Material Safety Data Sheet - Hydrophilic Fumed Silica
Identification
Product Name: Hydrophilic Fumed Silica
Synonyms: Amorphous Fumed Silica, Silicon Dioxide
Chemical Formula: SiO2
Manufacturer: Contact the local supplier or distributor
Emergency Phone: Refer to local, national emergency numbers
Recommended Use: Rheology control, thickening, reinforcing, free-flow aid in plastics, paints, coatings, adhesives, pharmaceuticals, personal care
Restrictions on Use: No direct ingestion, avoid use in food processing unless specified safe
Address: Supplied by manufacturer, refer to shipment documentation for details
Hazard Identification
GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous according to GHS—dust can irritate eyes, nose, throat
Pictogram: None required for pure amorphous silica
Signal Word: None
Hazard Statements: Dust irritation of respiratory tract, eyes. May exacerbate asthma or chronic lung disease through inhalation of concentrated dust
Precautionary Statements: Use protective gear to avoid dust, avoid breathing airborne particles, wash thoroughly after handling
Potential Health Effects: Irritation through contact with eyes, nose, or prolonged exposure to skin; inhalation might trigger coughing or shortness of breath, not known to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity
Environmental Hazards: Not acutely toxic to aquatic or terrestrial life, particle floatation can impact water clarity or air quality
Composition / Information on Ingredients
Chemical Name: Silicon Dioxide
CAS Number: 112945-52-5
Concentration: 99.8% or higher
Impurities: Trace amounts of sodium, aluminum, titanium oxides depending on manufacturing source
Form: Ultrafine powder, agglomerated clusters
First Aid Measures
Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air, keep comfortable and warm, seek advice from a physician for persistent cough or irritation
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water, use skin moisturizer if dryness or irritation occurs
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if easy to do, seek medical attention for persistent redness or discomfort
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water, seek medical attention if large amount ingested or if symptoms develop
Self-Protection of First Aid Givers: Use gloves, dust mask, especially in confined or poorly ventilated spaces
Fire-Fighting Measures
Suitable Extinguishing Media: All common extinguishing agents: water spray, foam, dry powder, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: No known restrictions
Special Hazards: Substance itself does not burn, but powder may present risk of dust explosion in strong sources of ignition
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Standard firefighting gear, self-contained breathing apparatus in dusty or smoky environments
Hazardous Combustion Products: None expected, decomposition product is silicon oxides only
Firefighting Instructions: Avoid breathing dust, use water spray to knock down dust clouds
Accidental Release Measures
Personal Precautions: Wear appropriate respiratory protection, gloves, goggles; ventilate area
Environmental Precautions: Prevent dry powder from entering drains, sewers or open water
Containment: Dampen powder with water mist to avoid airborne release, use non-sparking tools
Cleanup Methods: Shovel or sweep up spill using wet method whenever possible, place residue in sealed container for disposal, clean area with water to avoid dust generation
Handling and Storage
Handling: Operate in well-ventilated area, minimize dust creation, prevent static discharge, avoid contact with eyes, skin, clothing
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed containers, cool, dry, well-ventilated location
Incompatible Materials: Hydrofluoric acid, strong oxidizers, alkali metals
Other Precautions: Use only clean, labeled containers; separate from food products and reactive chemicals; keep away from sources of ignition
Bulk Storage Advice: Protect from water ingress and humidity, use dust suppression systems or local exhaust
Exposure Controls and Personal Protection
Recommended Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, dust extraction systems, process enclosure
Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL TWA for respirable silica dust 6 mg/m3; ACGIH TLV TWA 10 mg/m3 for total dust
Personal Protective Equipment: Dust-proof goggles, chemical resistant gloves, NIOSH/MSHA approved dust mask or respirator
Hygiene Measures: Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking near powder, wash hands after use, change contaminated clothing
