Product Name: Oxygen Absorber
Common Name: Oxygen scavenger packet
Recommended Use: Preservation of food, pharmaceuticals, and electronics
Manufacturer/Supplier: See packaging for manufacturer details
Emergency Contact: Refer to product label or distributor information
Emergency Overview: Solid packets, typically enclosed in permeable packaging; not intended for direct consumption
Classification: Not classified as dangerous under GHS for most users; primary hazard if contents are ingested or inhaled
Main Hazards: May cause mild eye or skin irritation on exposure; risk of iron poisoning if packet is split and ingested, especially by children or pets
Symptoms: Upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, potential for systemic toxicity with significant ingestion; respiratory tract irritation from dust if packet is ruptured
Active Component: Iron powder (CAS: 7439-89-6; typically >90%)
Other Ingredients: Sodium chloride (CAS: 7647-14-5; 1–5%), activated carbon (CAS: 7440-44-0; <2%)
Moisture Controller: Clay, silica gel, or similar desiccants may be included in some brands
Packet Material: Food-safe, oxygen-permeable film that keeps powder contained
Inhalation: Remove person to fresh air, seek medical advice if discomfort persists
Skin Contact: Wash exposed area with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes gently with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; seek immediate medical attention, especially if a child has ingested packet contents; provide product label or ingredients to healthcare provider
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, dry chemical powder, or carbon dioxide; iron powder is not highly flammable, but packaging can burn
Special Hazards: Iron can react with water at high temperatures, producing flammable hydrogen gas; burning packets may release smoke or irritating fumes
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear standard protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus
Advice for Firefighters: Cool surroundings with water spray to prevent spread of fire; avoid breathing smoke
Personal Precautions: Avoid contact with skin and eyes; do not inhale dust from ruptured packets
Environmental Precautions: Prevent iron powder from entering waterways or drains
Clean-up Methods: Sweep up spilled material carefully, dispose in accordance with regulations; place ruptured packets and contents in sealed container for disposal
Handling Spills: Use gloves to collect waste; avoid creating dust
Precautions for Handling: Keep packets sealed until use, avoid tearing or crushing
Safe Storage Conditions: Store in a dry, cool location away from sources of moisture and incompatible chemicals, such as strong acids
Incompatible Materials: Acids and oxidizers; can accelerate oxidation
Special Practices: Keep away from children and pets; do not use if packet is damaged or leaking
Engineering Controls: Use in a well-ventilated area if handling bulk packets; dust extraction systems can reduce inhalation risk with large quantities
Personal Protection: Gloves recommended for clean-up of damaged packets; safety glasses to avoid accidental eye contact
Occupational Exposure Limits: Iron (OSHA PEL: 10 mg/m³ total particulates); rare to exceed limits under normal consumer use
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before eating or drinking after handling product
Appearance: Grey or black powder inside small sealed sachets
Odor: Odorless or slight metallic note
pH: Not applicable (solid form)
Melting Point: Iron melts at 1538°C; packet safe at normal storage and use temperatures
Solubility: Iron is insoluble in water; sodium chloride is highly soluble, activated carbon is insoluble
Other Properties: Non-volatile, non-reactive under expected storage and use conditions
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions
Reactivity: Iron oxidizes in the presence of moisture and air, which is the intended function
Hazardous Reactions: Contact with acids can generate hydrogen gas; no dangerous polymerization expected
Conditions to Avoid: Prolonged exposure to moisture, high temperature, open flames
Likely Routes of Exposure: Accidental ingestion, skin or eye contact, inhalation of dust from ruptured packets
Acute Effects: Iron poisoning risk if contents are ingested—especially dangerous for pets and young children; mild irritation possible on contact
Chronic Exposure: Not expected under recommended use; repeated inhalation of iron dust can affect lungs
Carcinogenicity: Ingredients not classified as carcinogenic by IARC or OSHA
Health Precautions: Basic food safety and keeping packets out of reach mitigate almost all risks
Ecotoxicity: Low risk in consumer quantities; excess iron can disrupt aquatic life
Mobility: Iron and sodium chloride dissolve and disperse in wet environments
Persistence: Iron oxidizes to rust, sodium chloride persists in water
Bioaccumulation: Not expected for main ingredients; environmental exposure minimized by proper disposal
Safe Disposal: Used or spent packets can typically go in household waste, unless local regulations require otherwise
Unused Packets: Treat as non-hazardous solid waste but keep away from children’s access
Bulk Disposal: Refer to local waste facility; avoid dumping in water bodies
UN Number: Not regulated for transport
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as dangerous goods
Packing Group: Not applicable
Special Precautions: Protect from moisture during shipping; no additional controls needed for consumer amounts
Labeling Requirements: Consumer packaging advises against ingestion, provides emergency information
Global Inventory Status: Ingredients listed on various regulatory inventories, such as TSCA (US), EINECS/ELINCS (EU)
Applicable Standards: OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200), GHS labeling where applicable
Restrictions: Intended only for preservation purposes; not for direct consumption
