Magnesium Chloride Safety & Hazards

Magnesium chloride is widely recognized as a stable, non-flammable compound with low acute toxicity. It is used in industries such as manufacturing, de-icing, food processing, and pharmaceuticals.

While generally safe under normal conditions, it can still cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract if handled improperly. Ingesting large amounts may be moderately toxic, making it important to understand its safety profile before handling.

Because it is often handled as a crystalline solid or in concentrated solutions, safe handling procedures and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) are essential. Preventing dust generation, avoiding direct contact, and limiting inhalation are key practices.

Although regulatory agencies do not typically classify magnesium chloride as a hazardous substance, following best practices for handling ensures both worker safety and environmental protection.

This article offers a comprehensive overview of magnesium chloride’s potential hazards, exposure effects, safe handling procedures, and compliance requirements in workplaces, laboratories, and industrial operations.

In this article, we’ll review:

1. Chemical Hazards Overview

2. Exposure Risks & Health Effects

3. First Aid Measures

4. Handling & Storage Precautions

5. Spill & Leak Procedures

6. Fire & Explosion Hazards

7. Regulatory & Compliance Information

8. Technical Documents & References

Chemical Hazards Overview

Magnesium chloride is not classified as flammable, corrosive, or highly toxic under most hazard systems. It is stable and non-reactive under normal handling and storage conditions, which makes it safer than many industrial chemicals. Even so, it is classified as an irritant because it can affect the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. This means proper handling practices are still required to avoid discomfort or minor injury.

Understanding its classification helps clarify the risks for anyone working with the chemical in laboratories, industrial settings, or bulk storage.

Hazard Classification

GHS Classification: Magnesium chloride is labeled under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) with the exclamation mark pictogram (⚠️ GHS07), indicating irritation hazards.

NFPA Ratings:

Health: 1-2 (depending on concentration; generally mild, but more irritating at higher levels)
Fire: 0 (non-flammable and does not support combustion)
Reactivity: 0 (stable under normal conditions)

Primary Risks

While low overall, the following exposures should be considered:

Inhalation: Breathing in dust particles may irritate the respiratory tract and cause coughing or throat discomfort.
Skin Contact: Direct contact can cause mild irritation or dryness, particularly with prolonged or repeated handling.
Eye Exposure: Dust or particles may cause stinging, burning, or temporary redness.
Ingestion: While not highly toxic, swallowing large amounts may cause nausea, vomiting, or gastrointestinal upset.

With these baseline hazards in mind, the next section explains how magnesium chloride exposure affects health in more detail.

Exposure Risks & Health Effects

Magnesium chloride is generally low in toxicity, but exposure risks vary depending on the route of entry. The following outlines potential effects for each type of exposure.

Inhalation Risks

Short-term exposure may cause coughing, throat irritation, and mild respiratory discomfort.
Prolonged or repeated exposure to airborne dust should be avoided, even though no chronic toxicity has been reported.

Skin Contact Risk

Contact may result in mild irritation or dryness, especially after frequent or extended handling.
Repeated exposure without protection increases the likelihood of irritation, particularly for sensitive skin.

Eye Contact Risks

May cause irritation, burning, or discomfort if dust enters the eyes.
Immediate rinsing is important to reduce the risk of injury.

Ingestion Risks

Moderately toxic when consumed in large quantities (oral LD50 in rats: 2800–8100 mg/kg).
Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, or diarrhea.
Severe poisoning is rare, but medical attention should be sought after significant ingestion.

First Aid Measures

Immediate and proper first aid helps reduce risks if exposure occurs. The steps vary depending on the type of contact. Below is a breakdown of basic first aid procedures based on each route of exposure:

Exposure Type	Immediate Action	Follow-up Measures
Inhalation	Move the person to fresh air.	Seek medical attention if coughing or irritation persists.
Skin Contact	Wash thoroughly with soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing.	Monitor for dryness or irritation. Apply soothing lotion if needed.
Eye Contact	Flush eyes with clean water continuously for at least 15 minutes.	Obtain medical attention if burning or redness continues.
Ingestion	Rinse mouth and drink plenty of water. Do not induce vomiting unless advised by medical personnel.	Seek emergency care if symptoms such as nausea or abdominal pain appear.

