Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for Soluble Ammonium Polyphosphate (SAP) Fertilizer

Identification

Product Name: Soluble Ammonium Polyphosphate (SAP)
Other Names: Polyphosphoric acid, ammonium salt, liquid ammonium polyphosphate
Recommended Use: Fertilizer for agricultural crops
Supplier Information: [Supplier Name], [Address], [Contact Number], [Email]
Emergency Contact: [Local emergency phone number—usually the supplier or national poison center]
CAS Number: 68333-79-9
UN Number: UN3077 (for bulk environmental hazard shipments)

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Eye Irritant Category 2B, Skin Irritant Category 3, Acute Toxicity (oral) Category 5
Label Elements: Warning symbol (exclamation mark)
Hazard Statements: Causes eye irritation, may cause skin irritation, confirmed low toxicity by ingestion, watering eyes and possible reddening if splashed
Precautionary Statements: Use eye protection, wear gloves, avoid direct skin and eye contact, wash thoroughly after handling

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Ammonium Polyphosphate
Synonyms: Ammonium polyphosphate solution, Ammonium polyphosphate fertilizer
Concentration: 38–54% polyphosphate as P₂O₅ by weight
Major Components: Ammonium ions, polyphosphate chains (linear and cyclic)
Impurities: Water up to 60%, trace heavy metals below detection limits, minimal organic impurities from raw materials

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove to fresh air, stay calm, seek medical attention if symptoms persist, rinse mouth and nasal passages with water
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing right away, wash affected area thoroughly with soap and water, seek medical advice if skin irritation lasts
Eye Contact: Flush eyes gently with low-pressure water for 15 minutes with eyelids held open, remove contact lenses if present, consult physician if irritation continues
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink plenty of water, avoid vomiting unless directed by medical personnel, get prompt medical assistance

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, dry powder, foam, or carbon dioxide
Specific Hazards from Fire: Can emit ammonia, nitrogen oxides, phosphorus oxides if strongly heated; fumes may irritate eyes or lungs
Protective Equipment: Firefighters require self-contained breathing apparatus and chemical-resistant protective clothing
Advice: Move containers from fire zone if possible, otherwise cool them with water from a safe distance, avoid inhaling fumes

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use rubber gloves, eye protection, face shield if splash risk is present, ventilate area
Environmental Precautions: Prevent runoff into drains, surface water, or soil; dam up large spills with sand, earth, or absorbent material
Spill Response: Absorb with non-combustible inert material, carefully collect residue into labeled containers for disposal, clean area with wet mop
Disposal: Dispose of according to local, regional, or national environmental regulations for hazardous waste

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling: Avoid direct skin contact, wear chemical-resistant gloves, work in a well-ventilated area, prevent eye contact by wearing goggles
Storage Recommendations: Store in tightly sealed, labeled containers, out of direct sunlight, in a cool, dry, well-ventilated warehouse
Incompatible Materials: Keep away from strong bases, strong acids, and oxidizing chemicals; do not store near animal feed or food products
Other Precautions: Use spill trays under containers, rotate inventory properly to prevent caking or solidification

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation if aerosol or mist generation possible
Personal Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene), splash-proof safety goggles, long sleeves, closed footwear
Respiratory Protection: Use NIOSH-approved respirator if handling large spills, spraying, or in poorly ventilated spaces
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands, forearms, and face after handling; launder contaminated clothing before reuse

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Clear to pale yellow, slightly viscous liquid
Odor: Mild, faintly ammonia-like
pH (10% solution): 5.0–7.5
Melting Point / Freezing Point: -15 to -20°C (solidifies below -20°C)
Boiling Range: 100–110°C (water content affects)
Flash Point: Not flammable
Solubility in Water: Fully soluble
Density: 1.40–1.50 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Similar to water
Explosive Properties: Not explosive, not oxidizing

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal storage and handling conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat or freezing temperatures, loss of water can cause crystallization, direct sunlight for extended periods
Incompatible Materials: Strong alkalis, acids, oxidizers, reactive metals like zinc or aluminum
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Ammonia, nitrogen oxides, phosphorus pentoxide on strong thermal decomposition

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: LD50 (oral, rat) above 5,000 mg/kg (very low toxicity)
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Mild irritation on repeated exposure
Eye Damage/Irritation: Cause moderate to strong irritation, especially if not rinsed quickly
Respiratory Sensitization: Inhalation of mist may trigger coughing or mild irritation in sensitive people
Chronic Effects: No evidence of sensitization or chronic toxicity from typical exposures, not listed as carcinogen by OSHA, NTP, or IARC

Ecological Information

Environmental Persistence: Breaks down by natural hydrolysis into orthophosphate in soil and water systems
Aquatic Toxicity: Low to moderate (LC50 > 100 mg/L for fish, daphnia), but may trigger eutrophication and algal blooms if released uncontrollably into waterways
Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms
Soil Mobility: Moves with surface water or leachate, can increase phosphate load downstream
Other Effects: High concentrations shift water chemistry and encourage weed growth in ponds or reservoirs

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment: Never flush concentrated material to sewers, streams, or open bodies of water
Product Disposal: Dilute with copious water if small amounts, or transfer larger residues to a permitted chemical landfill by a licensed contractor
Container Disposal: Triple-rinse empty drums, puncture, and send to approved drum recycler or hazardous waste facility
Regulations: Follow local, state, and national guidelines for fertilizer disposal and environmental protection

Transport Information

UN Number: UN3077 (Environmentally Hazardous Substance, liquid, n.o.s.) for large bulk shipments
Shipping Name: Ammonium Polyphosphate Solution, Fertilizer, Liquid
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as hazardous for road, sea, or air if below regulated concentration limits
Packing Group: III (in some jurisdictions if bulk, non-bulk shipments usually exempt)
Special Precautions: Protect from freezing, always secure containers to minimize shift or leakage during transit

Regulatory Information

OSHA Status: Not listed as a hazardous chemical under OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard
TSCA: Listed in US TSCA inventory
SARA Title III: Not subject to SARA 302/304/313 requirements in usual fertilizer concentrations
WHMIS (Canada): Not controlled under WHMIS for routine fertilizer use
EU Classification: Not classified as dangerous under the CLP Regulation, but local labeling may be required
Other Requirements: Comply with all applicable environmental and health safety regulations for storage, use, and disposal in your locality