Material Safety Data Sheet: Copper Sulfate Pentahydrate

Identification

Product Name: Copper Sulfate Pentahydrate
Synonyms: Blue vitriol, Cupric sulfate pentahydrate
Chemical Formula: CuSO₄·5H₂O
CAS Number: 7758-99-8
Use: Fungicide, algicide, pesticide, laboratory reagent, electroplating
Supplier: Contact details depend on source; ensure clear supply chain identification
Emergency Numbers: Refer to local poison control center and fire rescue services

Hazard Identification

Hazard Classification: Acute toxicity (Oral Category 4), Skin irritation (Category 2), Eye irritation (Category 2A), Aquatic acute and chronic hazard (Category 1)
Label Elements: Pictograms — Skull and crossbones, Exclamation mark, Environment
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed, causes skin and serious eye irritation, very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, wash hands thoroughly after handling, avoid release into the environment, wear protective gloves, clothing, and eye protection

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Copper(II) sulfate pentahydrate
Percent Active: 98-100%
Impurities: Trace levels of sodium or iron salts depending on supply route
Chemical Formula: CuSO₄·5H₂O
Molecular Weight: 249.68 g/mol

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove individual to fresh air, provide oxygen support if breathing is difficult, seek medical help
Eye Contact: Flush eyes with plenty of running water for a minimum of 15 minutes, remove contact lenses if present, get prompt medical attention
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse skin with soap and tepid water, seek medical advice for skin irritation or rash
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, rinse mouth with water, drink a small quantity of milk or water if conscious, seek immediate medical attention
Acute Symptoms: Abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness
Advice for Medical Professionals: Symptomatic treatment, monitor kidney and liver function, provide supportive measures as needed

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide, or water spray, depending on fire context
Unsuitable Media: Avoid straight water streams that may spread toxic runoff
Hazardous Combustion Products: Copper oxides, sulfur oxides, asphyxiating gases
Protective Equipment: Full protective suit, self-contained breathing apparatus
Firefighting Tactics: Isolate area, prevent runoff, cool exposed containers with water spray

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear respiratory protection, chemical-resistant gloves and goggles, use protective clothing
Environmental Precautions: Stop spill from entering drains and waterways, containment with inert absorbent
Cleaning Methods: Sweep up without generating dust, store in tightly closed container for disposal, ventilate area
Reporting Requirements: Notify environmental authorities if release contaminates water or soil

Handling and Storage

Handling: Handle in well-ventilated space, minimize dust production, avoid contact with skin, clothing, and eyes
Hygiene: Wash thoroughly after handling, do not eat, drink, or smoke during use, launder contaminated clothing
Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry area away from sources of moisture and strong acids, separated from food or feed
Container Materials: Use sealed, corrosion-resistant packaging with clear hazard labeling

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation and general room ventilation to keep airborne concentrations below exposure limits
Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL (8hr TWA): 1 mg/m³ (as copper dusts & mists); ACGIH TLV: 1 mg/m³ (as copper)
Respiratory Protection: NIOSH/MSHA approved respirator for particulates if airborne levels approach limits
Skin Protection: Nitrile or rubber gloves, chemical-resistant clothing
Eye Protection: Safety goggles or face shield
Other Protection: Emergency eyewash stations and safety showers accessible in the work area

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Blue, crystalline solid
Odor: Odorless
Melting Point: 110°C with loss of water
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Solubility: 32g/100mL in water at 20°C
Density: 2.284 g/cm³
pH (aqueous solution): 3.7–4.5
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable (non-volatile solid)
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): Not determined
Flash Point: Not flammable

Stability and Reactivity

Stability: Stable under normal temperatures and pressures in dry air
Chemical Reactivity: Reacts with strong acids, bases, alkali metals, aluminum, moist air
Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur
Decomposition Products: Copper oxides, sulfur oxides, irritating vapors and gases on heating
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, moisture, incompatible substances, open flames

Toxicological Information

Likely Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin or eye contact
Acute Effects: Gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhea, metallic taste, muscle cramps, hemolysis at high doses
Chronic Effects: Anemia, liver and kidney damage from prolonged exposure, skin and hair discoloration
LD50 (Oral, Rat): 300 mg/kg
LD50 (Dermal, Rat): >2000 mg/kg
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, OSHA
Mutagenicity/Teratogenicity: No evidence in studies reviewed by EPA
Target Organs: Liver, kidneys, blood

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Very toxic to aquatic organisms, fish LC50 (96 h): 0.1–2.5 mg/L, Daphnia EC50 (48 h): 0.024–0.8 mg/L
Persistence and Degradability: Binds to sediment and soil, not readily biodegradable, persists in environment
Bioaccumulation: Possible in aquatic species and food chains
Soil Mobility: Moderately mobile in soil; can leach to groundwater depending on conditions
Other Adverse Effects: Harmful to terrestrial plants and invertebrates at moderate concentrations

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Collect and package material in labeled hazardous waste containers, dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations
Hazardous Waste Classification: Listed hazardous waste due to metal content
Avoid Release: Prevent leaking into natural waters; do not landfill with regular waste
Contaminated Packaging: Triple rinse, puncture, and dispose of via hazardous waste handler; recycling of container discouraged unless decontaminated

Transport Information

UN Number: UN3077
Proper Shipping Name: Environmentally hazardous substance, solid, n.o.s. (contains copper sulfate pentahydrate)
Transport Hazard Classes: 9 (Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles)
Packing Group: III
Special Precautions for Transport: Protect from moisture, prevent package breakage or spills; comply with local, national, and international transport regulations
Environmental Hazards: Marine pollutant label required for sea transport

Regulatory Information

TSCA Inventory: Listed
REACH Registration: Registered under European regulations
US EPA: Registered pesticide for specific uses
OSHA Hazard Communication: Covered hazardous chemical
SARA 302/313: Subject to reporting under certain uses
WHMIS Classification: D2B (Toxic material causing other toxic effects)
Other Local/National Regulations: Subject to water pollution controls and hazardous waste rules in EU, US, and many other jurisdictions