Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) – Turmeric

Identification

Product Name: Turmeric
Chemical Name: Curcuma longa rhizome powder
Common Names: Haldi, Indian Saffron
Product Code: TUR-001
Recommended Use: Spice, colorant, food additive, supplement
Supplier: Provided on request
Contact for Emergency: National Poison Control Center or company-related hotline
CAS Number: 458-37-7 (Curcumin, major constituent)

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS
Main Hazards: Eye and respiratory irritation from dust, rare allergic skin reactions
Label Elements: Not required under normal handling
Signal Word: None
Precautionary Statements: Avoid inhaling dust, wash skin after contact, prevent dust generation
Other Information: No evidence of carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or reproductive toxicity from available data

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Curcumin: 2–5% (active compound)
Carbohydrates: 60–70%
Proteins: 6–8%
Essential oils: 3–7%
Fatty substances: 3–7%
Other components: Moisture, minor phytochemicals
Impurities: None significant, but trace soil or botanical foreign matter possible

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air, rinse mouth with water, seek help if coughing continues
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present
Skin Contact: Wash with mild soap and water, remove stained clothing
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water to dilute, seek medical advice if feeling unwell
Symptoms Requiring Attention: Redness, irritation, persistent coughing, allergic rash

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide, water spray
Specific Hazards: Dust can form explosive mixtures with air in rare bulk storage conditions
Firefighting Instructions: Use protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus
Thermal Decomposition: Produces oxides of carbon
Explosion Sensitivity: Low under typical conditions, moderate for airborne fine dust

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Avoid breathing dust, ventilate area, use protective gloves/masks
Environmental Precautions: Prevent product flowing to drains, surface water, or soil
Cleanup Methods: Sweep or vacuum spillage, avoid creating airborne dust, place in sealed containers
Decontamination: Wash spill area with water, dispose of waste per local regulations

Handling and Storage

Handling: Minimize dust creation, avoid contact with eyes or prolonged skin exposure, handle with clean gloves
Storage: Keep in tightly closed containers, store cool and dry, limit exposure to direct sunlight and strong odors
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents
Special Precautions: Maintain good housekeeping to prevent dust accumulation

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: Not established; use nuisance dust limit 10 mg/m³ (total), 5 mg/m³ (respirable)
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation recommended for bulk handling
Respiratory Protection: Dust mask or N95 respirator for heavy dust exposure
Eye Protection: Safety goggles recommended
Skin Protection: Protective gloves to prevent staining
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and face after use, avoid eating or drinking during handling

Physical and Chemical Properties

Physical State: Powder
Color: Bright yellow to orange-yellow
Odor: Aromatic, characteristic of turmeric
pH: 6–7 (1% in water suspension)
Melting Point: Not applicable
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in ethanol/oils
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Relative Density: 0.6–0.9 g/cm³
Flash Point: Not highly flammable under normal processing
Explosion Data: Dust cloud ignition possible above 400 g/m³ of air

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal handling and storage
Reactive Conditions: Strong heat, open flame, mixing with strong oxidizers
Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide on burning
Polymerization: Does not occur spontaneously
Materials to Avoid: Strong oxidizing acids, alkaline compounds

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Low toxicity, high oral LD50 in animal data (rat, >5 g/kg)
Chronic Toxicity: Not indicated with regular dietary use
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact
Symptoms: Short-term cough or irritation for sensitive individuals, occasional skin rash
Carcinogenicity: No evidence in standard studies, non-carcinogenic per IARC
Mutagenicity: Not genotoxic at food-level exposures
Sensitization: Rare cases of allergic reactions, mostly in occupational exposure

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: No evidence of threat at reasonable environmental concentrations
Persistence and Degradability: Biodegradable, breaks down in soil and water
Bioaccumulation Potential: Considered low
Other Adverse Effects: Minimal environmental impact, not bio-persistent nor toxic to aquatic or terrestrial organisms

Disposal Considerations

Product Waste: Dispose as non-hazardous organic waste, use landfill or compost following local guidelines
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse and recycle or dispose as ordinary waste if not reusable
Large Quantities: Consult local and national waste authorities for bulk disposal

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated
UN Proper Shipping Name: Turmeric powder
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified
Packing Group: Not assigned
Labeling: No special labeling required
Special Precautions: Prevent packaging leaks or spills during transport, avoid moisture ingress

Regulatory Information

USA: Turmeric listed as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) for food by FDA, not listed as hazardous by OSHA
EU: Turmeric extract (E100) approved as food additive, not classified as dangerous substance per REACH
Canada: Approved as food and natural health product ingredient, not controlled under WHMIS
Australia: Food and therapeutic use approved by TGA, not hazardous per NOHSC
Global Listings: No special restrictions for transport, handling, or disposal required