Material Safety Data Sheet: Wood Dust Cat Litter

Identification

Product Name: Wood Dust Cat Litter
Product Use: Absorbent material for cat litter boxes
Manufacturer: Hardwood Resources Inc., 238 Willow Mill Dr, Springfield, USA
Emergency Telephone: 1-800-555-3863
Email: info@hardwoodresources.com
Date Prepared: January 15, 2024
Other Identifiers: Natural pine, cedar, spruce, fir, renewable hardwood sawdust
Supplier: National Pet Distribution Group, 405 Commerce Ave, Anytown, USA
Recommended Restrictions: For animal use only; not intended for inhalation, ingestion, or medical application in humans
SDS Number: WDCL-2024-01
UN Number: Not regulated

Hazard Identification

Classification: Eye irritation (Category 2), Skin sensitization (Category 1), Respiratory sensitization (Category 1), Combustible Dust
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: May cause eye and respiratory irritation; dust can irritate upper respiratory tract; skin contact may lead to mild reaction in sensitive individuals; loose particles create risk of slipping; accumulation of airborne dust can pose explosion hazard in confined, poorly ventilated environments
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust; wear protective eyewear; wash hands after use; keep away from ignition sources; use with adequate ventilation
Appearance: Light to medium brown, variable particle sizes, woody odor
Health Hazards: May aggravate pre-existing respiratory, eye, or skin conditions
Environmental Risks: Minimal when used as intended; large releases may create excess organic material in water

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Pine Sawdust: 40-80% by weight
Cedar Sawdust: 0-20% by weight
Fir/Hemlock Sawdust: 0-40% by weight
Hardwood Sawdust: 0-15% by weight
Additives: None
Impurities: May contain trace amounts of bark, natural resins, or wood oils
Chemical Formula: Cellulose (C6H10O5)n
CAS Numbers: Wood Dust: 65996-61-4, Cellulose: 9004-34-6
Hazardous Components: None present above regulatory thresholds
Physical Form: Granular to fine powder

First Aid Measures

Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes; remove contact lenses if present and easy to do; continue rinsing; seek medical attention if irritation persists
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing; seek medical attention if rash or irritation develops
Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical advice if symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath occur; remove from exposure source
Ingestion: Rinse mouth; drink water to dilute; seek medical advice if symptoms develop
Most Important Symptoms: Mild to moderate respiratory or eye irritation, allergic skin reactions in sensitive users, dry throat
Advice for Medical Providers: Treat symptoms; no specific antidote available

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, CO2, water spray, foam
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Direct water jet for dusty environments
Specific Hazards: Accumulated airborne dust can explode if ignited; product may smolder and re-ignite
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Self-contained breathing apparatus, full turnout gear
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), organic aldehydes, fine particulates
Firefighting Procedures: Evacuate area; prevent dust cloud formation; cool containers with water; avoid breathing smoke and fumes

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Avoid generating dust; ventilate area; use dust mask and safety glasses
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains and waterways; dust and debris may temporarily impact water oxygen levels
Methods for Containment: Scoop or vacuum spilled material; minimize dust formation; collect in appropriate containers
Methods for Cleanup: Use damp sweeping or an industrial vacuum designed for combustible dusts; avoid dry sweeping; wash area with water if required; dispose of spilled product responsibly
Reporting: No local or federal spill reporting requirements unless environmental contamination or fire risk arises

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling Practices: Use only in well-ventilated areas; avoid prolonged inhalation of dust; prevent formation of airborne dust clouds; keep away from sparks or open flames; handle with clean, dry hands
Hygiene Recommendations: Wash hands before eating, drinking, or smoking; do not eat, drink, or smoke near material
Storage Guidelines: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area; keep container tightly sealed to prevent dust
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong oxidizers
Storage Temperature: Keep ambient, avoid extreme humidity or heat
Special Sensitivities: Keep away from moisture to prevent mold growth; avoid compressing material, which may promote self-heating

