Product Name: Aluminum sulfate
Chemical Formula: Al2(SO4)3
Common Names: Alum, Dialuminum trisulfate
Product Use: Water treatment, papermaking, mordant in dyeing, flocculant
CAS Number: 10043-01-3
Manufacturer: Available via chemical suppliers around the globe; names, addresses, and contact numbers should be listed as per shipment.
Emergency Contact: Local Poison Control Center, medical help line, or supplier.
Classification: Eye irritation (Category 2A), Skin irritation (Category 2), Acute oral toxicity (Category 4)
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes serious eye irritation. May cause skin irritation or redness after contact. Harmful if swallowed.
Pictograms: Exclamation point
Precautionary Statements: Wear protective gloves and eye protection. Wash thoroughly after handling. Avoid breathing dust. Keep container tightly closed.
Other Hazards: Powder form may cause respiratory irritation. Large spills pose slip hazard.
Chemical Name: Aluminum sulfate
Concentration: 98-100% pure
Impurities: Trace metal contaminants may appear, mostly at extremely low concentrations based on source material.
Synonyms: Alum, Sulfuric acid, aluminum salt (3:2)
Inhalation: Move to fresh air. Rinse mouth and throat with water if breathing discomfort appears. Seek medical attention for severe or persistent cough or shortness of breath.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Wash skin thoroughly with water and mild soap. Monitor skin for persistent redness, itching, or irritation and seek medical attention if symptoms persist.
Eye Contact: Immediately flush eyes with clean, tepid water for at least 15 minutes, lifting eyelids occasionally to ensure complete irrigation. Remove contact lenses if present. Seek prompt medical care if irritation or pain continues.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly with water but do not induce vomiting. Drink small quantities of water. Contact poison control or seek medical attention with details on the substance ingested.
Notes for Physicians: Provide symptomatic and supportive care.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use media appropriate for surrounding fire (water, dry chemical, CO2, foam).
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: None established, but substance is not combustible.
Specific Hazards Arising from Chemical: May release sulfur oxides and aluminum oxides when heated or involved in fire.
Protective Equipment: Firefighters wear full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus.
Fire-Fighting Instructions: Move containers out of fire zone if safe. Keep run-off water controlled to prevent contamination.
Flammability: Non-flammable.
Personal Precautions: Wear gloves, eye protection, and particulate respirator if dusts form.
Environmental Precautions: Avoid uncontrolled discharge into soil, waterways, storm sewers, or drains. Any large spill should be contained with sand or inert absorbent.
Cleanup Methods: Sweep or shovel up spilled material carefully to minimize dust generation. Place in appropriate waste container. Wash the spill area with water to remove residue.
Emergency Procedures: Restrict entry to affected area. Notify local authorities for major spills.
Handling: Use with adequate ventilation to control dust. Wear gloves and goggles. Avoid creating or breathing in dusts. Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Storage: Store in sealed containers, in a dry, cool, well-ventilated area. Keep away from moisture, acids, alkalis, and incompatible materials. Segregate from reactive chemicals. Ensure containers are labeled and protected from damage or rupture.
Special Considerations: Keep inaccessible to children and untrained personnel.
Exposure Limits: ACGIH TLV (total dust): 10 mg/m³ (inhalable), 3 mg/m³ (respirable)
Engineering Controls: Mechanical ventilation, local exhaust systems at points of dust generation, and dust collection systems on mixing, weighing, and processing equipment.
Personal Protective Equipment: NIOSH-approved or equivalent respirator when dust may be generated; safety goggles for eye protection; impermeable gloves for skin protection; long-sleeved clothing for body protection.
Hygiene Measures: No eating, drinking, or smoking in work area. Wash hands thoroughly before breaks or after handling.
Appearance: White crystalline solid, granular or powder
Odor: Odorless
Molecular Weight: 342.15 g/mol
Melting Point: Decomposes above 770°C
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes)
Solubility: Easily soluble in water, forming acidic solutions
pH (1% solution): 2.7-3.5
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Density: 2.71 g/cm³
Flash Point: Not applicable
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not available
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Autoignition Temperature: Not applicable
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions of storage and handling.
Reactivity: Reacts with strong bases and water, releasing heat; reacts violently with sodium and magnesium.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: May emit sulfur oxides and aluminum oxides during thermal decomposition.
Conditions to Avoid: Moisture, extreme heat.
Incompatible Materials: Strong bases, strong reducing agents, powdered metals, acids.
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): Approx. 6207 mg/kg
Inhalation: Dust can irritate respiratory system, causing coughing and sneezing. Prolonged exposure may cause lung changes.
Skin Contact: Prolonged exposure may result in reddening or allergic reactions.
Eye Contact: Produces redness, pain, and blurred vision.
Chronic Effects: Workers handling large volumes for years may develop respiratory tract irritation or skin eczema.
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as a human carcinogen by IARC, NTP, or OSHA.
Mutagenicity / Reproductive Toxicity: No reliable data indicates significant effects.
Acute Aquatic Toxicity: Toxic to aquatic organisms at elevated concentrations due to pH shift and potential aluminum ion toxicity.
Degradability: Inorganic salt, does not decompose, hydrolyzes to form acid.
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low; aluminum ions bind to sediments.
Mobility in Soil: Mobile in waterlogged soils, binds to clay and humic materials.
Other Adverse Effects: Large releases can damage plant life, disrupt water treatment processes, and harm aquatic habitats.
Disposal Methods: Dispose of via landfill or approved chemical waste handler in line with local, state, and federal regulations. Do not pour into sewers or waterways.
Container Disposal: Empty containers require triple-rinsing and puncturing before recycling or discarding, according to regulatory guidelines.
Special Precautions: Avoid dust creation and environmental contamination during disposal.
UN Number: Not regulated by DOT for land transport.
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as a hazardous material.
Proper Shipping Name: Aluminum sulfate
Packing Group: Not applicable
Labeling Requirements: None for regular shipments, extra regulatory labeling may apply for bulk transport.
Special Transport Notes: Secure packaging to prevent breakage or spills in transit; keep dry and avoid contact with incompatible substances.
OSHA: Not regulated as a hazardous chemical under OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200).
TSCA Inventory: Listed
SARA Title III Section 313: Not listed
REACH Status (Europe): Registered
WHMIS (Canada): D2B (toxic material causing other toxic effects)
California Proposition 65: Not listed
Other Regulations: Product labeling and use governed by state and local standards; consult local environmental, health, and safety agencies.
