Product Name: Cellulose
Chemical Family: Polysaccharide
Chemical Formula: (C6H10O5)n
Chemical Name: Cellulose
CAS Number: 9004-34-6
Synonyms: Alpha-Cellulose, Wood Pulp, Cotton Linters, Cellulose Fiber
Recommended Use: Food and pharmaceutical additives, laboratory reagent, textile and paper manufacturing, filtration, insulation
Supplier Identification: Manufacturer address, emergency contact, telephone and email for technical support
GHS Classification: Not classified as a hazardous substance under GHS guidelines
Physical Hazards: Dust can form explosive mixtures in the air
Health Hazards: Inhalation of dust may irritate respiratory system; prolonged exposure can cause discomfort to eyes and skin
Environmental Hazards: No major hazards identified, but large spills may impact local aquatic systems
Label Information: Non-hazardous under OSHA; precautionary warnings about airborne dust recommended
Signal Word: None required
Precautionary Statements: Avoid creating and breathing dust, use proper ventilation and protection
Component: Cellulose
Chemical Identity: 100% (C6H10O5)n
Purity: Typically >97%
Impurities: Trace levels of lignin, hemicellulose, moisture may be present, depending on source and processing
Additives: None intentionally added
Physical Form: Fine powder, granules, or fibers depending on application
Inhalation: Move affected individual to fresh air, encourage slow breathing, obtain medical attention if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Wash skin with plenty of water, remove contaminated clothing, medical evaluation for persistent irritation
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes, lift eyelids to ensure thorough rinsing, seek medical attention for discomfort
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, drink fluids to clear throat, usually non-toxic but consult health provider in case of persistent symptoms
Notes to Physicians: Treat symptoms, cellulose is not absorbed systemically and poses minimal toxicological risk on exposure
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, or CO2
Unsuitable Media: Avoid high-pressure water jets as dust dispersion may occur
Specific Hazards: Organic dust may cause explosion when mixed with air above minimum explosive concentration; burns to form carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should use self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing
Special Procedures: Prevent dust formation, isolate fire area, use water to cool exposed containers
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon oxides, possible trace amounts of aldehydes, acidic vapors
Personal Precautions: Eliminate ignition sources, avoid creating dust, ventilate area
Environmental Precautions: Minimize release to sewers, surface water, soil
Cleanup Methods: Shovel or vacuum spilled material using equipment fitted with HEPA filters, avoid dry sweeping, place in closed containers for disposal
Protective Equipment: Use protective gloves, dust mask or respirator, safety goggles
Handling: Avoid generating dust, implement dust control measures, use non-sparking tools, ground metallic equipment
Storage: Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, ventilated area away from heat, sparks, and open flames
Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizers, sources of ignition
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after handling, change contaminated clothing, maintain good housekeeping by regular cleaning of settled dust
Occupational Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL (Particulates Not Otherwise Regulated): 15 mg/m³ (total), 5 mg/m³ (respirable fraction); ACGIH TLV: 10 mg/m³ (inhalable), 3 mg/m³ (respirable)
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation to control airborne dust levels
Personal Protective Equipment: Respirators for dust (NIOSH-approved), protective gloves, chemical safety goggles, long-sleeved work clothing
Additional Measures: Maintain equipment, check ventilation, monitor workplace exposure with air sampling if needed
Appearance: White to off-white powder, granules, or fibers
Odor: Odorless
Odor Threshold: Not applicable
pH: 5.0–7.5 (suspension in water)
Melting Point: Decomposes above 260°C
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Flash Point: >220°C (closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Flammability: May form explosive dust/air mixtures
Explosion Limits: Lower: 40 g/m³ dust
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Vapor Density: Not applicable
Relative Density: 1.5–1.6
Solubility: Insoluble in water and most solvents
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not applicable
Auto-ignition Temperature: Approx. 420°C
Decomposition Temperature: 260–270°C
Viscosity: Not applicable
Chemical Stability: Chemically stable under normal conditions
Reactivity: Avoid strong oxidizing agents, may react energetically
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Dust explosion in air
Conditions to Avoid: Sparks, open flames, high temperatures, static discharge, excessive dust accumulation
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, concentrated acids
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide under fire conditions; trace organic volatiles possible on overheating
Acute Toxicity: LD50 (oral, rat): >5000 mg/kg; considered practically non-toxic
Chronic Toxicity: No known chronic health effects; long-term exposure may cause mild irritation
Sensitization: Not a skin or respiratory sensitizer
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, OSHA
Mutagenicity: Not mutagenic in standard testing
Reproductive Toxicity: No reproductive hazards recorded
Irritation: Dust may cause temporary mechanical irritation to eyes, skin, and respiratory tract
Additional Data: Material not absorbed systemically, passes through gut unchanged, minimal risk of toxic effects
Ecotoxicity: No acute toxicity to aquatic life reported; natural polymer, biodegradable
Persistence and Degradability: Rapidly biodegraded by microorganisms and natural processes
Bioaccumulative Potential: Not bioaccumulative; does not persist in food webs
Mobility in Soil: Low mobility, binds to soil particles and decays
Additional Information: Large releases may cause mechanical obstruction in aquatic systems; generally considered environmentally benign
Disposal Methods: Dispose in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations; landfill or incineration accepted for non-contaminated product
Recovery and Recycling: Composting possible due to biodegradability
Handling of Contaminated Packaging: Wash and reuse where permitted, otherwise discard as non-hazardous waste
UN Number: Not regulated
UN Proper Shipping Name: Not applicable
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as a dangerous good
Packing Group: Not applicable
Transport Labels: None required
Marine Pollutant: No
Special Transport Precautions: Protect from moisture, avoid dust generation during loading and unloading
US Regulations: Not listed as hazardous by OSHA, TSCA listed, not subject to SARA Title III
International Inventory: Compliant with REACH, EINECS/ELINCS, DSL, and AICS
Safety Assessments: FDA GRAS status for certain uses; approved for use in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics
Labeling Requirements: Standard industrial safety precautions, recommend dust hazard labeling where necessary
Other Relevant Laws: Meets guidelines for workplace safety, environmental protection, and chemical handling under applicable regulations