Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) – Pine Wood Cat Litter

Identification

Product Name: Pine Wood Cat Litter
Recommended Use: Animal bedding, cat litter
Supplier: Local pet supply companies, commercial distributors, hardware stores
Product Description: Processed and pelletized pine wood, sometimes listed as softwood sawdust or pine chips
Contact Number: Customer service information available on packaging
Emergency Contact: National Poison Center, company hotline listed on label

Hazard Identification

Classification: Not classified as hazardous under normal use as pet bedding
Physical Hazards: Fine dust can become airborne during pouring, leading to possible mechanical eye or respiratory irritation
Health Hazards: Prolonged inhalation of dust in high quantities might irritate airways; skin contact typically harmless unless individual has existing allergies
Environmental Hazards: Biodegradable; breakdown could raise local soil acidity if excessive amounts accumulate outdoors
Warning Signs: Dust clouds, strong pine odor in confined spaces, rare sensitivity reactions in users or pets

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Main Ingredient: Pine wood, typically Pinus species such as loblolly or southern yellow pine
Percentages: Nearly 100% compressed pine wood; trace amounts of natural sap, resin, lignin, cellulose
Impurities: Small particles of bark, knots, or other wood inclusions
Additives: Quality brands do not include chemical fragrances, colorants, or preservatives
Chemical Formula: Not applicable—organic complex of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to area with fresh air; monitor for further symptoms such as coughing or sore throat; rare situations may benefit from rinsing mouth with water
Skin Contact: Wash dust from skin with soap and water; for sensitive individuals, apply moisturizing lotion if needed
Eye Contact: Flush eyes for several minutes with plenty of water to clear out dust; do not rub eyes
Ingestion: Not considered toxic; rinse mouth and observe for upset stomach
Medical Attention: Seek help if symptoms such as persistent irritation, shortness of breath, or allergic reactions occur

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, or dry chemical extinguishers
Fire Hazards: Wood dust and pellets can burn if exposed to open flame or high heat; burning can generate carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus
Special Procedure: Cool adjacent containers; keep water directed onto fire base to avoid runoff
Combustion Products: Typical wood smoke, which contains particulate matter and gases

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Protection: Use dust mask or respirator if cleaning up significant amounts of spilled or airborne dust
Spill Response: Sweep up spilled pellets or dust, collecting in containers for reuse or disposal; avoid creating dust clouds
Environmental Precautions: Prevent large spills from entering storm drains or water sources
Clean-up Methods: Damp mop to minimize airborne particles, dispose of litter according to local guidelines
Disposal Containers: Use bags or bins that prevent dust escape during transport

Handling and Storage

Handling: Avoid generating dust when filling litter boxes; wear gloves if sensitive skin
Safe Storage: Keep bags tightly sealed and store in dry, well-ventilated areas; keep away from sources of heat or ignition
Incompatible Materials: Avoid storing near strong oxidizers or chemical cleaners
Specific Use Precautions: Do not inhale dust; always wash hands after handling, especially before eating or touching face
Bulk Storage: Stack bags on pallets to prevent contact with ground moisture

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Eyewash Station: Keep accessible in case of accidental exposure
Ventilation: Use in areas with good airflow to reduce airborne dust; open windows or use local exhaust if needed
Respiratory Protection: Dust masks recommended during cleaning, pouring large quantities, or cleaning up spills
Skin Protection: Work gloves are useful for those prone to skin dryness or irritation
Eye Protection: Safety goggles during heavy clean-up or bulk unloading

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Tan to light brown cylindrical pellets with wood grain texture
Odor: Distinct pine scent due to natural resins
Odor Threshold: Not determined
pH (in water): Slightly acidic, typically between 5 and 6
Melting/Freezing Point: Not applicable; pine wood chars, does not melt
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Flash Point: Like all wood, can catch fire at high enough temperatures, typically above 260°C (500°F)
Solubility: Insoluble in water; will break down to a soft sawdust after absorbing moisture
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Bulk Density: About 0.5 to 0.7 g/cm³
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Upper/Lower Flammability Limits: Not precisely determined for pellets; dust cloud LEL about 40g/m3

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal storage and use conditions
Reactivity: No hazardous reactions under normal use
Hazardous Polymerization: Not known to occur
Conditions to Avoid: Open flames, strong oxidizing agents, persistent dampness
Decomposition Products: When burned or decomposed at high temperature, produces carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, organic acids
Materials to Avoid: Concentrated acids, bases, and oxidizers may accelerate decomposition or produce unexpected byproducts

Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin or eye contact, accidental ingestion
Acute Toxicity: Not toxic to humans or animals in intended use
Symptoms: Nose or throat irritation, red or itchy eyes, dryness on sensitive skin
Chronic Exposure: Continuous exposure to high concentrations of pine dust can aggravate existing respiratory issues such as asthma
Carcinogenicity: No major agencies have classified pine wood cat litter as carcinogenic; wood dust in general is listed by IARC as a Group 1 carcinogen if inhaled over many years in occupational settings
Other Effects: Sensitive individuals or pets with respiratory conditions should minimize exposure to airborne dust

Ecological Information

Biodegradability: Fully biodegradable, breaks down as organic matter over a few months under composting conditions
Persistence: Does not persist in the environment if composted or disposed of properly
Bioaccumulation: No potential for bioaccumulation
Aquatic Toxicity: Low risk to aquatic environments; large quantities should not be dumped in waterways as it can reduce oxygen levels and cause physical blockages
Effects on Flora and Fauna: Excess use in gardens may lower soil pH; small quantities encourage earthworm activity and organic matter content

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Used litter can be composted or disposed of in regular waste according to municipal guidelines
Composting: Suitable for backyard or commercial composting if not mixed with clay, synthetic chemicals, or non-biodegradable liners; do not use compost on edible plants if feces present
Landfill: Allowed in many municipal landfill streams; check with local authorities for specific rules
Sewage Disposal: Not recommended due to solid matter content and possible animal waste contamination
Reuse: Do not attempt to reuse product for animal bedding once soiled

Transport Information

UN Number: No special requirements; not classed as hazardous
Proper Shipping Name: Pine Wood Cat Litter or Pine Pellet Cat Litter
Transport Hazard Class: Not regulated as dangerous goods
Packing Group: Not required
Special Precautions: Avoid moisture during shipping; stack in secure manner to prevent bag ruptures
Labeling: General labeling for consumer products; no hazard labels required

Regulatory Information

Regulations: Not regulated as a hazardous material at federal or state level; subject to general consumer product safety laws
Labeling Requirements: Product description, weight, and contact details for manufacturer or distributor
TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act): Pine wood is not listed as a reportable substance
Canadian WHMIS: Not considered controlled
REACH (Europe): Natural pine wood falls outside most reporting requirements
Other Standards: Meets cleanliness and residue standards for animal bedding in most markets; users encouraged to check local disposal requirements specific to used litter