MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
ACTIVATED ALUMINA (ALL GRADES), SOLID
EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS (FOR EMERGENCIES INVOLVING CHEMICAL SPILLS OR RELEASE)
Toronto, ON (416) 226-6117 Montreal, QC (514) 861-1211 Winnipeg, MB (204) 943-8827
Edmonton, AB (780) 424-1754 Calgary, AB (403) 263-8660 Vancouver, BC (604) 685-5036
1. CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION
Brenntag Canada Inc.
43 Jutland Rd.
Toronto, ON
M8Z 2G6
(416) 259-8231
Website: http:\\www.brenntag.ca
WHMIS#:
00062014
Index:
2009 February 19
PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION
Activated Alumina (All Grades), Solid.
Product Name:
2009 February 19
Date of Revision:
Effective Date:
HCI0872/09A
Aluminium Oxide.
Chemical Name:
Aluminium Oxide Hydrated; Alumina; Aluminum Trioxide; Alumina Feedstock; Alumina Activated;
Activated Alumina AA; Alumina 202 HF; Alumina AA-400; Alumina A2; Alumina A2 Dupont; Alumina
A201; Alumina A203 CL; Alumina A204-4; Alumina A204-4E; Alumina A206; Alumina ABS; Alumina
Bed Support; Alumina CL-750; Alumina D201; Alumina DD PG; Alumina DD2; Alumina DD 431;
Alumina DD 432; Alumina DD447-165; Alumina DD450; Alumina DD 831; Alumina F200; Alumina
Feedstock; Alumina PX 1; Alumina RF200; Alumina S201; Alumina S400; Alumina S431; Alumina
S501; Alumina S2001; Alumina S-100 SR; Alumina Selexb CDO-200; Alumina Selexorb CD; Alumina
Selexsorb CDX; Alumina Selexsorb CL-750; Alumina Selexsorb COS; Alumina Selexsorb SPCL;
Alumina Spent A2 Dupont; Alumina Support Balls; Alumina T-162 Tabular; Alumina Tab. T-1061;
Selexsorb CL-750; Selexsorb COS; Alumina DRM; Alumina CG-20; DD-931; CL-760; CP-5; DD-
710; SRU; HF 200; A-1; A-2; A-201; A-202HF; A-206; A-300; A-302; A-305CS; 1/2" CBS; D-
201; LCPP; S-200; S-201; S-2001; DrySep; A-203 (Cl); S-501, Claus Catalyst; Activated Alumina
Grade A & AA; Alumina Desiccant; Catalit Alumina; Adsorbent Alumina; MMS-411-120 Aluminum
Oxide; Tab T-64.
Synonyms:
Inorganic Oxide.
Chemical Family:
Al2O3.
Molecular Formula:
Catalyst Drying agent. Abrasives. Chemical intermediate.
Product Use:
WHMIS Classification / Symbol:
READ THE ENTIRE MSDS FOR THE COMPLETE HAZARD EVALUATION OF THIS PRODUCT.
D-2B: Toxic (skin and eye irritant)
Ingredient
CAS#
ACGIH TLV
% Concentration
2. COMPOSITION, INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS (Not Intended As Specifications)
Aluminum Oxide
1344-28-1
---
84 - 100
*A4
or

Aluminum Oxide, hydrated
1333-84-2
---
*A4
A4 = Not classifiable as a human carcinogen. (ACGIH-A4).
Activated Alumina (All Grades), Solid
Brenntag Canada Inc.
Date of Revision:
2009 February 19
WHMIS Number :
00062014
Page 2 of 8
4. FIRST AID MEASURES
FIRST AID PROCEDURES
3. HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION
Activated alumina adsorbs certain gases and liquids. While the alumina itself is principally inert, the
bead/powder may exhibit properties of absorbed material. (3)
Dust is irritating to respiratory tract. See "Other Health Effects" Section. Can decompose at high
temperatures forming toxic gases. Contents may develop pressure on prolonged exposure to heat.