By preparing for these common exposure scenarios, users can respond effectively and prevent complications.

Handling & Storage Precautions

Proper handling and storage reduce exposure risks and protect product quality.

Safe Handling Procedures

Work in well-ventilated areas to reduce dust buildup.
Avoid generating dust during transfer or use.
Wear protective gloves and safety goggles to prevent irritation.

Storage Conditions

Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area.
Keep containers sealed tightly, as magnesium chloride is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture easily.
Protect from direct sunlight and sources of heat.

Incompatible Substances

Store away from strong acids, strong oxidizers, and reactive metals.
Keeping it separated prevents unwanted reactions or contamination.

Spill & Leak Procedures

Magnesium chloride spills are low-risk but still require prompt cleanup to reduce dust hazards and environmental impact.

Emergency Response Steps

Ventilate the area to disperse dust.
Wear appropriate PPE, including gloves, goggles, and a dust mask.
Prevent material from entering drains or waterways.

Containment Methods

Lightly dampen spilled material to minimize airborne dust.
Sweep or vacuum into sealed, labeled containers.

Proper Disposal

Dispose of uncontaminated waste according to local regulations for non-hazardous waste.
Large spills may require environmental monitoring to ensure no impact on aquatic systems.

Fire & Explosion Hazards

Magnesium chloride is non-combustible and presents minimal fire hazards. In the event of a fire, extinguishing media such as water, foam, or dry chemicals should be used based on surrounding materials.

If heated above 160°C or involved in a fire, magnesium chloride may release harmful gases such as chlorine. Firefighters should wear full protective gear and use respiratory protection in these cases.

Regulatory & Compliance Information

Magnesium chloride is generally considered low-risk from a regulatory perspective, but compliance requirements still apply when it is handled in workplaces, shipped in bulk, or used in regulated industries such as food and pharmaceuticals. Understanding these guidelines ensures safety, proper labeling, and adherence to environmental protection standards.

OSHA: Not classified as hazardous, but general chemical handling requirements apply.
Environmental impact: Low hazard, though large spills can affect aquatic life.
DOT transport: Generally non-hazardous; must be packaged to avoid moisture absorption.
Purity standards: When used in food, pharmaceuticals, or specialty chemicals, it must meet FDA, USP, or ACS standards.

Technical Documents & References

For organizations, laboratories, and manufacturers working with Magnesium Chloride in regulated settings, access to up-to-date documentation is essential. These technical resources provide detailed information about safety, composition, and compliance, ensuring responsible use across all environments. Some key documents include:

Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

Provides in-depth information on chemical hazards, safe handling procedures, emergency measures, and regulatory classifications. Required for workplace compliance and chemical inventory systems.

Certificate of Analysis (COA)

Includes batch-specific data on purity, formulation composition, and testing results. Crucial for quality assurance, especially in pharmaceutical and personal care manufacturing.

Technical Reports

Offer supporting research, stability data, and clinical insights on magnesium chloride’s safety, efficacy, and formulation performance in different use cases.

Accessing these documents supports safe practices and helps maintain product integrity across regulated applications. They’re especially important when handling bulk quantities or creating new formulations.

Conclusion

Whether magnesium chloride is used in laboratory research, manufacturing, food production, or de-icing operations, safety starts with understanding its hazards and handling requirements. By following best practices and maintaining access to reliable technical resources, users can ensure safe, compliant, and effective use.

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Where to Buy Magnesium Chloride

As your trusted partner in chemical supply, Lab Alley is always striving to meet the growing demands of our customers. We want you to be able to access all of your chemical needs in one place, along with streamlined online ordering and fast shipping.

Due to popular demand from our valued clientele, Lab Alley's Magnesium Chloride is available in a range of purities and packaging options to suit various commercial, laboratory, and personal needs.