Material Safety Data Sheet: Dicalcium Phosphate (DCP)

Identification

Product Name: Dicalcium Phosphate
Chemical Formula: CaHPO4·2H2O
Other Names: Calcium hydrogen phosphate, DCP
Recommended Use: Animal feed additive, pharmaceutical excipient, food additive, fertilizer materials
Supplier/Manufacturer Details: [Insert company name and address]
Contact Number: [Insert emergency and information phone numbers]

Hazard Identification

Classification: Not classified as hazardous under current global transport and workplace safety standards.
Potential Health Hazards: Inhalation can irritate respiratory tract; contact with eyes may cause mild irritation; prolonged skin contact might cause some dryness or minor irritation.
Label Elements: No required pictograms; precautionary statements recommend avoiding inhalation of dust and direct contact with eyes.
Signal Word: None required
Emergency Overview: White or off-white powder, minimal odor. Dust may aggravate existing lung conditions.

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Identity: Dicalcium phosphate dihydrate
CAS Number: 7757-93-9
Content: Generally over 95% by weight
Impurities: Possible trace amounts of calcium carbonate, magnesium phosphate, fluoride ions depending on production batch
Molecular Weight: 172.09 g/mol

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air. Rinse nose and mouth with water if dusty conditions are involved. Seek medical attention for any persistent difficulty breathing.
Skin Contact: Wash skin thoroughly with soap and plenty of water. Remove contaminated clothing. Seek medical advice if irritation occurs.
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, removing contact lenses if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing thoroughly. Get medical attention if irritation persists.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water. Drink water to dilute product. Do not induce vomiting unless directed by a medical professional. Obtain medical advice if large quantities are ingested or discomfort develops.
Most Important Symptoms: Irritation, coughing, eye discomfort, mild skin irritation
Medical Attention/Special Treatment: Symptomatic treatment as required. No special antidote.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Flammability: Not flammable
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, dry powder, or CO2 for surrounding combustibles
Hazards from Product Combustion: Does not burn, but decomposition in strong fire may produce phosphorus oxides and calcium oxide
Advice for Firefighters: Use protective equipment. Wear self-contained breathing apparatus if dust or gases are present from surrounding fire.
Fire/Explosion Risk: Not considered an explosion hazard under normal conditions

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use appropriate protective gear such as gloves, goggles, and dust mask. Control dust with ventilation or water spray.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into waterways, drains, or soils in large quantities. Inform local environmental authorities if significant escape occurs.
Spill Cleanup Methods: Sweep or vacuum up material, using methods that avoid creating dust. Place recovered material in a suitable, labeled container for disposal.
Reference for Other Sections: Refer to handling, PPE, and disposal procedures elsewhere in the document.

Handling and Storage

Handling: Work in a well-ventilated area to minimize dust. Wear suitable protective clothing and wash hands after handling. Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking during use.
Storage: Store in a dry, cool, well-ventilated place in tightly closed original containers. Keep away from strong acids, strong oxidizers, and moisture sources. Keep out of reach of children and unauthorized personnel.
Incompatibilities: Strong acids (liberates phosphoric acid and may release toxic gases), hydrofluoric acid (forms corrosive compounds), avoid contact with food and drink commodities if used outside regulated contexts.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No established national exposure limit for DCP, but keep dust levels below nuisance dust limits (e.g., OSHA PEL: 15 mg/m³ total dust; 5 mg/m³ respirable fraction).
Ventilation: Ensure local exhaust or general ventilation to keep airborne levels low.
Personal Protective Equipment: Dust mask or respirator (NIOSH-approved), chemical safety goggles or face shield, chemical-resistant gloves, protective clothing as necessary.
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and exposed skin after handling. Do not eat, drink, or smoke near product. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.
Environmental Exposure Controls: Prevent dust emissions into air and water. Follow all local environmental regulations.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White to off-white, odorless powder or granular solid
Odor: None
pH (1% solution): Between 6 and 7
Melting Point: Decomposes above 200°C (392°F) without melting
Solubility in Water: Slight (about 0.02 g/100 mL at 25°C)
Relative Density: 2.31 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Negligible
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes)
Partition Coefficient: Not applicable
Flash Point: Not flammable
Auto-Ignition Temperature: Not self-igniting
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Other Properties: Stable under normal storage; dust may pose a slipping hazard if spilled on smooth surfaces.

Stability and Reactivity

Stability: Stable under normal conditions of storage and use.
Reactivity: May react with strong acids, generating calcium salts and phosphoric acid. In contact with hydrofluoric acid, may produce toxic hydrogen fluoride gas.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Calcium oxide, phosphorus oxides if heated to decomposition.
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, moisture, sources of strong acid vapors.
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, hydrofluoric acid, strong oxidizers.
Polymerization: Will not occur.

Toxicological Information

Likely Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin, eyes, ingestion
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat) >10,000 mg/kg (very low acute toxicity)
Inhalation: Dust can irritate upper respiratory tract. Pre-existing respiratory conditions can be aggravated.
Skin Contact: Prolonged or repeated contact may cause slight irritation or dryness.
Eye Contact: Dust may cause redness, discomfort, or physical irritation.
Ingestion: Low toxicity, but large amounts may cause digestive upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea).
Chronic Effects: No evidence of sensitization, carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or reproductive toxicity from standard exposure levels.
Other Information: Occupational exposure rarely results in severe symptoms; good safety practices reduce potential issues.

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Not considered acutely toxic to aquatic organisms at typical environmental concentrations.
Persistence and Degradability: Inorganic mineral, not subject to biological degradation. May slowly dissolve in water, releasing calcium and phosphate ions.
Bioaccumulative Potential: Does not bioaccumulate.
Mobility in Soil: Low mobility; binds strongly to soil particles.
Other Adverse Effects: Large-scale releases may contribute to eutrophication in water bodies, promoting algal growth; affects natural nutrient cycles.

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal: Dispose of via approved local landfill or other authorized facility in accordance with national and local regulations.
Container Disposal: Empty containers thoroughly before recycling or disposal. Rinse with water if required.
Special Considerations: Do not discharge into drains, surface water, or soils in appreciable quantities. Ensure waste material is not accessible to children or animals.
Regulatory Waste Codes: Check local authority listings for non-hazardous waste codes related to calcium phosphate compounds.

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated as a dangerous good
Transport Hazard Class: None assigned
Packing Group: None required
Proper Shipping Name: Dicalcium phosphate
Special Precautions: Protect from moisture and prevent inhalation of dust by handlers.
Environmental Hazards: Not regulated for road, rail, sea, or air shipment. No specific transport restrictions.

Regulatory Information

Labelling: No hazard symbol or risk phrase required by GHS, OSHA, or EU CLP for occupational exposure.
Inventory Status: Listed on TSCA, EINECS, DSL, and other major chemical inventories.
Regulatory Restrictions: Subject to regulations governing food and feed use. Ensure compliance with specific industry and country requirements.
Other Regulatory: Monitored for environmental discharges under nutrient management programs in some regions.
Worker Protection: Covered by safety guidelines for particulate materials; ensure site-specific employee education and training programs.