EMERGENCY OVERVIEW:
POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS
Product may be mildly irritating to the nose, throat and respiratory tract and may cause coughing and
sneezing. Excessive contact with powder may cause drying of mucous membranes of nose and throat
due to absorption of moisture and oils. See "Other Health Effects" Section.
Inhalation:
This product may cause irritation due to abrasive action. Excessive contact with powder may cause
drying of the skin due to absorption of moisture and oils. May cause defatting, drying and cracking of the
skin. May cause staining.
Skin Contact:
Not likely to be absorbed through the skin.
Skin Absorption:
This product may cause irritation, redness and possible damage due to abrasiveness. Excessive contact
with powder may cause drying of mucous membranes of the eyes due to absorption of moisture and oils.
Eye Contact:
Ingestion of large amounts may cause intestinal obstruction.
Ingestion:
Effects (irritancy) on the skin and eyes may be delayed, and damage may occur without the sensation or
onset of pain. Strict adherence to first aid measures following any exposure is essential.
May cause staining, metal fume fever, pulmonary fibrosis and pneumoconiosis. Metal fume fever can be
caused by inhalation of fumes formed in the air from welding or heating the metal. 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, thirstiness, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, weakness and
tiredness. (4)
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. (4)
Some workers develop a short-term immunity so that repeated exposure to the fumes does not cause
metal fume fever. This immunity is quickly lost after short absences from work (weekends or vacations).
(4) Pneumoconiosis is the deposition of dust in the lungs and the tissue's reaction to its presence. When
exposure to the dust is severe or prolonged, the lungs' defenses are overwhelmed.
A severe scarring of the lungs (fibrosis), referred to as Shaver's disease, has been associated with
production of corundum abrasives which involved exposure to the fine airborne fumes of Aluminum
Oxide and Silica. This disease worsens even after exposure has stopped and has caused death in
serious cases. Exposure to Crystalline Silica or to the mixed dust is believed to be responsible. Early
symptoms of the disease include cough, excessive mucous productions and shortness of breath upon
exertion. Modern exposure controls have almost removed the threat of this disease. (4)
Evidence of scarring of the lungs (pulmonary fibrosis) has been reported among workers exposed to
Aluminum Oxide dust or fume has, in some cases, been attributed to Aluminum Oxide exposure.
However, some of the reports were individual cases, the exposure was usually mixed and other studies
have failed to show similar effects. (4) Some changes in the lung function and chest X-rays have also
been observed in workers exposed to aluminum oxide. However, these changes have been attributed to
chronic bronchitis related to excessive dust exposure and not specifically to Aluminum Oxide. (4)
Prolonged and repeated exposure to Aluminum may cause pulmonary fibrosis, numbness of the fingers
and encephalopathy (a degenerative disease of the brain).
There may be a relationship between aluminum exposure and a brain disease which causes early
senility (Alzheimer's Disease), but at present this is unproven and controversial. Asthma-like symptoms
have been reported in association with refining aluminum materials and fumes from aluminum soldering.
(4)
Ingestion of large amounts of Aluminum salts over a prolonged period of time may lead to phosphate
deficiency, based on animal and human information. Prolonged ingestion of vary large amounts (several
grams/day) may result in osteomalacia (softening and bending of the bones). (4)
Other Health Effects:
Activated Alumina (All Grades), Solid
Brenntag Canada Inc.
Date of Revision:
2009 February 19
WHMIS Number :
00062014
Page 3 of 8
Move victim to fresh air. Give artificial respiration ONLY if breathing has stopped. Give cardiopulmonary
resuscitation (CPR) if there is no breathing AND no pulse. Obtain medical attention IMMEDIATELY.
Inhalation:
Start flushing while removing contaminated clothing. Wash affected areas thoroughly with soap and
water. If irritation, redness, or a burning sensation develops and persists, repeat flushing and obtain
medical attention.
