Material Safety Data Sheet: Bentonite Desiccant

Identification

Product Name: Bentonite Desiccant
Chemical Formula: Al2O3·4(SiO2)·H2O
Common Use: Moisture removal in packaging, electronics, and pharmaceuticals
Manufacturer: Listed on product packaging, batch information vital for traceability
Synonyms: Montmorillonite clay, activated clay
Contact Information: Supplier’s direct address, emergency phone numbers included for rapid response
Recommended Restrictions: Not for ingestion, non-food applications preferred

Hazard Identification

Physical State: Granular solid, off-white in color
Classification: Not classified as hazardous under normal use
Health Hazards: May cause irritation to eyes, skin, and respiratory system if dust is generated and inhaled
Environmental Hazards: No significant environmental risks under typical handling
Signal Word: Not applicable, lacks acute toxicity features
Pictograms: None required, plain labeling seen on most packaging

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Main Ingredient: Bentonite clay (90-100%)
Chemical Components: Sodium montmorillonite, calcium montmorillonite, trace quartz
Impurities: Small inclusions of iron or magnesium oxide, rarely above trace concentrations
Additives: Occasionally minor surfactants or binders to shape pellets
CAS Number: 1302-78-9
EC Number: 215-108-5

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air, monitor for persistent coughing, seek medical advice if symptoms escalate
Eye Contact: Rinse carefully with plenty of water for several minutes, remove contact lenses, obtain medical attention if redness continues
Skin Contact: Wash skin thoroughly with soap and water, apply moisturizing lotion to soothe irritation
Ingestion: Drink water to dilute, do not induce vomiting, consult a physician if large quantities swallowed
Notes for Physician: Symptomatic treatment, focus on respiratory or ocular support if irritation is severe

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use media appropriate for surrounding fire, bentonite itself does not burn
Unsuitable Media: None of significant concern, not reactive with common extinguishers
Specific Hazards: Dust may contribute to visibility reduction in confined spaces; product does not release toxic gases under fire
Protective Equipment: Wear standard firefighting gear, use NIOSH-approved respirator in high-dust settings
Special Precautions: Control dust to prevent respiratory complications, ensure fire exits remain accessible

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear masks or goggles to avoid dust inhalation and eye contact
Spill Cleanup Methods: Sweep or vacuum up gently, avoid creating airborne dust, use damp cloths for fine residue
Environmental Precautions: Prevent runoff into waterways, collect and dispose in accordance with municipal or industrial waste protocols
Decontamination: Wash hands and exposed skin after cleanup, ventilate area thoroughly

Handling and Storage

Handling Guidance: Use with adequate ventilation, minimize dust generation, employ local exhaust if dust levels rise
Personal Hygiene: Wash after handling, don’t eat or smoke while working with bentonite
Incompatible Materials: None of major significance, safe with steel or plastic storage bins
Storage Requirements: Store in a cool, dry area, containers tightly closed to keep moisture out
Bulk Storage Tips: Invest in moisture-resistant packaging, label clearly with handling instructions and shelf life

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL for respirable dust: 5 mg/m³
Engineering Controls: Install local exhaust ventilation, control dust at source
Personal Protection: Dust-proof goggles, N95 dust masks, gloves for prolonged exposure
Workplace Monitoring: Regular air sampling in manufacturing or packing zones
Hygiene Measures: Wash thoroughly before eating, keep workspaces uncluttered and clean

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Grey-white to pale brown granules or powder
Odor: Earthy, odorless in packaged form
pH (suspension): 8 – 10
Boiling Point: Not applicable (inorganic solid)
Melting Point: >1000°C
Solubility: Insoluble in water, swells when wet
Vapor Pressure: Not volatile
Bulk Density: 700 – 900 kg/m3

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal environmental and storage conditions
Reactivity: Non-reactive with acids or bases in practical concentrations
Conditions to Avoid: Excess moisture can reduce drying capacity
Hazardous Decomposition: None known under normal use
Polymerization Risk: Will not undergo polymerization

Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Inhalation of dust, contact with skin or eyes, accidental ingestion
Short-term Effects: Mild irritation of eyes, skin, or throat if significant dust present
Chronic Effects: Prolonged inhalation in high-exposure settings may contribute to pulmonary issues for sensitive individuals
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as a carcinogen by IARC, OSHA, or NTP
Acute Toxicity: No adverse effects expected at normal exposure levels
Sensitization: Unlikely but possible in people with significant dust allergies

Ecological Information

Environmental Impact: Non-toxic for aquatic and terrestrial life at expected concentrations
Mobility: Immobile in soil, does not leach into groundwater
Persistence: Remains as a stable mineral in the environment
Bioaccumulation: Not known to build up in living organisms
Aquatic Toxicity: No measurable risk to fish or plants documented in standard environmental tests

Disposal Considerations

Waste Management: Collect solid waste for landfill disposal, avoid introducing into sewer or natural water bodies
Regulatory Status: Not classified as hazardous waste under federal RCRA regulations
Recycling: Reuse possible in moisture-absorbing applications if not contaminated
Disposal Methods: Follow local, regional, and national guidelines for inert mineral waste

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated
Transport Hazard Class: Not assigned
Proper Shipping Name: Bentonite Desiccant
Packing Group: None, product is stable and non-hazardous
Special Precautions: Package to avoid dust release during transit, keep dry

Regulatory Information

Labeling Requirements: Basic identification and safe handling directions, hazard-free under GHS for consumer use
Global Inventories: Listed on TSCA, EINECS, DSL, AICS, and other international inventories
SARA Title III: Not subject to Section 302/304/313 reporting
California Proposition 65: Does not contain substances known to the State of California to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity
Workplace Regulations: Follows OSHA standards for mineral dust in workplace environments