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: ACGIH TLV: Wood Dust (all species except Western Red Cedar): 1 mg/m3 (inhalable fraction, TWA 8 hr); OSHA PEL: 5 mg/m3
Engineering Controls: Exhaust ventilation, dust collection systems, local air extraction
Eye Protection: Safety glasses with side shields; goggles in dusty conditions
Respiratory Protection: NIOSH-approved dust mask or particulate respirator if dust levels exceed recommended limits
Skin Protection: Gloves for repeated or prolonged contact; protective clothing if allergic reactions documented
Environmental Exposure Controls: Avoid dust release; use spill containment procedures; monitor air quality in workspaces

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Light to medium brown, small granules or fine powder, variable size
Odor: Natural woody smell, sometimes resinous
Odor Threshold: Not determined
pH: 4.0–7.0 (suspension in water)
Melting Point: Not applicable (decomposes on heating)
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Flash Point: > 200°C (closed cup, dust form)
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Flammability: Combustible solid; poses fire risk as airborne dust
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Solubility: Insoluble in water; swells when moist
Density: 200–400 kg/m³ (depending on particle size)
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not determined
Auto-Ignition Temperature: 400–500°C
Decomposition Temperature: > 200°C

Stability and Reactivity

Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Reactive Conditions: Airborne wood dust can ignite in presence of spark or static; avoid high heat, open flames
Incompatible Substances: Strong acids, alkalis, oxidizing agents
Hazardous Decomposition: Thermal decomposition releases carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, aldehydes, particulate matter
Polymerization: Product does not undergo hazardous polymerization
Shelf Life: 24 months when stored dry and sealed

Toxicological Information

Likely Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, accidental ingestion
Acute Effects: Irritation of eyes, nose, throat, skin in sensitive individuals
Chronic Effects: Prolonged or repeated exposure to wood dust linked with increased risk of nasal and respiratory conditions; International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies wood dust as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1) based on occupational exposures
Symptoms: Sneezing, coughing, sore eyes, possible skin itching or rash
Sensitization: Some people may develop skin or respiratory allergy; risk varies by wood species
Mutagenicity: Not expected
Reproductive Toxicity: No evidence of reproductive impact in animal studies
LD50 / LC50: Not available or not relevant for natural wood dust mixtures

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Does not meet criteria for aquatic hazard; in large quantities, wood dust can consume oxygen in water, risking aquatic life
Biodegradability: Rapid; product breaks down by microbial action in soil and compost
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low; not expected in organisms
Soil Effects: Adds organic content if used as mulch or compost ingredient; excessive release may disrupt soil pH or microbial balance
Mobility in Soil: Low; material settles quickly, may clump in moist conditions
Persistence: Not persistent; decomposes naturally in months to a year
Other Adverse Effects: None known if handled responsibly; conscious management avoids environmental burdens

Disposal Considerations

Waste Generation: Minimize dust; collect sweepings, dispose with municipal solid waste or compost
Disposal Methods: Landfill if composting is not available; composting recommended where permitted
Special Precautions: Do not incinerate large quantities in closed spaces due to dust explosion hazard
Regulatory Status: Meets non-hazardous waste definitions under local, state, and federal regulations
Packaging: Empty containers can be recycled or reused; rinse if necessary; check with local recycling authorities for best practices

Transport Information

Proper Shipping Name: Not regulated as a hazardous material
UN Number: Not applicable
Transport Hazard Class: Non-hazardous
Packing Group: Not required
Labels: None specified; general cargo labeling recommended
Special Precautions: Avoid crushing or compressing during transport to prevent dust formation; keep dry to avoid mold growth
Bulk Transport: Covered or lined trucks/totes; ensure containers remain sealed and upright

Regulatory Information

Safety, Health and Environmental Regulations: OSHA: Wood dust is regulated as a nuisance dust and specific species as potential carcinogen; SARA Title III: Not listed; TSCA: All components listed or exempt; CERCLA: Not regulated as a hazardous substance; Canadian WHMIS: Class D2A (toxic material, wood dust); EC Inventory: All components compliant
Label Requirements: Caution - Dust may cause respiratory, skin or eye irritation; Keep away from open flame and sparks
RoHS/REACH: Product contains no listed restricted substances; does not intentionally contain heavy metals, phthalates, or other persistent organic pollutants
California Proposition 65: Wood dust recognized by the State of California to cause cancer; appropriate warning required
Product Registration: Not subject to notification or registration under typical animal usage guidelines