Skin Contact:
Immediately flush eyes with running water for a minimum of 20 minutes. Hold eyelids open during
flushing. If irritation persists, repeat flushing. Obtain medical attention IMMEDIATELY.
Eye Contact:
Do not attempt to give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. If victim is alert and not convulsing,
rinse mouth out and give 1/2 to 1 glass of water to dilute material. IMMEDIATELY contact local Poison
Control Centre. Vomiting should only be induced under the direction of a physician or a poison control
centre. If spontaneous vomiting occurs, have victim lean forward with head down to avoid breathing in of
vomitus, rinse mouth and administer more water. IMMEDIATELY transport victim to an emergency
facility.
Ingestion:
Treat symptomatically. Medical conditions that may be aggravated by exposure to this product include
diseases of the skin, eyes or respiratory tract
Note to Physicians:
5. FIRE-FIGHTING MEASURES
Flashpoint (°C)
AutoIgnition
Temperature (°C)
LEL
UEL
Flammability Limits in Air (%):
Not available.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Not regulated.
Flammability Class (WHMIS):
Thermal decomposition products are toxic and may include oxides of aluminum and irritating gases.
Hazardous Combustion
Products:
Minimize air borne spreading of dust. Closed containers exposed to heat may burst.
Unusual Fire or Explosion
Hazards:
Not expected to be sensitive to mechanical impact.
Sensitivity to Mechanical Impact:
Not available.
Rate of Burning:
Not available.
Explosive Power:
Not expected to be sensitive to static discharge.
Sensitivity to Static Discharge:
EXTINGUISHING MEDIA
Use media appropriate for surrounding fire and/or materials.
Fire Extinguishing Media:
FIRE FIGHTING
INSTRUCTIONS
Isolate materials that are not involved in the fire and protect personnel. Spilled material may cause floors
and contact surfaces to become slippery.
Instructions to the Fire Fighters:
Use self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing.
Fire Fighting Protective
Equipment:
6. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
Information in this section is for responding to spills, leaks or releases in order to prevent or minimize the adverse effects on persons,
property and the environment. There may be specific reporting requirements associated with spills, leaks or releases, which change from
region to region.
Activated Alumina (All Grades), Solid
Brenntag Canada Inc.
Date of Revision:
2009 February 19
WHMIS Number :
00062014
Page 4 of 8
Minimize air borne spreading of dust. Wear respirator, protective clothing and gloves. Avoid dry
sweeping. Do not use compressed air to clean surfaces. Vacuuming or wet sweeping is preferred.
Return all material possible to container for proper disposal. Do not allow to enter sewers or
watercourses.
Any recovered product can be used for the usual purpose, depending on the extent and kind of
contamination. Where a package (drum or bag) is damaged and / or leaking, repair it, or place it into an
over-pack drum immediately so as to avoid or minimize material loss and contamination of surrounding
environment. Replace damaged containers immediately to avoid loss of material and contamination of
surrounding atmosphere. Collect product for recovery or disposal. For release to land, or storm water
runoff, contain discharge by constructing dykes or applying inert absorbent; for release to water, utilize
damming and/or water diversion to minimize the spread of contamination. Ventilate enclosed spaces.
Notify applicable government authority if release is reportable or could adversely affect the environment.
See Section 13, "Disposal Considerations".
Containment and Clean-Up
Procedures:
7. HANDLING AND STORAGE
HANDLING
Use normal "good" industrial hygiene and housekeeping practices. Minimize air borne spreading of dust.
Clean up immediately to eliminate slipping hazard.
Handling Practices:
See Section 8, "Engineering Controls".
Ventilation Requirements:
Use only with adequate ventilation and avoid breathing dusts. Avoid contact with eyes, skin or clothing.
Wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Wash contaminated clothing thoroughly before re-
use.
Other Precautions:
STORAGE
See below.
Storage Temperature (°C):
General exhaust is acceptable. Local exhaust ventilation preferred.
