Material Safety Data Sheet: Cobalt Hydroxide

Identification

Product Name: Cobalt Hydroxide
Chemical Formula: Co(OH)₂
CAS Number: 21041-93-0
Molecular Weight: 92.95 g/mol
Synonyms: Cobaltous hydroxide, Cobalt(II) hydroxide
Recommended Use: Research, pigments, catalysts, battery manufacturing
Manufacturer: Seek data from specific supplier
Emergency Contact: Refer to local authorities or published numbers for hazardous chemicals

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Acute toxicity (oral, inhalation), Eye irritant, Skin sensitizer, Chronic aquatic toxicity
Pictograms: Skull and crossbones, Exclamation mark, Environment
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed, May cause allergy or asthma symptoms, Causes eye irritation, May cause damage to respiratory organs, Toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, Use protective equipment, Do not release to environment, Wash exposed areas after handling

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Cobalt Hydroxide: 95-100%
Impurities: Nickel compounds (trace amounts), other metal hydroxides (may be present in minimal quantities dependent on grade or manufacturing process)
CAS Number: 21041-93-0

First Aid Measures

Eye Contact: Rinse gently with plenty of water for 15 minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy, seek medical advice without delay
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, get medical attention for irritation or persistent redness
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, keep individual at rest in comfortable position, seek immediate medical help for persistent cough, shortness of breath
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, seek medical assistance quickly
Notes for Physicians: May aggravate pre-existing skin or respiratory conditions, monitor for delayed health effects

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, dry powder, foam, or carbon dioxide; avoid strong water jets
Hazardous Combustion Products: Cobalt oxide fumes, other metal oxides
Protective Equipment: Full protective gear, self-contained breathing apparatus recommended
Special Hazards: Releases toxic fumes above decomposition temperature, avoid exposure to released dust and vapors
Advice for Firefighters: Control runoff, take caution in smoky or poorly ventilated settings, evacuate area if necessary

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear suitable eye, skin, and respiratory protection, ventilate affected area
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry to drains, sewers, watercourses, alert authorities if product contaminates environment
Methods for Containment: Avoid dust generation, collect spills using vacuum with HEPA filter or damp sweeping, place in appropriate waste container
Disposal: Use authorized waste facility, follow local regulations for disposal of heavy metal compounds

Handling and Storage

Handling: Minimize generation of dust, use local exhaust ventilation, practice good industrial hygiene (wash hands thoroughly after working, do not consume food or beverages in work area)
Storage: Keep container tightly sealed in cool, dry, well-ventilated area, store away from acids, incompatible materials, moisture
Storage Containers: Use corrosion-resistant, labeled containers, separate from food and animal feed

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL (TWA) for cobalt compounds: 0.1 mg/m³ (as Co), ACGIH TLV: 0.02 mg/m³ (inhalable fraction, as Co)
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, process enclosure, regular air monitoring to maintain exposure below limits
Personal Protection: Respirator (NIOSH-approved for particulates), chemical safety goggles, gloves resistant to heavy metals (nitrile or rubber), long-sleeved garments, closed footwear
Hygiene Precautions: Wash contaminated clothing before reuse, practice thorough handwashing after use, do not touch mouth, eyes, or other exposed skin

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Fine, odorless, pink to red powder
Odor: Odorless
pH: Slightly basic in water
Melting Point / Freezing Point: Decomposes above 100°C
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes)
Flash Point: Not flammable
Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in acids
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Density: About 3.6 g/cm³
Other Properties: Stable under standard conditions, may react slowly with atmospheric carbon dioxide to form cobalt carbonate

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable at ambient temperatures, prolonged exposure to air and moisture may cause slow changes
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Contact with acids releases toxic hydrogen chloride gas
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, incompatible materials, strong acids
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, acids, ammonium salts
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Cobalt oxides, other metal oxides at high temperatures

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Harmful if swallowed or inhaled, symptoms include sore throat, coughing, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting
Skin Sensitization: May cause allergic skin reaction, repeated or prolonged skin contact increases risk
Respiratory Effects: May trigger asthma in sensitized individuals, chronic inhalation may lead to respiratory tract irritation, possible lung injury
Carcinogenicity: Cobalt compounds are listed as possible human carcinogens by IARC and NTP
Chronic Health Effects: Kidney and cardiac issues from long-term exposure, may cause blood and thyroid disorders
Target Organs: Lungs, skin, eyes, liver, kidneys

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic organisms with potential for long-term adverse effects in aquatic environment
Persistence and Degradability: Inorganic compound, not readily biodegradable, may persist in environment
Bioaccumulation: Possible, cobalt compounds may accumulate in aquatic life
Mobility in Soil: Low, strong binding to soil particles
Other Effects: Monitor localized contamination, take special care in storage and disposal to reduce risk to natural resources

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Treat as hazardous heavy metal waste, consult applicable local, regional, and national legislation
Disposal of Product: Do not dispose in household garbage or landfill, use approved hazardous waste facilities
Contaminated Packaging: Dispose of as hazardous material, puncture or damage to empty containers should be avoided
Environmental Precautions: Prevent uncontrolled release, avoid discharge to water sources, notify authorities for significant spills

Transport Information

UN Number: 3288
UN Proper Shipping Name: Toxic Solid, Inorganic, N.O.S. (Cobalt Hydroxide)
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic substances)
Packing Group: III
Marine Pollutant: Yes
Special Precautions: Avoid generation of dust, secure tightly in transport, label according to international and local regulations

Regulatory Information

TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act): Listed
OSHA Hazardous Chemical: Yes
SARA Title III Sections 302/304: Not specifically listed, check for threshold planning quantities
California Proposition 65: Cobalt compounds considered carcinogenic
EU Classification: Harmful, Irritant, Dangerous for the Environment
WHMIS: D2A (Very toxic), D2B (Toxic), consult Canadian labeling guidelines
Other International Regulations: Covered under major chemical safety conventions; see GHS, REACH and relevant international lists