Material Safety Data Sheet for Bismuth Subgallate

Identification

Product Name: Bismuth Subgallate
Synonyms: Basic bismuth gallate, Dermatol
CAS Number: 99-26-3
Recommended Use: Pharmaceutical astringent, deodorizing agent, wound care applications
Supplier Details: Pharmaceutical and chemical wholesalers, medical distributors
Emergency Contact: Local poison control centers or institutional safety response
Product Appearance: Light yellow to greenish-yellow powder or crystalline form

Hazard Identification

Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS criteria. Possible mild irritant to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract
Label Elements: No pictogram required, but avoid inhalation, ingestion, or prolonged contact
Signal Word: Not applicable
Hazard Statements: Dust may cause mechanical eye or respiratory irritation. Ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. Occupational exposure is minimal for most users.
Precautionary Statements: Use personal protective equipment such as gloves, eye protection; handle with care to minimize dusting. Wash thoroughly after handling. Store away from incompatible substances and food products.

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Identity: Bismuth Subgallate
Chemical Formula: C7H5BiO6
Molecular Weight: 394.09 g/mol
Purity: Typically >98% Bismuth Subgallate in commercial and medicinal forms
Impurities: Trace bismuth oxides or gallates depending on manufacturer and purification steps

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move exposed individual to fresh air. Seek medical attention if any breathing difficulty, coughing, or irritation occurs.
Skin Contact: Wash affected area thoroughly with soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing. Contact a medical professional if irritation develops or persists.
Eye Contact: Flush eyes with copious amounts of water, lifting eyelids. Continue rinsing for several minutes. Seek medical evaluation if irritation or discomfort remains.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water. Do not induce vomiting. Drink water to dilute. Get medical assistance if large quantities are swallowed or symptoms develop.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, dry chemical, CO2, or foam. Material is not flammable but packaging or surroundings could burn.
Hazards from Combustion: Non-combustible. Decomposition may generate bismuth oxide fumes, carbon oxides, and other irritating vapors.
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing.
Special Precautions: Prevent runoff of contaminated fire water into drains or waterways. Move containers away from fire area if safe to do so.

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Avoid inhalation of dust. Wear protective gloves, goggles, and dust mask. Ventilate area. Restrict access until cleanup is complete.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry of material into water sources, soil, or drains.
Cleanup Methods: Sweep or vacuum up material, minimizing dust. Collect spills in suitable containers for proper disposal. Clean surfaces with water and detergent to remove residues.
Disposal: Place waste in closed labeled containers. Dispose of according to local regulations for non-hazardous chemical waste.

Handling and Storage

Handling: Handle in well-ventilated area. Minimize dust generation. Use recommended personal protective equipment. Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling.
Storage: Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place away from incompatible substances such as acids and strong oxidizers. Keep out of reach of children. Protect from physical damage and moisture.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No established limits for Bismuth Subgallate. General nuisance dust limits apply: OSHA PEL 15 mg/m³ (total dust).
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust or general room ventilation to reduce airborne particulate levels.
Personal Protective Equipment: Wear safety glasses with side shields, gloves (nitrile or latex), and lab coat. Use a dust respirator if airborne dust concentrations approach nuisance thresholds.
Hygienic Measures: Wash hands after handling and before eating. Remove contaminated clothing before leaving work area.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Physical State: Powder or crystalline solid
Color: Greenish-yellow to yellow
Odor: Odorless
Melting Point: Decomposes without melting
Solubility: Practically insoluble in water, slightly soluble in dilute acids and alkalis
pH (suspension): Neutral to slightly alkaline
Density: Approximately 2.2 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Not volatile
Flash Point: Not applicable
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): Not determined

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions. Hygroscopic, avoid prolonged exposure to moist air.
Reactivity: Inert to most common substances under normal conditions.
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong oxidizing agents, some chloroforms.
Hazardous Decomposition: Bismuth oxides, carbon oxides from organic component may form at elevated temperatures or on combustion.
Polymerization: Will not occur

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): >5,000 mg/kg, indicating low acute toxicity. Large doses may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, vomiting.
Chronic Effects: Occupational exposure risk is low. Chronic or excessive ingestion may cause bismuth toxicity with symptoms such as kidney or neurological effects. No evidence of carcinogenicity or reproductive toxicity in available studies.
Skin Irritation: Mild irritant to intact or abraded skin on prolonged contact.
Eye Irritation: Dust may cause mechanical irritation.
Inhalation: Nuisance dust, may cause irritation but not systemic toxicity.
Additional Information: No known synergistic effects with other materials. Not listed on NTP, IARC, or OSHA carcinogen registries.

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Not extensively studied. Insolubility in water limits acute toxicity to aquatic organisms.
Persistence and Degradability: Persists as mineral particles, not subject to environmental biodegradation.
Bioaccumulation Potential: Unlikely to bioaccumulate due to low solubility and absorption.
Mobility in Soil: Low mobility, expected to remain at site of release as particulate.
Other Harmful Effects: No known significant environmental concerns under normal usage and disposal scenarios.

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Collect into sealed containers for landfill disposal in compliance with local, state, and national regulations.
Environmental Precautions: Do not dispose into drains or surface waterways.
Contaminated Packaging: Triple rinse before recycling or landfill. Dispose of as non-hazardous waste unless otherwise regulated due to contamination.
Special Considerations: Avoid mixing with incompatible wastes such as strong acids or oxidizers.

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated as dangerous goods by DOT, IATA, IMDG, or ADR
Proper Shipping Name: Not applicable
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified
Packing Group: Not applicable
Environmental Hazards: Not a marine pollutant
Special Transport Precautions: Keep in closed and labeled containers; prevent package damage or spillage during transit

Regulatory Information

TSCA Status: Listed
EINECS/ELINCS: Listed (EINECS 202-751-2)
FDA: Permitted for use in pharmaceutical products under prescribed conditions
SARA Title III: Not subject to reporting requirements
California Proposition 65: Not listed as a chemical known to cause cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm
Other Regulation: Compliance with all local, state, federal, and international chemical safety legislation required for handling, storage, and disposal