Ventilation Requirements:
Store in a cool, dry and well-ventilated area. Keep away from heat, sparks and flames. Keep containers
closed. Avoid moisture contamination. Prolonged storage may result in lumping or caking. Protect from
direct sunlight. Protect against physical damage.
Storage Requirements:
Confirm suitability of any material before using.
Special Materials to be Used for
Packaging or Containers:
8. EXPOSURE CONTROLS / PERSONAL PROTECTION
Recommendations listed in this section indicate the type of equipment, which will provide protection against overexposure to this product.
Conditions of use, adequacy of engineering or other control measures, and actual exposures will dictate the need for specific protective
devices at your workplace.
ENGINEERING CONTROLS
General exhaust is acceptable. Local exhaust ventilation preferred. Make up air should be supplied to
balance air that is removed by local or general exhaust ventilation. Ventilate low lying areas such as
sumps or pits where dense dust may collect.
Engineering Controls:
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE
EQUIPMENT (PPE)
Safety glasses with side shields are recommended to prevent eye contact. Use chemical safety goggles
when there is potential for eye contact. Contact lenses should not be worn when working with this
material.
Eye Protection:
Gloves and protective clothing made from cotton, canvas, rubber or plastic should be impervious under
conditions of use. Prior to use, user should confirm impermeability. Discard contaminated gloves.
Skin Protection:
No specific guidelines available. Respiratory protection should not be necessary unless dust is created.
A NIOSH/MSHA approved dust mask for concentrations of nuisance dust up to 100 mg/m³ particulate.
An air-supplied respirator if concentrations are higher or unknown.
Respiratory Protection:
Wear regular work clothing. The use of coveralls is recommended. Locate safety shower and eyewash
station close to chemical handling area. Take all precautions to avoid personal contact.
Other Personal Protective
Equipment:
EXPOSURE GUIDELINES
SUBSTANCE
ACGIH TLV
(STEL)
OSHA PEL
(TWA) (STEL)
NIOSH REL
(TWA) (STEL)
Aluminum Oxide
—
15 mg/m³ (Total
Dust)
---
---
---
Activated Alumina (All Grades), Solid
Brenntag Canada Inc.
Date of Revision:
2009 February 19
WHMIS Number :
00062014
Page 5 of 8
Solid.
Dry, white granules: fine sized, beads, pucks, or powder.
Odourless.
Not applicable.
Not available.
2038 - 2050
Not available.
Not available.
3.0 - 3.7
620 - 830 kg/m³
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Not soluble in water.
Not available.
9.0 - 10.5
Not available.
Not applicable.
Physical State:
Appearance:
Odour:
Odour Threshold (ppm):
Boiling Range (°C):
Melting/Freezing Point (°C):
Vapour Pressure (mm Hg at 20° C):
Vapour Density (Air = 1.0):
Relative Density (g/cc):
Bulk Density:
Viscosity:
Evaporation Rate (Butyl Acetate = 1.0):
Solubility:
% Volatile by Volume:
pH:
Coefficient of Water/Oil Distribution:
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC):
9. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES (Not intended as Specifications)
Not available.
Flashpoint (°C):
11. TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
TOXICOLOGICAL DATA:
SUBSTANCE
LD50 (Oral, Rat)
LD50 (Dermal, Rabbit)
LC50 (Inhalation, Rat, 4h)
Aluminum Oxide
> 5 000 mg/kg (3)
---
---
The ingredient(s) of this product is (are) not classed as carcinogenic by ACGIH, IARC, OSHA or NTP.
Carcinogenicity Data:
No adverse reproductive effects are anticipated.
Reproductive Data:
No adverse mutagenic effects are anticipated.
Mutagenicity Data:
No adverse teratogenic effects are anticipated.
Teratogenicity Data:
None known.
Respiratory / Skin Sensitization
Data:
None known.
