Material Safety Data Sheet: Corncob Cat Litter

Identification

Product Name: Corncob Cat Litter
Synonyms: Natural corn-based litter, Biodegradable cat litter
Product Use: Pet hygiene, Animal bedding
Manufacturer: Nature’s Pet Solutions Co.
Emergency Contact: 24-hour HazMat Response Line: (800) 555-1212
Address: 321 Country Road, Omaha, NE, 68144, United States
Email: customerservice@naturespet.com
Date Prepared: June 12, 2024

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous
Health Hazards: May cause mild respiratory irritation if dust is inhaled, especially during pouring or cleanup. People with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma may experience sneezing, coughing, or throat irritation. Prolonged skin exposure to dust can cause mild dryness.
Environmental Hazards: Not expected to pose significant threat to aquatic or terrestrial life, being biodegradable; however, large quantities entering water may contribute to localized oxygen depletion.
Physical Hazards: Can be slippery if spilled on hard floors.
Signal Word: None required.
Hazard Statements: Dust may be irritating.
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust; wash hands after handling; store in a dry, ventilated area; keep away from food and drinks.

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Substance: Natural corncob granules
Chemical Name: Ground Zea mays (corn)
CAS Number: 8002-43-5
Concentration: 100% natural corncob, no additives or fragrances
Impurities: May contain trace residues of field dust, all within agricultural standard limits

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air. Seek medical advice for persistent symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath.
Skin Contact: Wash with mild soap and warm water to remove granule or dust residue. Moisturize skin if dryness occurs.
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes carefully with clean lukewarm water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and continue rinsing. Get medical help if irritation lasts.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water. Drink a glass of water if accidentally swallowed. Seek medical attention for any unusual symptoms.
Advice for Rescuers: No special protective measures required—use sensible hygiene.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Flammability: May burn if exposed to open flame or intense heat.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide (CO₂).
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Do not use direct high-pressure water stream which may scatter the product.
Special Fire Hazards: Emits carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and other combustion products if burned.
Protective Equipment: Standard fire-fighting equipment and self-contained breathing apparatus in case of heavy smoke.
Advice for Firefighters: Keep containers cool using water spray if exposed to fire.

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Avoid inhaling dust. Use a mask during major spills or sweeping. Wear gloves for sensitive skin.
Cleanup Procedures: Sweep or vacuum spilled product and place in suitable container for reuse or disposal. Avoid creating airborne dust.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent large quantities from entering sewers or waterways to minimize biological oxygen demand.
Disposal Methods: Safely collect waste for composting, municipal solid waste, or garden use.

Handling and Storage

Handling: Pour gently to limit dust. Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking during use.
Storage: Store in original, sealed packaging. Keep in a dry, ventilated, shaded place. Avoid direct sunlight and humidity. Protect from pests and rodents.
Incompatibilities: Store away from concentrated oxidizers, sources of ignition, and strong acids or alkalis.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No established limits for corncob grain dust.
Engineering Controls: Good ventilation sufficient for most situations. Use dust extraction systems in bulk production areas.
Personal Protective Equipment:
Respiratory Protection: Dust mask recommended during cleaning or bulk handling.
Eye Protection: Safety glasses advisable if dust levels are high.
Hand Protection: Gloves for sensitive or damaged skin.
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands thoroughly after use and before handling food.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Yellow to light brown granules.
Odor: Faint, sweet, natural corn odor.
pH: Neutral (6–7 as 10% aqueous suspension).
Melting/Freezing Point: Not applicable—decomposes if heated to very high temperatures.
Boiling Point: Not applicable.
Flash Point: Above 200°C (estimated for dry organic matter).
Self-Ignition Temperature: >350°C.
Upper/Lower Flammability: Not determined.
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable.
Solubility: Insoluble in water.
Bulk Density: 0.35 – 0.55 g/cm³.
Particle Size: 1–4 mm typical range.
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable.
Decomposition Temperature: >200°C.
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not relevant.

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under standard storage and use conditions.
Reactivity: Minimal under normal environmental and handling conditions.
Conditions to Avoid: Moisture (leads to product degradation), excessive heat, open flame, strong oxidizers.
Materials to Avoid: Oxidizers like hydrogen peroxide, chlorine agents, and concentrated nitric acid.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, acetic acid, aldehydes if exposed to fire.
Polymerization: Will not occur.

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: No evidence for acute toxicity by oral, dermal, or inhalation routes for typical use.
Irritation: Dust may cause mild respiratory or ocular irritation.
Sensitization: Not expected to cause skin or respiratory sensitization, though sensitive individuals may react.
Repeated Dose Toxicity: No adverse health effects known from repeated use.
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, or OSHA.
Mutagenicity: No evidence for genetic impact.
Reproductive Toxicity: No known reproductive effects.
Other Effects: May aggravate conditions like allergies or asthma due to dust exposure.

Ecological Information

Eco-toxicity: Non-toxic to aquatic and terrestrial organisms in normal end-use quantities.
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable in natural environment.
Bioaccumulation: Not expected.
Mobility in Soil: Stable; decomposes gradually into compost.
Other Adverse Effects: Large-scale disposal in water systems can cause nutrient loading and temporary oxygen depletion.

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Ideal for composting or use as soil conditioner in gardens. Can be disposed of with regular household waste. Comply with local regulations for animal waste disposal.
Packaging Disposal: Recycle or dispose according to local standards for plastics or paper.

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated.
Proper Shipping Name: Not regulated—classified as non-hazardous material.
Transport Hazard Class: Not applicable.
Packing Group: Not applicable.
Marine Pollutant: No.
Special Precautions: Protect freight from extreme moisture during transit to prevent clumping or spoilage.

Regulatory Information

OSHA Status: Not regulated by OSHA as hazardous.
TSCA Inventory: All ingredients listed or exempt.
SARA Title III: Not subject to reporting.
California Proposition 65: Does not contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity.
Canadian DSL Inventory: Listed.
EU REACH Status: Exempt—natural agricultural product.
Other Standards: Not classified as controlled under ADR, IMDG, or IATA.