Material Safety Data Sheet: Bismuth Subsalicylate

Identification

Product Name: Bismuth Subsalicylate
Chemical Formula: C7H5BiO4
Molecular Weight: 362.09 g/mol
Common Uses: Active ingredient in medications for upset stomach, antacid, anti-diarrheal
Synonyms: Bismuth(III) subsalicylate, BSS
Manufacturer Information: Refer to original product packaging or supplier for emergency contact and company address
CAS Number: 14882-18-9
Emergency Phone Number: Provided on manufacturer’s label

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous under OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
Potential Health Effects: Short-term exposure can cause mild irritation to digestive tract, eyes, or skin; ingestion in high doses could result in salicylate toxicity symptoms, including tinnitus or gastrointestinal discomfort
Signal Word: None required by classification
Precautionary Statements: Avoid inhalation of dust, prevent contact with eyes and prolonged skin contact, keep away from food and beverages
Routes of Entry: Inhalation, ingestion, eye and skin contact
Symptoms of Exposure: Nausea, vomiting, darkening of the tongue or stool, possible allergic reactions

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Bismuth Subsalicylate
Synonyms: Basic Bismuth Salicylate
CAS No.: 14882-18-9
Concentration: 100% pure substance (unless formulated in commercial products with excipients)

First Aid Measures

Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, remove contact lenses if present
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, seek medical attention if symptoms appear
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, do not induce vomiting, seek medical help if symptoms persist
Most Important Symptoms/Effects: Digestive upset, tinnitus, hypersensitivity reactions
Advice to Doctor: Symptomatic treatment, monitor for signs of salicylate toxicity

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Carbon dioxide, dry chemical, foam, or water spray
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: High-pressure water streams
Hazardous Combustion Products: Releases carbon oxides, bismuth oxides, and potentially noxious fumes
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing
Special Fire Fighting Procedures: Avoid inhalation of fumes and dust, use water spray to cool containers

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves, mask, and eye protection
Environmental Precautions: Prevent product from entering drains, waterways, or soil
Methods for Containment: Scoop spilled material into suitable, labeled containers using non-sparking tools
Clean-Up Procedures: Area should be ventilated, final residues wiped with damp cloth or mop
Disposal: Dispose according to local, state, and federal environmental regulations

Handling and Storage

Handling: Work in well-ventilated areas, avoid creating or breathing dust, avoid direct contact with skin and eyes, wash hands before breaks and after handling
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed containers in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated place, keep out of reach of children and incompatible substances
Incompatibilities: Avoid contact with strong acids, bases, oxidizing agents
Hygiene Practices: Do not eat, drink, or smoke when handling this product, keep workplace clean

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No established OSHA or ACGIH limits for bismuth subsalicylate
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, safety showers, eye wash stations
Personal Protective Equipment: Impervious gloves, safety glasses or goggles, laboratory coats, dust mask or respirator in case of inadequate ventilation
General Protection: Avoid unnecessary exposure, wash thoroughly after handling any fine chemical substances

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White to pale pink powder
Odor: Odorless or very faint medicinal odor
pH: Not applicable
Melting Point: Decomposes before melting
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Solubility: Insoluble in water, slightly soluble in alcohol
Vapor Pressure: Not available
Density: 2.5 - 3.3 g/cm³
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not available
Flash Point: Not flammable
Decomposition Temperature: Above 200°C
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable

Stability and Reactivity

Stability: Stable under normal handling and storage conditions
Reactivity: Not reactive with most substances under normal use conditions
Hazardous Reactions: Possible reaction with strong oxidizing agents
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, incompatible materials, moisture
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Bismuth oxides, carbon oxides, irritating fumes
Polymerization: Will not occur

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral toxicity reported as low in animal studies, but high doses linked to salicylate poisoning
Chronic Exposure: Possible accumulation of bismuth leading to encephalopathy if used long-term or in excess
Irritation: Mild irritation possible to skin, eyes, and upper respiratory tract
Allergic Reactions: Rare hypersensitivity responses, skin rash
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Reproductive Effects: No data showing adverse reproductive effects
Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, black stools, in rare cases neurotoxicity

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Low solubility limits acute effects but persistent release can be toxic to aquatic organisms
Persistence and Degradability: Resistant to biodegradation due to insolubility
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low tendency to bioaccumulate due to poor solubility
Mobility in Soil: Poor water solubility limits mobility, may bind to particulates
Other Adverse Effects: Avoid release in large quantities, as bismuth-based compounds impact the environment in trace ways not fully measured

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations
Waste Treatment: Waste material must not contaminate water supplies or be discharged into the environment
Container Disposal: Empty containers may retain residue; should be treated as hazardous waste unless thoroughly cleaned
Disposal Precautions: Seal tightly, store for collection by licensed disposal contractor

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated for transport by ground, air, or sea as hazardous material
Proper Shipping Name: Bismuth Subsalicylate
Transport Hazard Classes: Non-hazardous under current regulations
Packing Group: Not assigned
Marine Pollutant: Not listed as marine pollutant
Special Precautions: Keep container tightly sealed, prevent release during transport

Regulatory Information

United States: Listed on TSCA inventory, not regulated as hazardous chemical under SARA Title III
Europe: Listed in EINECS, not subject to REACH authorization
Workplace Labelling: Product label must include hazard and precautionary statements
Other Global Inventory Status: Meets requirements of most chemical inventories
Product Registration: Required for pharmaceuticals or food additives; follow local regulatory guidelines
Restrictions: Avoid non-medical uses except as permitted in controlled settings