Material Safety Data Sheet: Polyaluminium Chloride

Identification

Product Name: Polyaluminium Chloride
Chemical Formula: Aln(OH)mCl(3n-m)
CAS Number: 1327-41-9
Synonyms: PAC, Polyaluminum Chloride
Intended Use: Water treatment, paper manufacturing, deodorization, industrial wastewater control
Supplier: Refer to packaging label
Emergency Contact: Refer to local emergency information

Hazard Identification

Hazard Classification: Irritant to eyes, skin, respiratory tract
Risk Phrases: Causes serious eye damage, causes skin irritation, may cause respiratory irritation
Signal Word: Warning
Pictogram: Corrosive, exclamation mark
Potential Health Effects: Redness, itching, coughing, shortness of breath, tissue damage after prolonged contact
Environmental Risk: Can provoke hazardous effects to aquatic life at high concentrations

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Polyaluminium Chloride
CAS Number: 1327-41-9
Concentration: 90–100% (solid); 10–50% (solution)
Other Components: Residual water, trace impurities typical for commercial manufacturing
Impurities: May include aluminum hydroxide, hydrochloric acid residues
Molecular Weight: Variable depending on polymerization

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air, loosen clothing, seek medical advice if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse skin generously with water, scrub with mild soap, seek medical help if irritation prolongs
Eye Contact: Immediately flush eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes, call a physician if pain or vision changes occur
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, avoid inducing vomiting, seek prompt medical attention
Advice for Doctors: Treat symptomatically based on clinical judgement; monitor for respiratory irritation and tissue burns

Fire-Fighting Measures

Flammability: Non-flammable substance
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry powder, foam, carbon dioxide
Specific Hazards: Decomposes at high temperature to produce irritating and toxic gases like HCl
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear SCBA and protective gear
Explosion Data: Not sensitive to mechanical impact or static discharge
Special Procedures: Use water spray to cool containers, avoid breathing vapors

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Safety Measures: Use appropriate personal protection (see section on Exposure Controls), ventilate area
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into sewers, surface water, or soil
Clean-Up Methods: Contain and absorb spill with inert material (sand, earth), collect in suitable container for disposal
Secondary Containment: Wash spill area with large quantities of water, avoid dust creation for solid forms
Reporting: Notify authorities if large spills reach public waterways

Handling and Storage

Handling: Avoid inhalation and skin/eye contact, use in a well-ventilated area, wash hands after handling
Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, away from heat sources, incompatible chemicals (e.g., strong alkali)
Packaging: Keep container tightly closed and labeled
Incompatible Substances: Alkalis, strong bases, oxidizing/reducing agents
Hygiene Measures: Prohibit eating, drinking, or smoking in the working area, use clear labeling

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Threshold Limit Value: No established occupational exposure limit; follow standard chemical handling precautions
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation or general dilution ventilation
Respiratory Protection: Use NIOSH-approved respirator in dusty or poorly ventilated environments
Eye Protection: Wear chemical-resistant safety goggles
Skin Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves, long-sleeved clothing, closed shoes
Other Protective Measures: Have eyewash facilities and safety showers accessible

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Pale yellow or white powder, granular, or liquid
Odor: Slightly acidic
pH (1% solution): 3.5–5.0
Boiling Point: Not determined for solid; decomposes before boiling
Melting Point: Above 190°C (decomposition)
Solubility: Highly soluble in water
Specific Gravity: Approx. 1.15–1.30 (liquid)
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Flash Point: Not applicable
Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal temperatures and pressures
Conditions to Avoid: Moisture, heat, incompatible substances
Materials to Avoid: Strong alkalis, reducing agents, oxidizers
Hazardous Decomposition: Hydrogen chloride, chlorine compounds
Polymerization Hazard: Does not polymerize further under storage

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat) > 2000 mg/kg; considered relatively low toxicity
Inhalation: May irritate respiratory tract leading to coughing or difficulty breathing
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Causes moderate irritation, risk of burns after prolonged exposure
Eye Damage/Irritation: Causes severe irritation, risk of permanent damage if not rinsed quickly
Chronic Exposure: Prolonged contact may damage mucous membranes, skin, or eyes
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as carcinogen by OSHA, NTP, IARC
Reproductive Toxicity: No evidence from available data

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Harmful to aquatic organisms at high doses, lowers pH of water
Persistence/Degradability: Al-based compounds settle in sediment, not easily biodegradable
Bioaccumulation: Unlikely to bioaccumulate
Mobility in Soil: Mobile in water, quickly hydrolyzes
Other Adverse Effects: Can affect pH balance in water systems, disrupt aquatic environments if improperly released

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal: Dispose of according to local, regional, or national regulations
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse thoroughly, recycle or dispose as chemical waste
Special Instructions: Avoid release to environment, use certified chemical disposal contractor if possible
Small Spills: Neutralize with sodium carbonate or bicarbonate, then absorb and package for disposal

Transport Information

UN Number: Not classified as hazardous for transport (consult local regulations)
Shipping Name: Polyaluminium Chloride
Transport Hazard Class: Not regulated
Packing Group: Not regulated
Environmental Hazards: May be regulated as a marine pollutant for bulk shipments
Special Precautions: Avoid moisture, ensure packaging is secure and leak-proof

Regulatory Information

OSHA Status: Regulated under general chemical safety provisions
EPA Status: Not listed as hazardous waste
TSCA Inventory: Listed
WHMIS Classification (Canada): D2B (Toxic material causing other toxic effects)
EU Regulation: Classified as irritant (Xi), hazard statements H315, H319, H335
Label Elements: Corrosive, risk phrases as above
Additional Regulation: Local restrictions and reporting requirements may apply based on use and volume