Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for Magnesium Carbonate

1. Identification

Product Name: Magnesium Carbonate
Chemical Formula: MgCO₃
Synonyms: Light Magnesium Carbonate, Magnesite
CAS Number: 546-93-0
Recommended Use: Laboratory reagent, antacid, fireproofing, filler
Supplier Details: Full company name, address, and emergency contact information should be provided on the shipment paperwork
Emergency Hotline: Local Emergency Services or National Poison Center

2. Hazard Identification

Classification: Non-hazardous under OSHA HazCom Standard
GHS Label Elements: No specific pictogram required
Physical Hazards: Dust may cause mechanical irritation to eyes and respiratory tract
Health Hazards: Prolonged inhalation may aggravate pre-existing respiratory conditions
Environmental Hazards: No known significant effects or critical hazards to the environment from accidental release
Other Hazards: Product can create slippery conditions when spilled on the floor

3. Composition / Information on Ingredients

Substance: Magnesium Carbonate
Chemical Identity: MgCO₃
Percent Purity: 95–100%
Impurities: May contain trace levels of calcium carbonate, silica, or iron oxides depending on manufacturing source
Hazardous Components: None identified at standard handling concentrations

4. First Aid Measures

Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for several minutes. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Skin Contact: Wash off with soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing.
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air. Get medical attention if respiratory symptoms develop.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water. Give water to drink if person is conscious.
Advice to Physicians: Treat symptomatically.

5. Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide. Product itself is not flammable.
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: None known for this material.
Specific Hazards in a Fire: Decomposition at high temperatures may produce magnesium oxide and carbon dioxide.
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing in case of large fires or excessive dust.
Advice: Avoid inhaling products of decomposition.

6. Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use appropriate respiratory protection if significant dust is generated. Wear safety goggles and gloves.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent material from entering drains or waterways.
Cleanup Methods: Sweep up material and place in suitable container for disposal. To minimize dust, dampen with water before sweeping.
Spill Response: Avoid creating airborne dust. Use non-sparking tools and equipment.

7. Handling and Storage

Precautions for Safe Handling: Avoid breathing dust. Use only in well-ventilated areas. Handle in a manner that minimizes dust formation.
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after use. Keep work area clean.
Safe Storage Conditions: Store in a tightly sealed container away from acids and moisture. Protect from humidity to avoid caking.
Incompatibilities: Avoid storing near strong acids; carbon dioxide may be liberated.

8. Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL: Total dust 15 mg/m³ (8-hour TWA), Respirable fraction 5 mg/m³ (8-hour TWA).
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation for dusty operations.
Respiratory Protection: Wear NIOSH-approved dust mask if exposure limits may be exceeded.
Hand Protection: Wear chemical-resistant gloves.
Eye Protection: Use safety goggles or glasses with side shields.
Skin Protection: Wear long sleeves or lab coat to prevent skin contact.

9. Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White, odorless, chalky powder
Odor: Odorless
Odor Threshold: Not applicable
pH (suspension in water): Approx. 9–10
Melting Point/Freezing Point: Decomposes above 350°C (662°F)
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Flash Point: Not flammable
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Flammability: Non-flammable
Vapor Pressure: Negligible
Solubility in Water: Practically insoluble
Partition Coefficient n-octanol/water: Not determined
Auto-ignition Temperature: Not applicable
Decomposition Temperature: Starts degrading above 350°C
Viscosity: Not applicable
Bulk Density: 2.96 g/cm³

10. Stability and Reactivity

Stability: Chemically stable under normal temperatures and pressures
Reactivity: Unreactive in dry conditions, reacts with acids releasing carbon dioxide
Hazardous Polymerization: Does not occur
Conditions to Avoid: Contact with acids, excessive moisture
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Magnesium oxide, carbon dioxide under decomposition

11. Toxicological Information

Likely Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, eye, skin, and ingestion
Acute Toxicity: LD₅₀ oral (rat): >5000 mg/kg; low toxicity
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: May cause mild irritation
Eye Damage/Irritation: May cause mechanical irritation
Respiratory Effects: Dust may cause lung irritation
Chronic Exposure: Prolonged contact with dust may aggravate asthma or other respiratory conditions
Carcinogenicity: Not classified by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Mutagenicity/Teratogenicity: No evidence to indicate

12. Ecological Information

General Impact: Expected to present minimal environmental risk
Persistence and Degradability: Inorganic material; non-biodegradable
Bioaccumulation Potential: Not expected to bioaccumulate
Aquatic Toxicity: Low solubility means very low toxicity to aquatic organisms
Mobility in Soil: Not mobile due to insolubility
Other Adverse Effects: No significant ecological concerns identified

13. Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Method: Ensure compliance with local, state, and national regulations. Sweep up spillage and place in suitable containers.
Uncontaminated Product: May be disposed of as non-hazardous solid waste
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse containers thoroughly before disposal or recycling if possible
Special Instructions: Avoid release to the environment

14. Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated as hazardous for transport
Proper Shipping Name: Magnesium Carbonate
Hazard Class: Not classified
Packing Group: Not applicable
Transport Label: None required
Environmental Hazards: None identified during transportation
Transport Precautions: Protect cargo from water and moisture; ensure containers are secure

15. Regulatory Information

OSHA Classification: This product is not considered hazardous under the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200)
SARA Title III, Sections 302/304/313: Not listed
TSCA Status: Listed in the TSCA Inventory
WHMIS (Canada): Not controlled product
EU Regulation 1272/2008: Not classified as dangerous
State Regulations: Some state regulations may apply for workplace dust levels
International Inventories: Listed or compliant in Australia (AICS), Canada (DSL), China (IECSC), Japan (ENCS), Korea (KECL), Philippines (PICCS), and New Zealand (NZIoC)