Material Safety Data Sheet - Magnesium Chloride Desiccant

Identification

Product Name: Magnesium Chloride Desiccant
Chemical Formula: MgCl₂•6H₂O
CAS Number: 7791-18-6
Synonyms: Magnesium Chloride Hexahydrate, Chloromag, Magnesium Dichloride
Supplier Details: Manufacturer and distributor names, addresses, and emergency contact numbers included on container
Recommended Use: Moisture absorption, industrial drying, road de-icing, dust control

Hazard Identification

Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS; may cause mild skin, eye, or respiratory irritation
Signal Word: None required
Hazard Statements: Dust can cause eye discomfort; prolonged skin contact may cause dryness
Pictograms: None required
Precautionary Statements: Wear protection to avoid dust inhalation and skin/eye contact
Symptoms of Exposure: Irritation, redness in eyes or on skin, coughing if inhaled in large amounts

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Magnesium Chloride Hexahydrate
Concentration: Typically above 95%
CAS Number: 7791-18-6
Other Components: Water of crystallization as part of the hexahydrate form
Impurities: Trace quantities of sodium chloride, calcium chloride in some sources

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air, seek medical help if discomfort continues
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse skin thoroughly with water
Eye Contact: Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly, drink water, contact a physician
Notes for Medical Personnel: Treat symptomatically; no specific antidote

Fire-Fighting Measures

Extinguishing Media: Product not flammable, use media suitable for surrounding fire (water, foam, dry chemical, CO₂)
Fire Hazards: Does not ignite; material will decompose at high temperatures, releasing hydrogen chloride gas
Firefighting Instructions: Move containers from fire area if safe, avoid inhaling gases
Protective Equipment: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use dust mask and gloves during cleanup, ventilate area
Containment: Prevent further spillage using barriers
Cleanup Methods: Sweep up carefully to prevent dust generation, collect in containers for disposal
Environmental Precautions: Avoid runoff into water bodies, magnesium chloride can alter soil and water salinity; recover excess dry material for reuse where possible

Handling and Storage

Handling: Avoid creating dust clouds, wear protective gear, wash hands after use
Storage: Store in tightly sealed original containers, keep dry and away from incompatible substances like strong acids
Temperature Sensitivity: Keep storage area cool and well-ventilated, moisture can cause clumping and rehydration
Other Precautions: Keep out of reach of children and pets, avoid storage near food or feed products

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No established OSHA or ACGIH limits for magnesium chloride; minimize exposure to dust
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust or general ventilation to control dust levels
Protective Equipment: Use safety glasses or goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, NIOSH-approved dust mask in dusty environments
Hygiene Measures: Do not eat, drink, or smoke near work area; wash thoroughly after handling

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White to off-white crystals or granules
Odor: Odorless
pH: 5.0 to 9.0 (10% solution)
Melting Point: 98–118°C (decomposes, dehydrating at lower temperatures)
Boiling Point: Above 1400°C (decomposition)
Solubility: Highly soluble in water
Specific Gravity: 1.57 at 20°C
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at ambient temperatures

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions, hygroscopic
Conditions to Avoid: Exposure to moisture, humid environments will accelerate deliquescence
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong bases, oxidizing agents
Decomposition Products: At high temperatures, produces magnesium oxide and hydrogen chloride gas

Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin/eye contact, ingestion
Acute Toxicity: Low oral toxicity; LD50 (oral, rat) > 2800 mg/kg
Chronic Effects: No known chronic toxicity in standard occupational settings
Skin and Eye Contact: Mild irritation possible, repeated exposure can dry skin
Sensitization: Not reported as sensitizer
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as carcinogen by IARC, NTP, OSHA

Ecological Information

Environmental Impact: Consider potential impact on aquatic ecosystems from runoff, raising salinity, potentially harmful to freshwater organisms at high concentrations
Persistence and Degradability: Inorganic salt, not biodegradable, disperses in water
Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate
Soil Mobility: High mobility in moist soils
Toxicity to Aquatic Life: LC50 (fish): > 1000 mg/L, low acute toxicity, chronic exposure can be more harmful

Disposal Considerations

Waste Generation: Avoid creating dust when disposing
Disposal Methods: Small amounts can be dissolved and flushed to sewer in accordance with local regulations; large amounts require licensed waste disposal
Packaging Disposal: Recycle bags or drums if possible after cleaning, otherwise treat as non-hazardous solid waste
Regulatory Aspects: Follow regional, national, and local environmental disposal guidelines

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated for transport
Proper Shipping Name: Not classified as a dangerous good
Transport Hazard Class: Not applicable
Packing Group: Not applicable
Other Information: Secure containers to prevent spillage during transit; avoid moisture ingress to maintain product quality

Regulatory Information

TSCA: Listed in the U.S. Toxic Substances Control Act inventory
EINECS/ELINCS: Listed
WHMIS Classification (Canada): Not controlled
REACH Status (EU): Pre-registered
Other Regulations: Not subject to SARA Title III, CERCLA, or RCRA reporting; compliance with food contact regulations where appropriate