Material Safety Data Sheet: Lead Acetate

Identification

Chemical Name: Lead(II) Acetate
Synonyms: Lead diacetate, sugar of lead, plumbous acetate
CAS Number: 301-04-2
Molecular Formula: Pb(C2H3O2)2·3H2O
Use: Laboratory reagent, pigment, hair dye ingredient, textile mordant, analytical chemistry, sometimes used in gold refining and detecting hydrogen sulfide in gases
Manufacturer Information: Refer to company or distributor supplying the chemical for contact details

Hazard Identification

Classification: Acute toxicity (oral, inhalation, dermal); Carcinogenicity; Reproductive toxicity
Hazard Statements: Toxic if swallowed, toxic if inhaled, causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure, may cause cancer, suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child
Pictograms: Skull and crossbones, health hazard, exclamation mark
Label Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust and fumes, do not eat, drink or smoke while using, wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection, keep away from food and drink

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Component: Lead(II) acetate trihydrate
Concentration: Usually >98% in pure form
Impurities: Trace metals possibly present depending on manufacturing process
Molecular Weight: 379.33 g/mol (trihydrate)

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move individual to fresh air, keep at rest, monitor breathing, seek medical attention; artificial respiration if not breathing
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin thoroughly with soap and water, seek medical help for irritation or symptoms
Eye Contact: Rinse with lukewarm, flowing water for 15 minutes, remove contact lenses if present, continue rinsing, seek immediate medical attention
Ingestion: Seek urgent medical assistance, rinse mouth with water, do not induce vomiting unless advised by medical personnel, never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide, or water spray
Hazards from Combustion Products: Toxic fumes may form including lead oxides and acetic acid vapors
Protective Equipment: Firefighters need a self-contained breathing apparatus, full protective clothing
Advice: Move containers from fire area if safe, prevent runoff into sewers and water sources

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate unnecessary personnel, ventilate area, use personal protective gear—gloves, respirators, protective clothing
Environmental Precautions: Avoid discharge into drains, surface waters, soil; alert authorities if significant material enters environment
Cleanup Methods: Avoid creating dust, collect with HEPA vacuum or damp mop, place in labeled container for disposal, decontaminate area with detergent

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use in well-ventilated area, avoid dust generation, wear appropriate personal protective equipment, practice good hygiene, do not eat, drink or smoke near material
Storage: Store in tightly closed containers, in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location, away from acids, oxidizers, incompatible materials, keep away from children and pets

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL: 0.05 mg/m³ (as Pb), ACGIH TLV: 0.05 mg/m³ (as Pb)
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, glove boxes, fume hoods
Personal Protective Equipment: Gloves made of neoprene or nitrile, chemical splash goggles, laboratory coats, respiratory protection if airborne concentration exceeds limits
Hygienic Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling, remove contaminated clothing before leaving work area, regular medical surveillance for chronic exposure

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White crystalline powder or colorless crystals
Odor: Slight acetic acid odor
Solubility: Soluble in water and glycerol, slightly soluble in alcohol
Melting Point: 280°C (decomposes)
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Density: Approximately 2.55 g/cm³ (trihydrate)
pH (5% solution): 5.5–6.5
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Partition Coefficient: Not applicable

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended conditions of storage and use
Hazardous Reactions: Reacts with strong acids, strong oxidizers, may form toxic fumes of lead and acetic acid
Decomposition: Lead oxide and acetic acid will form if heated strongly
Incompatibles: Strong oxidizing agents, acids, bromine trifluoride, ammonium nitrate
Polymerization: Will not occur

Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, ingestion
Acute Effects: Gastrointestinal distress, headache, muscle weakness, confusion, loss of appetite
Chronic Effects: Lead poisoning—anemia, kidney damage, nervous system disorders, reproductive toxicity, developmental toxicity, cognitive disability in children
Carcinogenicity: Classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans (IARC Group 2A), evidence shows long-term exposure increases risk for cancer
Other Health Effects: May cause male and female infertility, risk of birth defects, affects fetal development, can cause cumulative toxicity building in bone and organs

Ecological Information

Toxicity: Highly toxic to aquatic life, birds, mammals; bioaccumulates in the food chain
Persistence and Degradability: Lead compounds persist indefinitely, do not degrade under environmental conditions
Bioaccumulation Potential: Lead acetate accumulates in aquatic organisms and can magnify up the food chain
Mobility: Soluble in water, can move through soil, posing risk to groundwater
Other Effects: Chronic pollution in streams and ponds significantly disrupts aquatic ecosystems, with lasting consequences on species diversity

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Must be disposed as hazardous waste according to local, state, and federal regulations, do not pour into drains or environment
Container Handling: Triple rinse empty containers, dispose as hazardous waste, do not attempt to reuse containers
Disposal Advice: Seek licensed hazardous waste disposal contractor, keep detailed records of type and quantity disposed, incineration may generate toxic lead-containing ash requiring secure landfill

Transport Information

UN Number: UN1616 (Lead Acetate)
Proper Shipping Name: Lead Acetate
Hazard Class: 6.1—Toxic substances
Packing Group: III
Label Requirements: "Toxic" label, possibly "Environmentally hazardous" depending on jurisdiction
Special Transport Notes: Avoid release to the environment, notify authorities in case of accidental spillage, comply with all local and international regulations for road, rail, sea and air

Regulatory Information

OSHA: Listed hazardous substance with permissible exposure limits and medical surveillance requirements for workers
EPA: Listed as hazardous air pollutant, toxic substance, significant risk for water and soil contamination, strict waste management rules
TSCA: Listed, subject to export notification and reporting
REACH (EU): Substance of Very High Concern (SVHC), strict controls on use and supply
California Prop 65: Listed as chemical known to cause cancer, birth defects, and reproductive harm
Other Regulations: License required for import, distribution or disposal in many jurisdictions; regular safety and health audits advised for any facility using or storing this substance