Synergistic Materials:
10. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY
CHEMICAL STABILITY
Stable.
Under Normal Conditions:
Not flammable.
Under Fire Conditions:
Will not occur.
Hazardous Polymerization:
High temperatures, sparks, open flames and all other sources of ignition. Minimize air borne spreading of
dust. Clean up immediately to eliminate slipping hazard.
Conditions to Avoid:
Strong oxidizers. Lewis or mineral acids. Chlorine trifluoride. Ethylene Oxide. Vinyl Acetate. Moisture.
Halogenated compounds. Chloroform. Dichloromethane. Oxygen Difluoride.
Activated alumina adsorbs certain gases and liquids. While the alumina itself is principally inert, the
bead/powder may exhibit properties of absorbed material. (3)
Materials to Avoid:
Thermal decomposition products are toxic and may include oxides of aluminum and irritating gases.
Decomposition or Combustion
Products:
Activated Alumina (All Grades), Solid
Brenntag Canada Inc.
Date of Revision:
2009 February 19
WHMIS Number :
00062014
Page 6 of 8
In animal studies, another insoluble Aluminum compound (Aluminum Hydroxide) was not embryotoxic or
fetotoxic, unless administered in the presence of citric acid, lactic acid or ascorbic acid. In these cases,
there was also maternal toxicity. Very high oral exposure of rats to soluble Aluminum compounds has
caused fetotoxicity, in the absence of maternal toxicity. It is not known if Aluminum or its insoluble
compounds would have a similar effect. (4)
An insoluble Aluminum compound (Aluminum Hydroxide) produced no evidence of embryo or
fetotoxicity when administered orally to mice. However, when it was administered with common dietary
constituents, such as citric acid, lactic acid and ascorbic acid, fetotoxicity was observed in the presence
of maternal toxicity. These studies indicate that Aluminum absorption may be greatly enhanced by
certain dietary constituents. Other reports have indicated that very high oral doses of soluble Aluminum
compounds during lactation have caused fetotoxicity, in the absence of maternal toxicity. It is not known
if Aluminum or its insoluble compounds would have a similar effect. (4)
Application of a compound containing 96.7 % atomized Aluminum caused irritation to the eyes, but no
corneal opacity and cleared up within seven days. Slight inflamation and small lens opacity have been
observed following implantation of Aluminum particles into the eye. No irritation was observed after
application of a compound containing 96.7 % atomized Aluminum to intact or abraded skin. (4)
Other Studies Relevant to
Material:
12. ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Aluminum oxide:
OECD Guideline 202, part 1 static
Daphnia magna (48 h): > 100 mg/L (3)
Ecotoxicity:
Not available. Can be dangerous if allowed to enter drinking water intakes. Do not contaminate domestic
or irrigation water supplies, lakes, streams, ponds, or rivers.
Environmental Fate:
13. DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS
None required.
Deactivating Chemicals:
This information applies to the material as manufactured. Reevaluation of the product may be required
by the user at the time of disposal since the product uses, transformations, mixtures and processes may
influence waste classification. Small quantities (less than 25 Kg) of unused portions of this product may
be discarded with normal, non-hazardous industrial wastes. Large quantities (25 Kg or more)of unused
portions of this product may be discarded with normal, non-hazardous wastes, however such disposal
should be cleared with the intended recipient. Disposal of post-service material must be done in
accordance with local regulations.
The product may pose new hazards as a result of its use. It may be necessary to test the post-service
flash point and/or leachable heavy materials, and/or benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX)
as well as total extractable hydrocarbons (TEH) and mineral oil and grease (MOG). Disposal may be
dependent upon whether or not it meets regulatory criteria for control as a hazardous waste. The
intended recipient should be consulted prior to initiating disposal.
Waste Disposal Methods:
See "Waste Disposal Methods".
Safe Handling of Residues:
Empty containers retain product residue. Empty drums should be completely drained, properly bunged
and promptly returned to a drum reconditioner. Do not dispose of package until thoroughly washed out.
