Material Safety Data Sheet: Calcium Carbonate

Identification

Product Name: Calcium Carbonate
Chemical Formula: CaCO₃
CAS Number: 471-34-1
Synonyms: Limestone, Marble, Calcite, Aragonite, Chalk
Recommended Uses: Construction material, dietary supplement, pH stabilization, filler for plastics and paints, agricultural amendment
Supplier Details: Manufacturer or distributor contact information typically includes physical address, phone number, emergency contact
Emergency Number: National or regional chemical emergency line (e.g., CHEMTREC in the US)

Hazard Identification

Classification: Non-hazardous according to OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200)
Label Elements: No pictogram, signal word not required
Hazard Statements: Prolonged inhalation may cause respiratory irritation, dust can cause eye and skin irritation
Precautionary Statements: Avoid inhaling dust, wear eye and skin protection, wash hands after handling
Other Hazards: Crystalline silica contamination possible in some industrial grades, which can elevate health risk

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Calcium Carbonate
Chemical Formula: CaCO₃
Concentration: 95–100%
Impurities: Minor traces of magnesium carbonate, silica, iron oxide depending on source
Mixtures: Not applicable for unblended product

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove affected person from exposure, get to fresh air, seek medical attention if irritation persists
Skin Contact: Wash skin with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, seek attention if irritation continues
Eye Contact: Rinse thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes, remove contact lenses if present, continue rinsing, get medical advice if irritation develops
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water to dilute, do not induce vomiting, consult a doctor for discomfort
Most Symptoms/Effects: Mechanical irritation to eyes and respiratory tract; no acute systemic toxicity expected

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Not combustible, use extinguishing agent suitable for surrounding fire (water spray, foam, dry chemical, CO₂)
Hazards from Product: Calcium carbonate is not flammable, no dangerous decomposition products expected under fire conditions
Protective Equipment: Standard fire-fighter protective equipment including self-contained breathing apparatus recommended for large fires

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Avoid breathing dust, ventilate area, use personal protective equipment including respirator, safety goggles, and gloves
Environmental Precautions: Prevent large amounts of material from entering waterways, drains, or soil
Methods for Clean-Up: Sweep up or vacuum material, avoid creating dust, collect in appropriate containers for disposal, wash contaminated surfaces with water
Disposal: Refer to local regulations for solid, inert minerals

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling: Handle in well-ventilated area, minimize dust generation and accumulation, use proper ventilation systems
Storage Conditions: Store in a dry, cool, well-ventilated place, keep containers tightly closed to avoid moisture absorption
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids (releases carbon dioxide), moisture if product needs to remain dry
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands and face after use, do not eat or smoke when handling material, change contaminated clothing

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits (OEL): OSHA PEL for total dust 15 mg/m³, respirable fraction 5 mg/m³; ACGIH TLV 10 mg/m³ (total dust)
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust or general ventilation to control airborne dust
Personal Protective Equipment: Dust mask or NIOSH-approved respirator, safety goggles, protective work gloves, coveralls to prevent skin contact
Hygiene Measures: Facilities for eye wash and skin washing should be available
Environmental Exposure Controls: Containment methods to prevent accidental release or dust escape

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White powder or crystalline solid
Odor: Odorless
Odor Threshold: Not applicable
pH (saturated solution): 9.0–9.5
Melting Point: Decomposes above 825°C (calcination releases CO₂)
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes)
Flash Point: Not applicable
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Flammability: Not flammable
Solubility (Water): Poorly soluble (15 mg/L at 25°C)
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Density: 2.7 g/cm³ (calcite)
Partition Coefficient (n-Octanol/Water): Not relevant
Viscosity: Not applicable

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal storage and handling conditions
Reactivity: Reacts with acids to release carbon dioxide gas
Hazardous Reactions: Contact with concentrated acids generates CO₂ which can cause pressure build-up in closed containers
Conditions to Avoid: Moisture or acidic conditions, excessive heat
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, ammonium salts
Hazardous Decomposition Products: CO₂ at high temperature or with acids

Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, ingestion
Acute Toxicity: Low toxicity, considered non-toxic by oral, dermal, or inhalation exposure
Irritation: Dust acts as a mechanical irritant to eyes, skin, and respiratory tract
Chronic Effects: Repeated excessive inhalation of dust could lead to lung effects; risk increases with crystalline silica contamination
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic; risk only if contaminated with crystalline silica
Reproductive or Developmental Toxicity: No evidence from available data
Other Information: Not expected to cause sensitization or mutagenic effects

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Low potential for toxicity to aquatic or terrestrial organisms
Persistence and Degradability: Naturally occurring mineral, does not degrade
Bioaccumulative Potential: No evidence of bioaccumulation, highly insoluble in water
Mobility in Soil: Low mobility due to insolubility, settles rapidly in water
Other Adverse Effects: Large releases may alter pH of water or soil and disrupt ecosystem balance

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations as non-hazardous waste
Contaminated Packaging: Clean containers can be recycled or reused; dispose of contaminated bags or drums according to solid waste regulations
Special Precautions: Prevent material from entering storm drains or watercourses in large amounts
Other Disposal Recommendations: Reuse or recycle where possible, landfilling as inert waste allowed in many jurisdictions

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated for transport
Proper Shipping Name: Calcium Carbonate
Transport Hazard Class: Not applicable
Packing Group: Not applicable
Environmental Hazards: Not classified as marine pollutant
Special Transport Precautions: Protect from moisture during transport, secure bags and containers to prevent spills

Regulatory Information

Safety, Health, Environmental Regulations: Listed on TSCA (US), EINECS (Europe), DSL (Canada), AICS (Australia)
OSHA Classification: Not hazardous under OSHA criteria
WHMIS (Canada): Not controlled
REACH (Europe): Registered as non-hazardous substance
SARA Title III Status: Not subject to reporting
California Proposition 65: Not listed (unless silica contamination is present)
Other Standards: Food grade subject to additional FDA and Codex standards