Product Name: Tartrazine
Chemical Name: Trisodium 5-hydroxy-1-(4-sulfonatophenyl)-4-(4-sulfonatophenylazo)-H-pyrazole-3-carboxylate
Common Name: FD&C Yellow No. 5
CAS Number: 1934-21-0
Recommended Use: Food coloring, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, personal care products, laboratory reagent
Supplier: Details provided by manufacturer or distributor
Emergency Contact: Chemtrec or local poison control center
Classification: Eye Irritation, Skin Sensitization, Possible Allergen
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Irritates eyes and skin. Prolonged inhalation can cause respiratory discomfort.
Pictograms: Exclamation mark (irritant)
Precautionary Statements: Avoid ingestion and inhalation. Use protective gear. Wash hands after handling. Individuals with known allergies to azo dyes should not handle.
Substance: Tartrazine
Synonyms: Acid Yellow 23, E102
CAS Number: 1934-21-0
Purity: Typically > 85%
Impurities: Sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, minor organic impurities below 2% total
Nature: Synthetic monoazo dye
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, offer oxygen if there is difficulty breathing. Seek medical attention for prolonged symptoms.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Wash affected area with plenty of water and mild soap.
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with running water for at least 15 minutes. Lift eyelids to ensure thorough flushing.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth. Do not induce vomiting. Give small quantity of water to drink. Get medical attention if symptoms develop. Monitor for signs of allergic reaction.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Media: None known
Specific Hazards: Emits toxic fumes (nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, carbon monoxide) during combustion
Firefighter Protection: Use full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus.
Additional Advice: Prevent runoff from entering drains or watercourses. Remain upwind and avoid smoke exposure.
Personal Precautions: Evacuate area for large spills. Use gloves, protective eyewear, dust mask. Avoid contact with eyes and skin.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent powder or solution from entering waterways, sewers, or soil. Inform relevant authorities if significant release occurs.
Methods for Cleaning Up: Contain and sweep up with minimal dust formation. Collect in suitable containers for disposal. Wash area with water, absorbing run-off with inert material. Dispose as hazardous waste according to local regulations.
Safe Handling: Handle in well-ventilated location. Avoid ingestion and inhalation. Wear protective equipment. Prevent formation of dust clouds.
Storage: Keep container tightly sealed. Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated space, away from incompatible materials (strong oxidizers, reducing agents). Avoid sunlight, heat sources, moisture.
Other Advice: Store away from food, beverages, and animal feed. Keep containers labeled and off the floor.
Occupational Exposure Limits: No established OSHA/NIOSH limits for tartrazine; minimize dust exposure.
Engineering Controls: Exhaust ventilation, local fume extraction recommended in processing areas.
Personal Protection: Protective gloves (nitrile or latex), chemical safety goggles, lab coat or apron, NIOSH-approved respirator in dusty environments.
Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.
Appearance: Bright yellow powder or granules
Odor: Odorless
Odor Threshold: Not applicable
pH (1% solution): Approximately 6.0–7.0
Melting Point: Decomposes above 300°C
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Flash Point: Not flammable
Vapor Pressure: Not measurable
Solubility: Freely soluble in water; insoluble in organic solvents
Density: Approximately 1.6 g/cm³
Partition Coefficient: Not available
Decomposition Temperature: Above 300°C
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions in original packaging
Possible Hazardous Reactions: Violent reaction with strong oxidizers
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, open flame, moisture, incompatible chemicals
Materials to Avoid: Strong reducing agents, oxidizers
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, sodium oxide, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide
Acute Toxicity: Essentially non-toxic in small quantities; LD50 (oral, rat): approximately 12750 mg/kg
Chronic Effects: Hyperactivity and allergic reactions reported in sensitive individuals, particularly children. Prolonged exposure may induce dermatitis.
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogen by IARC, NTP, EPA. Some studies suggest possible links to behavioral effects in children.
Sensitization: Can cause allergic response on skin or by ingestion in predisposed individuals.
Mutagenicity: Data not sufficient for conclusive results.
Routes of Exposure: Ingestion, inhalation, skin/eye contact
Ecotoxicity: Aquatic toxicity data limited; considered mildly hazardous for aquatic life due to persistence.
Persistence and Degradability: Moderately persistent in environment, breaks down slowly under natural conditions.
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low potential for bioaccumulation.
Mobility in Soil: Readily soluble; may leach to groundwater in significant spills.
Other Adverse Effects: May contribute to eutrophication if released in large amounts to waterways.
Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose of according to local, regional, and national regulations. Incineration in suitable facility preferred for large volumes.
Unused Product: Store for disposal by licensed hazardous waste contractor.
Packing Materials: Dispose of contaminated packaging as hazardous waste. Rinse containers thoroughly before recycling if permissible.
UN Number: Not regulated by ADR/RID, IMDG, IATA for transport.
Proper Shipping Name: Tartrazine (Yellow 5), not hazardous for transport
Transport Hazard Class: Non-hazardous
Packing Group: Not assigned
Environment Hazards: Avoid bulk release into waterways.
Special Precautions: Use correct labeling and secure packaging for transport to prevent spillage.
Labeling Requirements: Warning for allergenic potential, mandatory in food and cosmetics in many countries.
Regulatory Status: Approved as food additive (E102) in EU, FDA-certified in US; usage strictly regulated with daily intake limits.
Restrictions: Must declare on labels in EU, some countries impose bans in baby foods or limit use in children’s products.
Chemical Inventory Status: Listed in TSCA, EINECS, DSL.
Other Regulations: Subject to workplace exposure monitoring and environmental discharge limits in some jurisdictions.