Material Safety Data Sheet: Molecular Sieve

Identification

Product Name: Molecular Sieve
Chemical Formula: Synthetic zeolite, typically sodium aluminosilicate
CAS Number: 1318-02-1
Recommended Uses: Drying agents in gas and liquid streams, air separation, chemical purification, refrigeration systems, and packaging to control humidity
Supplier Identification: Manufacturer or distributor contact details including address, phone number, email, emergency contact information
Synonyms: Zeolite, Synthetic zeolite powder or beads, Sodium aluminosilicate

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Eye irritation (Category 2A), Specific organ toxicity – single exposure (Category 3, respiratory system)
Label Elements: Pictogram (Exclamation mark), Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes serious eye irritation, May cause respiratory irritation
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, Wear eye protection, Use only outdoors or in well-ventilated area, Wash thoroughly after handling
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, eye contact, skin contact
Health Effects: Short-term exposure to dust can irritate eyes and respiratory tract; repeated or prolonged exposure can aggravate asthma or respiratory issues

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Main Component: Sodium aluminosilicate (60–100%)
Minor Components: Clay binder, Moisture (variable, up to 21% depending on activation)
Impurities: Trace minerals or dust from manufacturing process, low-level crystalline silica possible
Hazardous Ingredients: None at reportable levels under normal use; dust may contain respirable crystalline silica in trace amounts during handling

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air, seek medical attention if breathing is difficult or irritation persists
Skin Contact: Wash with plenty of soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, seek medical attention if irritation occurs
Eye Contact: Rinse with water for several minutes, hold eyelids open, remove contact lenses if present, consult a doctor if redness or pain persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly, do not induce vomiting, seek medical advice especially if feeling unwell
Most Important Symptoms and Effects: Dust exposure can cause coughing, sneezing, breathing difficulties, eye redness, and irritation; prolonged contact rarely causes dermatitis
Advice for Medical Professionals: Symptomatic and supportive treatment, show this document for reference

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: None known
Specific Hazards: Does not burn, but containers exposed to heat may crack or rupture; molecular sieve acts as a desiccant and can heat up on absorbing moisture
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Self-contained breathing apparatus, protective clothing
Hazardous Combustion Products: None expected under normal fire conditions, no formation of toxic gases noted
Advice for Firefighters: Cool exposed containers with water, avoid dust cloud formation, evacuate area if significant quantities involved

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear dust mask or NIOSH-approved respirator, safety goggles, gloves to prevent dust exposure
Environmental Precautions: Prevent large spills from entering waterways or drains, sweep or vacuum up material
Methods for Clean-Up: Use mechanical means such as sweeping or vacuuming, avoid creating dust clouds, collect in suitable containers for disposal
Spill Containment: Dampen spill with water mist to suppress dust if needed, ventilate area thoroughly
Emergency Procedures: Remove non-essential personnel, ensure good ventilation, monitor for respiratory symptoms among responders

Handling and Storage

Handling: Avoid breathing dust, use local exhaust ventilation, minimize direct handling, wear protective gear, prevent dust buildup
Storage: Store in dry, cool, well-ventilated place, keep containers tightly closed to avoid moisture absorption, avoid storage with strong acids or oxidizing agents
Special Considerations: Keep away from water sources to prevent self-heating or container rupture, avoid stacking heavy containers to reduce risk of crushing and dust release
Incompatibility: Avoid contact with hydrofluoric acid, strong acids may damage the sieve structure and reduce effectiveness

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL for nuisance dust is 15 mg/m3 (total dust), ACGIH TLV for respirable crystalline silica is 0.025 mg/m3
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation where dust may be generated, maintain workplace clean and dust-free
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety goggles or face shield, gloves (nitrile or neoprene recommended), NIOSH-approved respirator for high dust situations, long-sleeved clothing
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling, do not eat or smoke in work areas, launder clothing after use
Monitoring: Regular workplace air monitoring for dust levels, medical surveillance for chronic exposure in high-risk workplaces

