Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) – Organic Cat Litter

Identification

Product Name: Organic Cat Litter
Manufacturer: Nature's Kitty Goods Ltd.
Address: 230 Green Pet Lane, Portland, OR 97220, USA
Telephone: 1-800-555-6123
Product Description: Plant-based clumping cat litter, commonly derived from corn, wheat, pine, or recycled paper
Recommended Use: Cat waste absorbent product
Emergency Phone: 1-800-555-3988

Hazard Identification

Physical State: Granular solid or pellet
Main Hazards: Dust from handling may cause mild respiratory irritation; rare risk of reaction for those with plant allergies; product is not classified as hazardous under OSHA Hazard Communication Standard.
GHS Classification: Not classified
Pictograms: None required
Signal Word: None
Health Hazards: Mild irritation to eyes, skin, or lungs in dust-heavy environments
Environmental Hazards: Biodegradable ingredients; no recognized long-term environmental hazard

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Main Component: Processed plant material (eg. corn meal, wheat straw, pine sawdust, recycled cellulose)
Chemical Identity: Organic material, no synthetic additives
Additives:

  • Natural clumping agents (e.g. guar gum, wheat starch)
  • Optional plant-based odor control (e.g. baking soda, green tea extract)
  • No artificial fragrances, dyes, or silica content
Impurities: Negligible, as product is food-grade plant matter
Percent Composition: 95-99% organic fiber, up to 5% natural binder or deodorizer

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove person from dusty area; fresh air and rinse mouth. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.
Skin Contact: Wash affected area with water to remove particles. Discontinue use if rash develops.
Eye Contact: Flush eyes with clean water for at least 10 minutes. Contact doctor for persistent irritation.
Ingestion: Non-toxic if accidentally eaten in small amounts by humans or pets. Rinse mouth and drink water to clear passage. Contact a doctor for large accidental ingestion or underlying health concerns.
Note for Emergencies: Organic material should not aggravate existing allergies unless plant-derived ingredients trigger reaction; handle symptoms as exposure to grain dust.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishers: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Extinguishers: High-pressure water jet, which may spread burning material
Special Hazards: Fine dust could present slight explosion risk in heavily confined spaces; burning may generate smoke containing carbon oxides
Fire-Fighter Equipment: Standard protective gear including self-contained breathing apparatus
Advice for Fire-Fighters: Keep containers cooled with water if possible; remove from fire area if safe

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Protection: Use dust mask to avoid inhalation in case of large spill; gloves recommended for sensitive skin
Environmental Protection: Prevent entry into storm drains in large quantities. Small amounts cause no harm and are safe for home compost.
Cleanup Methods: Collect spilled product for disposal using broom or vacuum equipped with HEPA filter. Avoid creating dust clouds. Dispose of all collected material in waste bin or compost heap as suitable.
Precautions: Minimize airborne dust; ventilate area if necessary

Handling and Storage

Handling: Pour gently to limit dust; wash hands after use. Do not ingest product. Avoid contact with eyes. Store away from animal food supplies if product contains corn to deter infestations.
Safe Storage: Keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location in tightly closed packaging. Optimal temperature below 35°C; avoid direct sunlight and high humidity to discourage mold growth.
Shelf Life: Up to 24 months if stored dry; odors or visible mold indicate product no longer usable.
Special Rules: Do not store with strong oxidizers or reactive chemicals.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No known occupational exposure limits for typical plant-based litter dust
Engineering Controls: Ensure good ventilation in area of use. Indoor air filtration helps reduce dust.
Respiratory Protection: NIOSH-approved dust mask recommended for extensive handling in commercial or shelter settings
Eye Protection: Wear safety goggles if high dust expected
Skin Protection: Use gloves for sensitive skin types or extended handling
Hygiene: Wash hands before eating or touching face; avoid tracking dust into food prep areas

Physical and Chemical Properties

Form: Granular, pellet, or small flakes
Color: Light tan to medium brown depending on plant source
Odor: Mild, earthy, slightly sweet aroma
pH: 6.0 - 8.5
Solubility: Swells in water, forms soft gel; not fully soluble
Melting Point: Not applicable
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Flash Point: Above 200°C
Auto-Ignition Temperature: Above 260°C
Explosive Limits: Not explosive as sold; risk exists if airborne dust is concentrated
Bulk Density: 0.5 - 0.7 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Not volatile
Other Data: Rapidly absorbs liquids; subject to clumping when wet

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal temperature and storage conditions
Reactivity: Unreactive; will not release hazardous vapors or gases
Hazardous Reactions: No known hazardous polymerization
Conditions to Avoid: High humidity, direct moisture, open flame
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents; avoid storage with bleach and strong acids
Decomposition Products: Burning generates CO and CO₂

Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, accidental ingestion
Acute Toxicity: Non-toxic; natural material safe for pets and people when used as intended
Chronic Exposure: No chronic health effects known; not carcinogenic
Irritation: Dust may irritate airways, eyes, or skin in sensitive users
Sensitization Potential: Minimal except for individuals highly allergic to plant fibers (corn, wheat, pine)
Medical Symptoms: Coughing, sneezing, or mild rash. Persistent symptoms signal allergy.
Other Effects: Not known to cause developmental or reproductive toxicity

Ecological Information

Behavior in Environment: Degrades naturally; completely biodegradable
Aquatic Toxicity: No evidence of risk to fish or aquatic life at typical disposal rates
Persistence: Rapid breakdown in compost; not expected to accumulate
Mobility: Not water-soluble; unlikely to contaminate groundwater
Bioaccumulation: Unlikely; material is consumed by soil organisms
Other Hazards: May create slippery surfaces if spilled on wet pavements

Disposal Considerations

Product Disposal: Home compostable if not contaminated with animal waste and local laws permit
Waste from Use: Dispose of waste containing cat feces in sealed bag in municipal trash, according to local regulations
Container Disposal: Recycle paper packaging or dispose with household rubbish, clean plastic bags before recycling
Special Guidance: Do not flush clumping litter down toilets to avoid blockages and potential waterway impact

Transport Information

UN Number: None assigned
UN Proper Shipping Name: Not regulated
Transport Hazard Class: Not a dangerous good
Packing Group: Not regulated
Environmental Hazards: No
Special Precautions: Protect packages from moisture in transit
Other Transport Guidance: Bulk shipments require covered containers to prevent water absorption and spoilage

Regulatory Information

OSHA Status: Not hazardous as defined by OSHA standards
TSCA Listing: Components listed or exempt (agricultural sources)
EPA Registration: Not required
Chemical Safety Assessment: Not required for this natural product
DSL/NDSL (Canada): Components listed
EU Regulations: Ingredients comply with REACH; product not subject to classification, labeling, or packaging (CLP) regulations
Labeling: "Natural Organic Cat Litter - Handle with Care To Limit Dust Exposure" satisfies regulatory norms
Other Guidance: Not flagged for hazardous waste, handled as organic household material