Magnesium Sulfate Monohydrate (KIESERITE)

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

Emergency Overview Product exists as a grayish-white or yellowish, odorless crystals, granules, or powder. May irritate the skin, eyes, and upper respiratory tract. Suspended sulfates (such as Magnesium Sulfate Monohydrate) in the air may cause an increased risk of asthma attacks in susceptible persons. Inhalation of fumes if heated to decomposition may cause metal fume fever. Firefighters should wear full protective equipment and clothing.

Hazard statements

CAUTION! MAY IRRITATE EYES, SKIN AND UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACT. INHALATION OF FUMES IF HEATED MAY CAUSE METAL FUME FEVER. Avoid contact with eyes or breathing dust or fumes, if heated. Keep container closed. Use only with adequate ventilation. Wash thoroughly after handling.

Potential health effects

Eyes Dusts and fume may irritate the eyes. Symptoms may include tearing and redness. Skin This product is of low toxicity by skin contact and generally not irritating to the skin. Ingestion Ingestion of large amounts of this material may cause diarrhea and gastrointestinal discomfort due to the laxative effects of magnesium compounds, as well as nausea and vomiting. Chronic ingestion overexposure may cause symptomatic hypermagnesemia (electrolyte imbalance, central nervous system depression and neurological and cardiac impairment) with respiratory arrest and bradycardia. Inhalation Dusts, fumes, and mists from solutions may mildly to moderately irritate the nose and throat. Suspended sulfates (such as Magnesium Sulfate Monohydrate) in the air may cause an increased risk of asthma attacks in susceptible persons. If involved in a fire, fumes can cause metal fume fever. Symptoms of metal fume fever occur about 4 to 12 hours after exposure and usually last about 24 hours. Recovery is complete with no apparent permanent disability. The symptoms resemble the "flu" and include sweating, shivering, headache, fever, chills, thirst, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, weakness, and tiredness. A metallic or sweet taste in the mouth, dryness or irritation of the throat, and coughing may occur at the time of exposure to the metal fumes.

HMIS® ratings

Health 1 Fire 0

Physical hazards

0 Hazard Scale: 0 = Minimal 1 = Slight 2 = Moderate 3 = Serious 4 = Severe * = Chronic hazard