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White to off-white pellets, beads, or powder
Odor: Odorless
pH (Suspension in water): 7–10
Melting Point / Freezing Point: Not applicable, decomposes before melting
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Solubility: Insoluble in water and most solvents
Bulk Density: 0.6–0.8 g/cm3 (varies with grade and bead size)
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Decomposition Temperature: Above 700°C, framework gradually breaks down
Additional Properties: High surface area, highly porous, absorbs water vapor up to 23–28% its own weight, may heat rapidly as it takes up moisture

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions, sensitive to moisture uptake
Reactivity: Strong adsorbent for water vapor, gases, some hydrocarbons
Conditions to Avoid: Contact with liquid water, prolonged exposure to humid air, storage in unsealed containers
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids (hydrofluoric, sulfuric), strong oxidizers
Hazardous Decomposition Products: None known under recommended use
Hazardous Reactions: Contact with acids can lead to rapid decomposition, byproducts are usually harmless unless acids are highly concentrated

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Low oral and dermal toxicity; accidental ingestion unlikely to cause systemic effects at typical workplace exposures
Inhalation: Dust may irritate mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract; chronic inhalation of respirable crystalline silica (if present in trace) can cause silicosis
Skin Contact: Prolonged or repeated contact can cause mild dryness or irritation, not sensitizing
Eye Contact: Dust can cause abrasions, redness, pain, and watering
Chronic Effects: Repeated high exposure to dust may cause chronic bronchitis, aggravate existing respiratory conditions, possible risk of lung disease if respirable crystalline silica levels exceed recommended limits
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogen in bulk; respirable crystalline silica (if present) has IARC Group 1 classification, but exposure levels in typical use are well controlled
Mutagenicity: No evidence in laboratory testing
Other Health Effects: No neurotoxicity, no reproductive toxicity observed

Ecological Information

Environmental Fate: Molecular sieve is insoluble, does not dissolve or move from spill location in soil or water
Toxicity to Aquatic Life: No known toxicity to fish or aquatic organisms
Persistence and Degradability: Inorganic and highly stable in nature, does not biodegrade or break down under natural conditions
Bioaccumulation: No potential for bioaccumulation, passes through soil and water without change
Mobility in Soil: Low mobility, remains largely where released
Additional Information: Contains no hazardous heavy metals or persistent organic pollutants, safe for landfill disposal in most regions

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Collect used or spent product in sturdy, sealed containers
Disposal: Dispose in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations; product is not classified as hazardous waste
Landfill Suitability: Suitable for landfill if not contaminated with hazardous chemicals
Recycling: Spent molecular sieve may be regenerated for reuse in some industrial settings through heating protocols
Special Instructions: Avoid dispersion of dust during disposal, discourage burning in open air, consult local authorities for best practice guidelines
Packaging: Used containers should be thoroughly emptied and can be recycled after cleaning if appropriate

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated for transport under ADR, IMDG, IATA, DOT
Proper Shipping Name: Not classified as dangerous goods
Transport Hazard Class: None
Packing Group: Not applicable
Special Precautions: Secure bags or drums to prevent spillage, keep dry during transit, avoid stacking to prevent rupture
Environmental Hazards: None identified under standard transport conditions
Additional Notes: Shipping documentation should reflect non-hazardous status, still recommend packaging that prevents dust release

Regulatory Information

Safety Regulation Status: Not listed as hazardous under OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
Inventory Listings: Listed on US TSCA, EU EINECS/ELINCS, Australia AICS, Canada DSL/NDSL
SARA Title III: Not reportable under Sections 302, 304, or 313; does not contain extremely hazardous substances
State Regulations: Check local workplace safety acts, exposure to nuisance dust controlled in most US states
EU Classification: Not hazardous under European Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008
Label Requirements: Safety and health warnings for dust exposure, precautionary measures for eye and respiratory protection
Other Standards: Meets ASTM and ISO standards for chemical purity and safety, packaging and labeling meets GHS recommendations