Material Safety Data Sheet: Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid (EDTA)

Identification

Product Name: Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid
Synonyms: EDTA; Ethylenedinitrilotetraacetic acid
CAS Number: 60-00-4
Recommended Use: Laboratory reagent, chelating agent
Manufacturer: Refer to label or supplier for details
Emergency Phone: Listed on packaging or product insert

Hazard Identification

Classification: Not classified as very hazardous as a solid, mild irritant
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes mild skin and eye irritation, may cause digestive tract discomfort if swallowed
Pictograms: Exclamation mark
Precautionary Statements: Avoid inhaling dust, wash thoroughly after handling, wear safety gear

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Formula: C₁₀H₁₆N₂O₈
Purity: Often >99%
Other Ingredients: No significant impurities present

First Aid Measures

General: Move exposed person to fresh air, remove contaminated clothing
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, seek medical advice for prolonged effects
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water, seek medical attention if irritation persists
Eye Contact: Rinse thoroughly with water for several minutes, seek help if irritation continues
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, seek medical attention, never induce vomiting unless trained to do so

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide
Specific Hazards: Combustion can produce carbon oxides, nitrogen oxides, and smoke
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should use self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Advice: Approach upwind, avoid inhaling fumes, contain runoff water where possible

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear gloves, goggles, dust mask, and protective clothing
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry to drains and waterways, contain spills
Methods for Cleanup: Use non-sparking tools, sweep or vacuum without raising dust, place in containers for disposal

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use in a well-ventilated area, avoid generating dust, wash hands after handling, keep container closed
Storage: Store in a tightly sealed container, dry area, away from incompatible substances such as strong oxidizing agents and strong acids, keep out of direct sunlight and extreme temperatures

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Work in fume hood or well-ventilated space, minimize dust levels
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Safety glasses, rubber or nitrile gloves, lab coat, dust mask or respirator if dust becomes airborne
Hygiene Measures: Do not eat, drink, or smoke while working, always wash hands before breaks and after handling

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless
Melting Point: Approximately 240°C (decomposes)
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water
pH: Acidic in solution
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Density: About 0.86 g/cm³
Other Data: Non-volatile, stable under ambient temperatures

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal storage and handling conditions, sensitive to strong oxidizers and bases
Conditions to Avoid: Excess humidity, open flame, incompatible chemicals
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, reducing agents, strong acids, calcium salts, metals
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Produces carbon oxides, nitrogen oxides under fire conditions

Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Skin, eyes, ingestion, inhalation
Acute Effects: Causes mild irritation to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract if dust is generated
Ingestion: May cause stomach upset, nausea, or cramps
Chronic Effects: Limited evidence in humans, risk increases with high, repeated exposure
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as a carcinogen by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Other Effects: Prolonged contact may dry skin, medical attention may be needed for large accidental exposures

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Potential to bind heavy metals in water, which may impact aquatic life
Mobility: Moderate in soil and water
Persistence and Degradability: Slowly biodegradable, may persist in water and soil
Bioaccumulation: Not likely to accumulate in organisms
Other Information: Large releases can disrupt natural metal balances in water bodies, proper containment helps reduce impact

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose of in accordance with national, state, and local regulations, avoid uncontrolled release to the environment
Container Handling: Rinse empty containers, dispose of at authorized facility
Special Precautions: Do not incinerate closed containers, consult waste handler for best practices

Transport Information

Shipping Name: Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid
UN Number: Not regulated for transport
Transport Hazard Class: No special classification
Packing Group: Not applicable
Environmental Hazards: Not expected to pose hazard in transport under normal conditions

Regulatory Information

TSCA Status: Listed
REACH Status: Registered
OSHA Status: Hazardous as defined in 29 CFR 1910.1200
Other Regulations: Subject to workplace safety and environmental release policies in many countries and states
Inventory Status: Listed on many national chemical inventories
Labeling Requirements: Follow GHS labeling guidelines, include hazard pictograms and warning statements