Common Name: Monosodium L-Glutamate Hydrate
Chemical Formula: C5H8NNaO4·xH2O
Appearance: White crystalline powder
Odor: Practically odorless
Uses: Flavor enhancer in food, reagent in laboratories
Synonyms: MSG, sodium glutamate hydrate
Physical Hazards: Stable under ordinary conditions. Non-flammable. Not classified as an explosive hazard.
Health Hazards: May cause mild irritation if inhaled, ingested, or in contact with skin or eyes. Some sensitive individuals report symptoms such as headache or sweating following ingestion.
GHS Label Elements: Not classified as hazardous under GHS standards for human health or the environment.
Precautionary Statements: Avoid dust inhalation, prolonged skin contact, and ensure good ventilation during use.
Active Ingredient: Monosodium L-Glutamate Hydrate
Concentration: Typically above 99%
Impurities: Trace amounts of related amino acids or salts, depending on manufacturing quality
Inhalation: Move exposed person to fresh air. Seek medical advice if symptoms persist.
Skin Contact: Wash skin thoroughly with soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing.
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for several minutes. Consult medical staff if irritation continues.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth and drink water. Do not induce vomiting. Get medical attention if large amounts have been swallowed or if any symptoms develop.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide can be used as effective extinguishing agents.
Specific Hazards Arising from Substance: Monosodium L-Glutamate Hydrate does not fuel combustion, but at high heat, it may release carbon oxides or nitrogen oxides in trace amounts.
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Standard firefighting protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus should be used if large quantities are involved.
Personal Precautions: Avoid breathing dust. Use appropriate personal protective equipment.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent significant spillage from entering drains or waterways.
Methods for Clean-Up: Sweep or scoop up. Place in appropriate waste container. Wash area with adequate water.
Handling: Minimize generation and accumulation of dust. Wash hands thoroughly after use. Keep away from incompatible materials, such as strong oxidizers.
Storage: Store in tightly closed containers, away from moisture and direct sunlight. Keep environment cool and well-ventilated to prevent clumping. Avoid storage with volatile acids or bases, which may cause degradation or contamination.
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust or general ventilation to control airborne dust levels.
Personal Protection: Wear safety goggles or glasses, gloves for skin protection, and dust mask if airborne concentration increases. Wash protective clothing regularly. No specialized respiratory protection required under typical conditions.
Physical State: Solid
Color: White
Solubility: Highly soluble in water
Melting Point: Decomposes before melting
Boiling Point: Not applicable, as decomposition occurs
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Odor Threshold: Odorless
pH Value: Typically around 7 for a 1% aqueous solution
Chemical Stability: Stable under standard storage and handling conditions.
Conditions to Avoid: Moisture, high heat, open flames, and strong oxidizing agents.
Hazardous Reactions: No significant hazardous reactions documented for routine use.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: At high temperatures, may give off nitrogen oxides, sodium oxide, and carbon oxides in small quantities.
Acute Oral Toxicity: Considered low based on widespread dietary use and animal studies. High doses in sensitive individuals might trigger symptoms such as flushing, numbness, or headache.
Inhalation Toxicity: Dust may cause mild respiratory irritation.
Skin and Eye Contact: Prolonged contact may cause mild irritation but no serious harm.
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as a carcinogen by regulatory agencies.
Chronic Effects: Routine, moderate use has not been linked to chronic health conditions.
Aquatic Toxicity: Not known to be toxic to aquatic organisms when present in low quantities.
Persistence and Degradability: Biodegradable; breaks down naturally in the environment.
Bioaccumulation: Significant buildup in food chains is not expected.
Mobility in Soil: Highly water soluble, may percolate through soil with water movement.
Methods of Disposal: Dispose according to local regulations. Small quantities can often go with regular waste or diluted in water and disposed of via the sewer system.
Precautions: Avoid dumping large quantities in natural water bodies to prevent localized environmental impact. Recycle or reuse whenever possible to minimize waste.
UN Number: Not regulated for transport by road, rail, sea, or air.
Proper Shipping Name: Not classified as a dangerous good.
Packing Group: Not assigned
Transport Hazard Class: Non-hazardous for transport
Global Inventories: Listed in food additive, pharmaceutical, and chemical inventories across North America, Europe, and Asia.
Relevant Regulations: Allowed in food at specified regulatory limits. Subject to workplace safety standards where quantities or exposure risks rise above routine consumer use.
Food Additive Status: Approved globally for human consumption within recommended intake levels.