Disposal of Packaging:
14. TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION
CANADIAN TDG ACT SHIPPING DESCRIPTION:
This product is not regulated by TDG.
Label(s): Not applicable. Placard: Not applicable.
ERAP Index: -----.
Exemptions: None known.
US DOT CLASSIFICATION (49CFR 172.101, 172.102):
This product is not regulated by DOT.
Label(s): Not applicable. Placard: Not applicable.
CERCLA-RQ: Not available.
Exemptions: None known.
Activated Alumina (All Grades), Solid
Brenntag Canada Inc.
Date of Revision:
2009 February 19
WHMIS Number :
00062014
Page 7 of 8
15. REGULATORY INFORMATION
CANADA
All constituents of this product are included on the DSL.
CEPA - NSNR:
Aluminium Oxide.
CEPA - NPRI:
Controlled Products Regulations Classification (WHMIS):
16. OTHER INFORMATION
REFERENCES
RTECS-Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances, Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety RTECS
database.
1.
Clayton, G.D. and Clayton, F.E., Eds., Patty's Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology, 3rd ed., Vol. IIA,B,C, John Wiley and Sons, New
York, 1981.
2.
Supplier's Material Safety Data Sheet(s).
3.
CHEMINFO, through "CCINFOdisc", Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
4.
Guide to Occupational Exposure Values, 2007, American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, Cincinnati, 2007.
5.
Regulatory Affairs Group, Brenntag Canada Inc.
6.
The British Columbia Drug and Poison Information Centre, Poison Managements Manual, Canadian Pharmaceutical Association,
Ottawa, 1981.
7.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The information contained herein is offered only as a guide to the handling of this specific material and has been prepared in good faith by
technically knowledgeable personnel. It is not intended to be all-inclusive and the manner and conditions of use and handling may involve
other and additional considerations. No warranty of any kind is given or implied and Brenntag Canada Inc. will not be liable for any
damages, losses, injuries or consequential damages which may result from the use of or reliance on any information contained herein.
This Material Safety Data Sheet is valid for three years.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
To obtain revised copies of this or other Material Safety Data Sheets, contact your nearest Brenntag Canada Regional office.
British Columbia: 20333-102B Avenue, Langley, BC, V1M 3H1
Phone: (604) 513-9009 Facsimile: (604) 513-9010
Alberta: 6628 - 45 th. Street, Leduc, AB, T9E 7C9
Phone: (780) 986-4544 Facsimile: (780) 986-1070
Manitoba: 681 Plinquet Street, Winnipeg, MB, R2J 2X2
Phone: (204) 233-3416 Facsimile: (204) 233-7005
Ontario: 43 Jutland Road, Toronto, ON, M8Z 2G6
Phone: (416) 259-8231 Facsimile: (416) 259-5333
Quebec: 2900 Jean Baptiste Des., Lachine, PQ, H8T 1C8
Phone: (514) 636-9230 Facsimile: (514) 636-0877
Atlantic: A-105 Akerley Boulevard, Dartmouth, NS, B3B 1R7
Phone: (902) 468-9690 Facsimile: (902) 468-3085
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
USA
All constituents of this product are included on the TSCA inventory.
Environmental Protection Act:
Skin and Eye Irritant.
OSHA HCS (29CFR 1910.1200):
Text22:
NFPA: 1 Health, 0 Fire, 1 Reactivity (3)
Text22:
HMIS: 2 Health, 0 Fire, 1 Reactivity (3)
INTERNATIONAL
This product or its components are on the European inventory of existing commercial chemicals (EINECS).
D-2B: Toxic (skin and eye irritant)
Activated Alumina (All Grades), Solid
Brenntag Canada Inc.
Date of Revision:
2009 February 19
WHMIS Number :
00062014
Page 8 of 8
Prepared By: Regulatory Affairs Group, Brenntag Canada Inc., (416) 259-8231.