Salicylic Acid Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

Identification

Product Name: Salicylic Acid
Chemical Name: 2-Hydroxybenzoic acid
Synonyms: o-Hydroxybenzoic acid, Salicylate
Recommended Use: Manufacture of pharmaceuticals, skincare, preservatives
CAS Number: 69-72-7
Manufacturer/Supplier: Name, address, phone number available on packaging
Emergency Contact: Listed on supplier sheet with 24-hour service line

Hazard Identification

Classification: Eye Irritation (Category 2), Skin Irritation (Category 2), Specific target organ toxicity-single exposure (Category 3, respiratory)
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes skin irritation, causes serious eye irritation, may cause respiratory irritation
Pictograms: Exclamation mark
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, wear protective gloves/eye protection, wash skin thoroughly after handling
Potential Health Effects: Inhalation can irritate respiratory tract, contact with skin or eyes can cause irritation, ingestion can result in gastric distress or toxicity in high doses
Chronic Exposure: Prolonged exposure may aggravate existing conditions involving the respiratory tract, skin, or eyes; no proven carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or reproductive toxicity

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Identity: Salicylic Acid
Concentration: ≥99% pure (commercial/industrial preparation)
Impurities/Hazardous Additives: None significant for standard pure grade
Molecular Formula: C7H6O3
Molecular Weight: 138.12 g/mol

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove to fresh air, seek medical attention if breathing becomes difficult, provide oxygen if available
Skin Contact: Immediately wash area with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, seek medical advice if irritation persists
Eye Contact: Flush eyes with plenty of water for 15 minutes, keep eyelids open, get medical evaluation
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, rinse mouth with water, seek immediate medical attention, monitor airway and breathing
Personal Protection for First Responders: Gloves, eye protection, respirator if dust present

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: High-pressure water streams can spread dust
Hazards from Combustion: Emits toxic fumes of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide under fire conditions
Protective Equipment: Self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear recommended
Special Procedures: Use caution to minimize dust generation; cool fire-exposed containers with water spray from a safe distance; evacuate area if risk of explosion

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use dust mask or respirator, chemical-resistant gloves, and eye protection; ventilate area
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains and watercourses, notify authorities if large quantities spill
Methods for Clean Up: Scoop up with non-sparking tools, place material in labelled waste container, avoid creating airborne dust, wash spill site after material collection
Decontamination: Use water and detergent to clean contaminated surfaces

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling: Handle in well-ventilated area, minimize dust, avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing; use proper PPE; do not eat, drink, or smoke during handling
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed containers, cool and dry place, away from heat sources, incompatible materials such as oxidizers and strong acids
Special Storage Requirements: Label containers clearly, keep away from direct sunlight, limit access to authorized staff only
Packaging Material: Use corrosion-resistant, airtight containers; check regularly for leaks or deterioration

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No established OSHA or ACGIH limits for salicylic acid dust, but minimize long-term exposure
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation to control dust; maintain eyewash stations and safety showers
Personal Protective Equipment: NIOSH-approved respirator for dust, safety goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, protective lab coat or apron
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before breaks and after work; launder contaminated clothing before reuse; prohibited to bring food or beverages into work area

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White crystalline powder or granules
Odor: Mildly phenolic
Melting Point: 158-161°C
Boiling Point: 211°C (decomposes)
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water (2 g/L at 20°C); soluble in alcohol, ether, acetone, oils
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Density: 1.44 g/cm³
pH (1% solution): Slightly acidic, pH around 2.4
Log Kow: 2.26
Flash Point: 157°C (closed cup)

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, acids, alkalis, bases
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide upon combustion or decomposition
Polymerization: Does not occur under normal conditions
Situations to Avoid: Moisture, strong heat, direct sunlight

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): 891 mg/kg; may cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps if ingested
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: May cause redness, itching, inflammation on contact
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Irritating; may cause pain, redness, tearing
Respiratory Sensitization: Dust can aggravate upper respiratory tract
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by IARC, OSHA, NTP
Long-Term Effects: Overexposure can affect kidney, liver, may intensify asthma or respiratory issues, high concentrations can cause metabolic disturbances

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Low to moderate toxicity to freshwater organisms; LC50 (fish): 1380 mg/L (96 hours)
Persistence/Degradability: Readily biodegradable under aerobic conditions; does not accumulate in the environment
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low, based on log Kow
Mobility in Soil: Moderately mobile, can leach into groundwater if improperly disposed
Other Adverse Effects: Excess entry into waterways may disturb local aquatic ecosystems

Disposal Considerations

Method of Disposal: Collect in clearly marked containers approved for hazardous chemical waste
Disposal Requirements: Disposal must comply with local, regional, national, and international laws; incineration preferred for large quantities, smaller amounts can go to licensed hazardous waste facilities
Do Not: Discharge into drains, soil, or waterways
Empty Containers: Triple rinse before recycling or disposing as hazardous waste

Transport Information

UN Number: 1984
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic substances)
Packing Group: III
Proper Shipping Name: Salicylic Acid
Labels Required: Toxic, keep away from foodstuffs
Special Transport Precautions: Protect from physical damage, moisture, and extreme temperatures during transit

Regulatory Information

US Regulations: Not listed as hazardous by SARA Title III, not regulated as a carcinogen; subject to reporting under TSCA
European Union: Listed in EINECS (200-712-3), subject to REACH obligations for chemical safety, labelled Xi (Irritant)
Canada: Listed on DSL, not classified as a WHMIS controlled product
Other Standards: Compliance needed with OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, appropriate labeling and worker training; consult local country-specific guidelines