Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) Inorganic Cat Litter

Identification

Product Name: Inorganic Cat Litter
Synonyms: Clay cat litter, Silica gel litter, Zeolite litter
Product Use: Absorbent for pet waste
Manufacturer’s Details: Name, address, emergency contact and phone number of supplier
CAS Numbers: Bentonite (1302-78-9), Silica Gel (7631-86-9), Zeolite (1318-02-1)
Recommended Restrictions: For use as pet litter only

Hazard Identification

Hazard Classification: Not classified as hazardous at typical use concentrations
GHS Label Elements: No pictogram required; precautionary statements pertain mostly to dust formation
Hazard Statements: Repeated inhalation of airborne dust can cause respiratory irritation; frequent, prolonged skin contact may dry the skin
Precautionary Statements: Minimize dust formation, avoid breathing dust, keep container tightly closed, use in well-ventilated area
Signal Word: None required for consumer use
Target Organs: Respiratory system

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Component: Bentonite Clay
Chemical Formula: Al2O3.4(SiO2).H2O
Concentration Range: Usually 60-90%
Component: Crystalline Silica (Quartz)
Chemical Formula: SiO2
Concentration Range: Can exceed 1% in some products; found as a minor impurity
Component: Zeolite
Chemical Formula: (Na, K, Ca)2/nAl2O3.xSiO2.yH2O
Concentration Range: Up to 30% in specialty blends
Other Trace Ingredients: Dust suppressants, fragrances (proprietary, often less than 1%)

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove to fresh air, rinse mouth; seek medical attention for persistent cough or difficulty breathing
Skin Contact: Rinse area with water; apply moisturizer to relieve dryness; persistently irritated skin requires a doctor’s visit
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for several minutes; do not rub; see doctor for persistent discomfort
Ingestion: Rinse mouth; seek attention in case of large ingestion or if gastrointestinal symptoms develop
Most Important Symptoms/Effects: Irritation of eyes and respiratory tract from dust; skin dryness from prolonged exposure
Notes for Doctor: Treat symptomatically; consider pulmonary effects from inhalation of dust

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use extinguishing measures that are appropriate for the surrounding fire; the litter itself does not burn
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: None known relative to product
Specific Hazards: Product not flammable or combustible, does not support combustion
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus in situations with high dust or smoke
Special Procedures: Avoid generating dust; contaminated runoff may clog drains
Hazardous Combustion Products: None produced from litter; smoke and fumes depend on burning materials in vicinity

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use appropriate respiratory protection to avoid breathing dust; ventilate area
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spilled material from entering drains; sweep up promptly to avoid slips
Containment: Cordon off area and block access to pets and children until clean
Clean-up Methods: Use vacuum or sweep carefully to minimize dust; collect material in containers for disposal
Other Precautions: Wet down dust before sweeping in case of heavy release

Handling and Storage

Handling: Minimize generation of dust; keep away from the face; handle with gloves for sensitive skin
Technical Measures: Use in well-ventilated locations; ensure easy access to running water for hand washing
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands after handling; change clothing if overly dusty; do not eat or drink near litter
Storage Requirements: Store in a dry, cool, ventilated space; keep container well-sealed
Incompatibility: No significant reactivity with other household chemicals

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limit: OSHA PEL for respirable crystalline silica is 0.05 mg/m3; total dust limit is 15 mg/m3 (total), 5 mg/m3 (respirable)
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust or general ventilation to control dust
Personal Protection: Wear dust mask or respirator for heavy dust; gloves and goggles in large-scale use or for sensitive individuals
Other Protective Equipment: Access to eyewash stations in commercial or bulk settings
Environmental Controls: Handle waste to avoid environmental release of dust

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Granular or pellet form, grayish or off-white
Odor: No significant odor unless fragranced
pH: Typically neutral to mildly alkaline (7–10 in water slurry)
Melting Point/Freezing Point: Not applicable due to mineral content
Solubility: Insoluble in water
Specific Gravity / Density: Approximately 0.7–1.2 g/cm³
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not applicable
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Flash Point: Not flammable
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Lower/Upper Flammability Limits: Not applicable

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions of use and storage
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Will not occur under recommended use
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive moisture can cause clumping or reduced absorbency
Incompatible Materials: None of significance in household use; avoid strong acids in bulk processing
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Not expected under intended use

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Low toxicity for single exposure by mouth, skin or inhalation at consumer levels
Chronic Effects: Repeated daily inhalation of high dust, especially crystalline silica, can lead to lung disease; skin dryness possible with repeated contact
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin, eyes, accidental ingestion
Carcinogenicity: IARC lists respirable crystalline silica as a Group 1 carcinogen (inhaled in high quantities, typically occupational only); not relevant to normal supermarket household use
Reproductive Toxicity: Not reported for bulk minerals in litter at consumer exposures
Sensitization: Skin rashes possible in sensitive individuals
Other Health Effects: Eye irritation from dust may lead to redness, tearing; accidental mouth contact almost always irritation only

Ecological Information

Environmental Fate: Product is inert mineral; does not biodegrade or bioaccumulate
Ecotoxicity: No significant toxicity to aquatic or terrestrial life at normal quantities
Persistence and Degradability: Remains in original form; does not degrade
Mobility in Soil: Remains close to site of release; limited movement in environment
Other Adverse Effects: May contribute to solid waste issues if flushed or disposed of in large batches
Best Environmental Practices: Landfill preferred; do not flush or dump into water systems

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Place in sealed bag and discard with regular household waste
Recycling: Not recyclable via most municipal programs
Precautions: Do not pour down drains or toilets; avoid large-scale dumping outside
Special Disposal Requirements: In localities with pet waste restrictions, follow municipal guidance

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated
UN Proper Shipping Name: Not applicable
Transport Hazard Class(es): Not applicable
Packing Group: Not applicable
Environmental Hazards: None known
Special Transport Precautions: Prevent spillage and minimize dust during transport; transport in sealed containers

Regulatory Information

OSHA Regulations: Considered non-hazardous under normal retail use
SARA Title III (302/304, 311/312, 313): Not present at reportable levels
TSCA: All components listed
California Proposition 65: Consumers exposed to respirable crystalline silica may receive Prop 65 notice
Other National/Local Regulations: Comply with local waste disposal and workplace safety rules