Substance Name: Xanthan Gum
Chemical Formula: C35H49O29
Other Names: Corn Sugar Gum, E415
CAS Number: 11138-66-2
Recommended Use: Food stabilizer, thickener in industrial and consumer products
Manufacturer Contact: Refer to supplier details for emergency assistance and health professional inquiries
Classification: Non-hazardous under typical classification systems (OSHA, WHMIS, GHS)
Physical Hazards: Fine powder may form combustible dust
Health Hazards: Slight irritation to respiratory tract with heavy inhalation
Environmental Hazards: Not regarded as dangerous to the environment
Pictograms: None required
Signal Word: None required
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust; use with adequate ventilation; wash thoroughly after handling
Component: Xanthan Gum
Synonyms: Polysaccharide gum
Concentration: 100% (pure grade); food grade typically > 98%
Impurities: Very low; certified as non-toxic by standardized testing
Allergen Status: Typically allergen-free but trace protein possible from bacterial source
Inhalation: Move individual to fresh air. Rinse throat and provide water if irritation persists. Medical attention not usually needed unless symptoms last.
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of clean water. Hold eyelids open and flush for at least ten minutes. Seek medical attention if discomfort continues.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Wash skin with soap and warm water. Consult a physician for persistent irritation.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water and give fresh water to drink. No emergency treatment required for limited quantities swallowed.
Most Important Symptoms: Mild irritation of mucous membranes, coughing, sneezing
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide
Specific Hazards: Dust can form explosive mixtures with air in confined space
Special Hazards: Thermal decomposition generates oxides of carbon
Advice for Firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective suit
Combustion Products: Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, methane possible in incomplete combustion
Personal Precautions: Avoid creating dust clouds. Use protective gear including mask and eye protection
Spill Response: Sweep or vacuum material for proper disposal. Wash area to remove residues
Environmental Precautions: Prevent large-scale releases from entering drains or watercourses
Methods for Cleanup: Use industrial vacuum or wet methods to avoid dust dispersal. Collect in sealed containers. Rinse residue down drain with plenty of water
Handling: Use with sufficient ventilation to minimize dust generation. Avoid contact with eyes and avoid breathing dust
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before eating, drinking, or smoking
Fire Prevention: Eliminate sources of ignition when transferring large volumes
Storage Conditions: Keep container tightly closed, dry, and in a cool area. Recommended storage temperature: ambient
Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizing agents
Bulk Storage: Store away from incompatible materials, keep dry to prevent clumping or spoilage
Occupational Exposure Limits: No specific limits defined; treat as nuisance dust
Engineering Controls: Provide local exhaust ventilation if dusting occurs
Respiratory Protection: NIOSH-approved dust mask or respirator in high-dust settings
Eye Protection: Safety glasses with side shields, especially during transfer or mixing
Skin Protection: Gloves recommended but not generally required for small quantities
Other Protective Equipment: Protective clothing if industrial quantities handled routinely
Exposure Monitoring: Spot checks for airborne dust in production areas may be useful
Appearance: White to cream powder
Odor: None or slight fermentation odor
pH (1% solution): 6.0 – 8.0
Melting Point/Freezing Point: Decomposes above 160°C
Boiling Point: Not applicable (polymeric material)
Solubility: Soluble in cold and hot water, forms viscous colloidal solution
Flash Point: Not applicable
Auto-Ignition Temperature: 320°C
Density: Approx. 1.5 g/cm³
Bulk Density: 0.3 – 0.8 g/cm³
Partition Coefficient: Not relevant for polysaccharide
Viscosity: Very high in aqueous solution, increases rapidly with concentration
Evaporation Rate: Negligible
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended handling and storage
Reactivity: Not reactive with common substances
Conditions to Avoid: Creation of dust clouds, open flames, moisture
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers such as peroxides, nitric acid
Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, possibly aldehydes and organic acids with excessive heat
Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin or eye contact
Acute Toxicity: Very low; LD50 (oral, rat) > 45000 mg/kg
Chronic Effects: No evidence of long-term toxicity, carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or reproductive effects
Local Effects: Mild respiratory, skin, or eye irritation with high concentrations
Sensitization: Not expected to cause allergic reactions under normal use
Medical Conditions Aggravated: Pre-existing allergies or asthma could be temporarily worsened by inhaling dust
Ecotoxicity: Low; not expected to threaten aquatic organisms or soil microflora
Persistence and Degradability: Biodegradable through natural microbial action in soil and water
Bioaccumulation Potential: Not expected to bioaccumulate
Mobility: Disperses readily in water, not likely to migrate from soil
Other Adverse Effects: None identified; use large-scale disposal with care to prevent clogging drains with gel
Waste Treatment Methods: Landfill or incineration in accordance with local regulations
Do Not: Discharge large quantities to drains or waterways
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse and recycle or dispose in approved facility
Regulatory Disposal Code: Not hazardous waste per RCRA or EU standards
UN Number: Not regulated as dangerous goods for transport
UN Proper Shipping Name: Not applicable
Transport Hazard Class: Not restricted
Packing Group: Not required
IMDG, IATA, DOT: Not classified as hazardous
Special Precautions: Protect from moisture during transit; ship in sealed packaging
TSCA: Listed
FDA: Permitted for use as food additive (21 CFR 172.695)
EU EINECS: Listed (234-394-2)
Canada DSL: Listed
Labelling Requirements: None for consumer packaging, basic product identifier for industrial bulk
Other: Product is widely regarded as safe, with status GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe)
Worker Rights: Training in dust hazard prevention is important to meet health and regulatory standards