Tricalcium Phosphate (TCP) Material Safety Data Sheet

1. Identification

Chemical Name: Tricalcium Phosphate
Synonyms: Calcium phosphate tribasic, Beta-Tricalcium Phosphate, TCP
CAS Number: 7758-87-4
Formula: Ca3(PO4)2
Recommended Use: Used in ceramics, food additives, dental powders, nutritional supplements
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2. Hazard Identification

Classification: Not classified as hazardous under OSHA or GHS criteria
Signal Word: None
Hazard Statements: May cause mild respiratory or eye irritation if high dust concentrations are inhaled or if it comes in contact with the eyes.
Pictograms: None
Precautionary Statements: Use local exhaust to minimize airborne dust; avoid contact with eyes and long-term inhalation; wear basic protective gear if handling large quantities; wash hands following use

3. Composition / Information on Ingredients

Component: Tricalcium Phosphate
Chemical Formula: Ca3(PO4)2
CAS Number: 7758-87-4
Concentration: 99% or greater
Impurities: May contain trace levels of calcium carbonate or magnesium oxide, depending on source

4. First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Get to fresh air; seek medical attention if irritation develops or persists.
Skin Contact: Wash hands with soap and water to remove residue.
Eye Contact: Flush eyes thoroughly with water for several minutes, use eyewash station if available.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink plenty of water; consult a physician if large quantities are swallowed or if symptoms develop.
Most Important Symptoms: Minor eye or throat irritation; usually symptoms subside quickly

5. Fire-Fighting Measures

Flammability: Material is not flammable
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use means appropriate for surrounding fire (water, dry powder, foam, or CO2)
Special Hazards: No hazardous combustion products known; product itself does not burn
Protective Equipment: Standard protective gear, including respirator and eye protection, is enough for responding to fire in the immediate area

6. Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Avoid dust formation and inhalation; put on a dust mask, goggles, and gloves.
Environmental Precautions: Keep product from washing into drains; sweep up material and collect in suitable containers for disposal.
Methods for Cleanup: Use vacuum or wet methods to limit airborne dust; avoid dry sweeping; ventilate area well during clean-up

7. Handling and Storage

Handling: Minimize dust generation; handle in well-ventilated areas; avoid eating, drinking, or smoking when handling product; wash hands and exposed skin after use.
Storage: Keep product in tightly closed containers; store away from food and drink; avoid humidity—store in a dry, cool location; no incompatible materials under normal storage conditions

8. Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL: 15 mg/m3 (total dust), 5 mg/m3 (respirable fraction)
Engineering Controls: Use process enclosures, local exhaust ventilation, or other engineering controls to keep airborne levels below recommended limits.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Dust mask or N95 respirator in dusty conditions; safety goggles; gloves for those sensitive to powders; long sleeves to minimize skin contact; wash after handling
Hygiene Measures: Change out of work clothes and shower after significant exposure; keep work area clean

9. Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White odorless powder
Odor: None
pH: 6.5 – 7.5 (suspension in water)
Melting Point: 1670°C
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Flash Point: Not applicable
Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in acids
Relative Density: Approx. 3.1 g/cm3
Vapor Pressure: Negligible
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not available
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable

10. Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal temperature and pressure. Keeps its form unless exposed to strong acids.
Reactivity: May react with acids to produce calcium ions and soluble phosphates.
Conditions to Avoid: Excess moisture and incompatibles like hydrofluoric acid.
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, especially hydrofluoric acid.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: None expected in standard use; may generate calcium oxides and phosphorus oxides at extremely high temperatures
Polymerization: Product will not polymerize

11. Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Low oral toxicity; animal studies indicate LD50 (rat) > 5,000 mg/kg.
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Not expected to irritate skin for most people.
Eye Damage/Irritation: May cause mild, temporary irritation.
Respiratory Sensitization: Breathing fine dust may cause mechanical irritation.
Long-Term Exposure: No evidence of significant health hazard or chronic toxicity when handled properly.
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as carcinogen (IARC, NTP, OSHA).
Other Effects: High concentrations of dust can affect those with pre-existing respiratory issues; otherwise little hazard for healthy adults

12. Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Product generally considered low risk to aquatic life; not readily soluble in water so unlikely to bioaccumulate.
Mobility in Soil: Insoluble, tends to remain where it settles.
Bioaccumulative Potential: Not likely to bioaccumulate.
Persistence and Degradability: Inorganic; does not degrade but persists in environment as mineral phosphate.
Other Effects: Large spills may affect the nutrient balance in soil or water; phosphorus can promote growth of algae in water bodies

13. Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal: Collect spilled product; avoid creating dust; discard following local regulations for non-hazardous mineral waste.
Container Disposal: Ensure all containers are fully emptied; clean containers may be recycled or disposed in landfill if allowed.
Special Precautions: Avoid disposing of large amounts into natural water sources to prevent phosphate pollution; consult local environmental authority for significant quantities
Recycling: This compound occasionally recycled for agricultural or industrial use depending on purity

14. Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated for transport
Shipping Name: Tricalcium Phosphate
Transport Hazard Class: Non-hazardous according to DOT and IATA
Packing Group: Not assigned
Environmental Hazards: None noted under transport regulations
Special Precautions: Transport in sealed, labeled packaging to prevent dust escape
Other: No restrictions for air, rail, sea, or road shipment under normal conditions

15. Regulatory Information

Inventory Listings: Listed on TSCA (USA), EINECS (EU), DSL (Canada), AICS (Australia)
OSHA Status: Not considered hazardous
California Proposition 65: Not listed as substance of concern
WHMIS (Canada): Not controlled
Other Regulations: Product meets food and pharmaceutical codes for purity in many jurisdictions; not subject to specific reporting requirements
Labeling: Simple labeling as non-toxic mineral powder recommended
Workplace Relevance: Observe general best safety practices for dust handling; review workplace safety program at regular intervals