Product Identification

Product Name

Cobalt carbonate

Synonyms

Cobalt carbonate (1:1)
Cobalt spar
Cobalt(2+) carbonate
Cobalt(II) carbonate
Sphaerocobaltite

CAS

513-79-1

Formula

CCoO3

Molecular Weight

118.94

EINECS

208-169-4

RTECS

FF9450050

RTECS Class

Tumorigen

Merck

12,2497

Beilstein/Gmelin

8545 (G)

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance

Red powder or rhombohedral crystals.

Density

4.13 g/cm3 (20 C)

Usage

In ceramics as glaze colorant, manufacture of cobalt pigments, preparation of cobalt compounds.

First Aid Measures

Ingestion

Do NOT induce vomiting. If conscious and alert, rinse mouth and drink 2-4 cupfuls of milk or water.

Inhalation

Remove from exposure to fresh air immediately.

Skin

Flush skin with plenty of soap and water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes.

Eyes

Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids.

Handling and Storage

Storage

Keep from contact with oxidizing materials. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances. Keep containers tightly closed. Do not expose to air. Store under an inert atmosphere.

Handling

Wash thoroughly after handling. Wash hands before eating. Use only in a well ventilated area. Minimize dust generation and accumulation. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Keep container tightly closed. Avoid ingestion and inhalation. Handle under an inert atmosphere. Store protected from air. Use only in a chemical fume hood. Wash clothing before reuse.

Hazards Identification

Inhalation

May cause respiratory tract irritation. May cause pulmonary fibrosis and permanent damage. Systemic intoxication is cumulative and has been fatal.

Skin

May cause skin irritation. May cause allergic contact dermatitis.

Eyes

Causes mild eye irritation.

Ingestion

Harmful if swallowed. May cause gastrointestinal irritation with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. May cause kidney damage. Effects may be cumulative. Human fatalities have been reported from acute poisoning.

Hazards

Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas.

UN (DOT)

2811

Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Personal Protection

Eyes: Wear appropriate protective eyeglasses or chemical safety goggles as described by OSHA's eye and face protection regulations in 29 CFR 1910.133 or European Standard EN166. Skin: Wear appropriate protective gloves and clothing to prevent skin exposure. Clothing: Wear appropriate protective clothing to minimize contact with skin.

Respirators

A NIOSH/MSHA approved or European Standard EN 149 air purifying respirator with an organic vapor cartridge or canister may be permissible under certain circumstances where airborne concentrations are expected. A respiratory protection program that meets OSHA's 29 CFR 1910.134 and ANSI Z88.2 requirements or European Standard EN 149 must be followed whenever workplace conditions warrant a respirator's use.

Exposure Effects

Repeated exposure may cause sensitization dermatitis. Cobalt compounds may cause cancer based upon animal studies.

Exposure limit(s)

IDHL: 20 mg/m3

Poison Class

2

Fire Fighting Measures

Fire Fighting

Wear a self-contained breathing apparatus in pressure-demand, MSHA/NIOSH (approved or equivalent), and full protective gear. During a fire, irritating and highly toxic gases may be generated by thermal decomposition or combustion. Use extinguishing media appropriate to the surrounding fire. Substance is noncombustible. Extinguishing media: Substance is noncombustible; use agent most appropriate to extinguish surrounding fire.

Fire Potential

Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes.

Accidental Release Measures

Small spills/leaks

Vacuum or sweep up material and place into a suitable disposal container. Avoid runoff into storm sewers and ditches which lead to waterways. Clean up spills immediately, using the appropriate protective equipment. Sweep up, then place into a suitable container for disposal. Avoid generating dusty conditions. Place under an inert atmosphere.

Stability and Reactivity

Incompatibilities

Oxidizing agents, air.

Stability

Stable under normal temperatures and pressures. Oxidizes when exposed to air.

Decomposition

Carbon monoxide, irritating and toxic fumes and gases, carbon dioxide.

Combustion Products

Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.

Transport Information

UN Number

2811

Hazard Class

6.1

Packing Group

I; II; III