Environmental Protective Controls: Prevent dust release to outside air, monitor workplace dust concentrations regularly
Workplace Monitoring: Periodic air sampling for airborne particulates, maintain records of measurements
Physical and Chemical Properties
Appearance: White, ultrafine fluffy powder, may form agglomerates
Odor: Odorless
Odor Threshold: Not applicable
pH: 3.6–4.5 (in water suspension, 40g/L)
Melting Point/Freezing Point: Melting point approximately 1700°C
Boiling Point/Range: Not applicable (substance decomposes prior to boiling)
Flash Point: Not applicable
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Flammability: Not flammable
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at normal temperatures
Vapor Density: Not applicable
Relative Density: 2.2 g/cm3 bulk; much less in aggregate form
Solubility in Water: Insoluble
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not applicable
Auto-ignition Temperature: Not self-igniting
Decomposition Temperature: >1700°C
Viscosity: Not applicable
Particle Size: Primary particles: 7–40 nanometers; agglomerates/aggregates in microns
Bulk Density: 30–60 kg/m3
Explosive Properties: Dust may form explosive mixtures in air under severe conditions
Stability and Reactivity
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Reactivity: Low reactivity, non-corrosive to standard construction materials
Conditions to Avoid: Uncontrolled dust generation, exposure to strong acids such as hydrofluoric acid (HF)
Incompatible Materials: Hydrofluoric acid, strong oxidizers, strong bases
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Hydrofluoric acid contact forms silicon tetrafluoride (toxic gas)
Polymerization: Will not occur
Toxicological Information
Acute Toxicity: Low toxicity, LD50 > 5000 mg/kg (oral, rat)
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Mild irritation only after prolonged, repeated exposure
Serious Eye Damage: Possible transient mechanical irritation
Respiratory Sensitization: May cause mechanical irritation to upper respiratory tract, sensitive individuals may experience coughing
Germ Cell Mutagenicity: Not observed in standard mutagenicity tests
Carcinogenicity: Amorphous silica not listed as human carcinogen; crystalline form is a known risk but not present here
Reproductive Toxicity: Not known to cause birth defects or reproductive harm
Chronic Effects: Long-term inhalation of massive concentrations can lead to benign lung changes
Medical Conditions Aggravated: Pre-existing lung disease, asthma, chronic bronchitis
Ecological Information
Ecotoxicity: No acute hazard to aquatic organisms, does not bioaccumulate or persist in water
Persistence/Degradability: Chemically inert, not biodegradable in normal conditions
Bioaccumulation Potential: None, particles remain insoluble and do not enter food chain
Mobility in Soil: Low mobility, settles rapidly from water suspension
Other Adverse Effects: Dust contamination in water can affect aquatic filter feeders by abrasion or physical obstruction
Disposal Considerations
Disposal Methods: Handle according to local regulations for non-hazardous mineral waste, landfill accepted
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse thoroughly, use appropriate waste container, recycle or dispose as industrial waste
Special Precautions: Avoid generating airborne dust during disposal, use wet methods
Do Not Dispose: Directly into watercourses or regular household waste
Legal Requirements: Consult regional environmental regulations for specific restrictions or guidance
Transport Information
UN Number: Not regulated for transport
UN Proper Shipping Name: Not regulated
Transport Hazard Class: None
Packing Group: None
Special Transport Precautions: Secure containers to prevent leakage, keep dry
Environmental Hazards in Transit: Avoid accidental release, not classified as marine pollutant
Transport in Bulk: Comply with local, national transport guidelines, keep away from foodstuffs
Regulatory Information
GHS Label Elements: Not classified as hazardous according to GHS criteria
OSHA: Not regulated as hazardous, subject to general dust regulations
EPA (TSCA): Listed
REACH: Registered as a substance, restrictions on use are application-specific
Canada WHMIS: Exempt or not controlled
Australia (AICS): Listed
Other International Inventories: Registered in many regions, see national chemical databases
SARA Title III: Not subject to reporting
California Proposition 65: Not listed as causing cancer or reproductive harm
