves prevent contact and dryness Skin Protection: Work clothing, long-sleeves, and closed footwear reduce skin contact
Physical State: Powder or granular solid, sometimes offered as a solution
Color: Light brown to reddish brown
Odor: Mild, astringent, earthy smell
pH: Acidic (3.0-4.5 in solution depending on tannin source)
Melting Point: Decomposes before melting, chars above 200°C
Solubility: Readily soluble in water, partly soluble in ethanol
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable (solid at room temperature)
Bulk Density: 0.3–0.7 g/cm³ depending on source
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes)
Flash Point: Not established, organic dust may be combustible above 200°C
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended conditions of storage Reactivity: Can react with strong oxidizing agents, strong acids Hazardous Reactions: No dangerous polymerization under normal conditions Decomposition Products: Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, phenolic compounds, potential for organic acids upon heating or burning Conditions to Avoid: Moisture, excessive heat, contact with incompatible chemicals
Acute Effects: Mild irritant to eyes, skin, and respiratory tract with direct exposure; ingestion of large quantities can upset stomach Chronic Effects: Repeated contact may lead to dryness or minor sensitivity reactions in susceptible individuals Carcinogenicity: No data suggesting carcinogenicity in humans Sensitization: Not a known sensitizer though minor allergic reactions have occurred in sensitive people LD50 (oral, rat): About 2260 mg/kg for tannic acid (varies widely) Mutagenicity/Reproductive Effects: Not expected based on current research
Aquatic Toxicity: Low toxicity to aquatic organisms, but high concentrations may reduce oxygenation or discolor water Soil Mobility: Partly mobile in soil, tends to adsorb to organic matter Persistence and Degradability: Biodegradable by soil and water microflora, breaks down to naturally occurring substances Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate Other Adverse Effects: Potential to color waterways, modify taste or odor of water used for food processing, check with local environmental impact guidelines for disposal
Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose in accordance with local, state, or federal regulations as non-hazardous industrial waste Product Disposal: Large volumes—contact waste disposal service; Small quantities—may be landfilled if approved by local guidelines Packaging Disposal: Empty bags via local recycling if possible, otherwise dispose as solid waste; ensure containers are empty before discarding Precautions: Avoid uncontrolled releases into environment, minimize exposure to water sources when discarding residues
UN Number: Not regulated as a hazardous material for transport by ground, air, or sea Proper Shipping Name: Tannin (or tannic acid)—Non-hazardous for shipping purposes Transport Hazard Class: Not applicable Packing Group: Not applicable Special Transport Precautions: Prevent from contacting excess moisture or heat during shipment, use sealed containers, label packages for dust hazard
TSCA (US Toxic Substances Control Act): Listed REACH (EU): Exempt as a vegetable extract or registered as a natural substance OSHA: Not classified as a hazardous chemical under OSHA regulations SARA Title III: Not listed as a reportable hazardous substance California Proposition 65: Does not contain listed substances FDA: Approved as a food additive in regulated amounts GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous
