Material Safety Data Sheet: Xanthan Gum

Identification

Product Name: Xanthan Gum
Chemical Family: Polysaccharide
Synonyms: Corn sugar gum, Goma Xantana
CAS Number: 11138-66-2
Intended Use: Thickening agent for food, pharmaceutical, and industrial purposes
Manufacturers: Various suppliers, including food ingredient companies and chemical distributors
Contact for Information: Manufacturer or distributor emergency telephone listed on product packaging

Hazard Identification

Hazard Classification: Not classified as hazardous
Potential Health Effects: Inhalation can irritate nose and throat, skin and eye contact may produce mild temporary discomfort, ingestion considered low-risk
GHS Label Elements: No required pictogram or signal word
Hazard Statement: Dust may cause mechanical irritation

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Xanthan Gum
Chemical Formula: C35H49O29
Purity: Typically >99% pure, may contain small traces of water and sodium chloride
Impurities: None of toxicological significance in typical grades

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, seek medical attention for persistent symptoms
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present
Skin Contact: Wash area with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink plenty of water, medical attention generally unnecessary but seek if discomfort develops

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide
Specific Hazards: Dust can form explosive mixtures with air, heated product may emit carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide
Special Equipment for Firefighters: Use self-contained breathing apparatus, avoid inhaling combustion products
Fire/Explosion Risk: Fine dust may cause risk of explosion in confined, poorly-ventilated spaces

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use personal protective equipment to prevent inhalation and contact
Spill Cleanup: Avoid creating dust, sweep up and collect for disposal, ventilate area during cleanup
Environmental Precautions: Avoid release to waterways, collect spillage to prevent runoff into drains

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling: Minimize dust generation, use local exhaust in enclosed areas, avoid breathing dust, wash hands before eating
Storage Conditions: Store in dry, cool, and well-ventilated place, keep tightly closed in original container, protect from moisture
Storage Class: Non-dangerous material, standard storage for dry powders

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limit: No specific limit for xanthan gum, use general dust exposure threshold (inhalable dust: 10 mg/m³, respirable: 3 mg/m³)
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, general room ventilation
Personal Protection: Dust mask or respirator for dusty conditions, safety glasses or goggles, gloves for sensitive skin, protective clothing as needed
Hygiene Practices: Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling, wash hands after use

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Off-white to cream-colored fine powder
Odor: Slight, characteristic
pH (1% solution): Between 6.0 and 8.0
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Melting Point: Decomposes above 160°C
Solubility: Soluble in cold and hot water, insoluble in alcohol
Bulk Density: ~0.5–1.0 g/cm³
Flash Point: Not applicable
Explosion Properties: Combustible as a fine dust, avoid concentrations

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under standard conditions
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Not reactive, but dust mixes with air may ignite
Conditions to Avoid: Moist air, open flames, hot surfaces, sources of ignition, buildup of dust
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide during combustion

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Low toxicity; LD₅₀ in rats >5000 mg/kg
Irritation: May cause mild transient irritation of eyes, skin, and respiratory tract
Chronic Effects: No known chronic health effects
Sensitization: Rare cases of skin or respiratory sensitization reported
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogen by IARC or other regulatory agencies
Mutagenicity: Negative in standard tests

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Not expected to be hazardous to environment
Persistence and Degradability: Biodegradable under environmental conditions
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low
Mobility in Soil: Highly soluble in water, potential to migrate if released in large amounts

Disposal Considerations

Product Disposal: Dispose in accordance with local, regional, national, and international regulations, typically suitable for landfill if uncontaminated
Packaging: Clean empty containers prior to recycling or disposal
Avoid: Releasing large quantities into drains or watercourses

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated for transport
Transport Hazard Class: Not applicable
Packing Group: Not applicable
Special Precautions: Protect against moisture and sources of ignition in transit
Shipping Name: Xanthan Gum, not dangerous for road, sea, or air freight

Regulatory Information

Global Inventories: Listed in US TSCA, EU EINECS/ELINCS, Canada DSL, Australia AICS
Regulatory Status: Not considered hazardous under OSHA, WHMIS, GHS, or EU CLP regulations
Food Additive Approval: Permitted for use as food additive in most regions (E415 in EU, GRAS in USA)
SARA Title III: Not subject to reporting
California Proposition 65: Not listed
Other Requirements: Follow workplace safety and food regulations as appropriate for intended use