Product Name: Thallous Acetate
Chemical Formula: C2H3O2Tl
Synonyms: Thallium(I) acetate, Acetic acid, thallium(I) salt
CAS Number: 563-68-8
Recommended Use: Laboratory reagent, microbiological media additive
Supplier: Chemical distributors, laboratory suppliers
Emergency Contact: Emergency services or local poison control center
GHS Classification: Acute toxicity (Oral, Dermal, Inhalation) – Category 2; Reproductive toxicity – Category 1B; Acute aquatic toxicity – Category 1
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Fatal if swallowed, in contact with skin, or if inhaled. Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child. Very toxic to aquatic life.
Pictograms: Skull and crossbones, health hazard, environment
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin contact, eye contact
Target Organs: Nervous system, reproductive organs, kidneys, liver
Chemical Name: Thallous Acetate
Concentration: >99%
CAS Number: 563-68-8
Impurities: No significant impurities expected to contribute to classification
Other Ingredients: No other hazardous components present
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air without delay. If breathing becomes difficult or stops, use artificial respiration and seek emergency medical assistance. Immediate medical attention is crucial.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Rinse skin promptly with copious amounts of water for a minimum of 15 minutes. Seek medical help without hesitation.
Eye Contact: Flush eyes thoroughly with clean water for at least 15 minutes, lifting eyelids to ensure complete rinsing. Medical evaluation is required.
Ingestion: Contact poison control or a doctor immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical professionals. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Most Important Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heartbeat, headache, confusion, severe neurological symptoms, blue lines on gums (in chronic cases).
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, or appropriate foam.
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Avoid high-pressure water streams that may spread the material.
Specific Hazards: Thallous acetate does not burn, but toxic fumes such as thallium oxide and carbon monoxide or dioxide may be released in a fire.
Protective Equipment: Firefighters need full protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus.
Special Instructions: Cool containers with water spray to prevent heat-induced rupture. Evacuate area and fight fire from a distance.
Personal Precautions: Wear chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, lab coat, and respiratory protection if dust forms. Prevent unprotected individuals from entering.
Spill Cleanup Methods: Sweep up spills carefully with minimal dust generation. Shovel into a marked container for suitable disposal. Wash spill site after material pickup is complete.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent material from reaching waterways, sewers, soil, or drains.
Notification: Inform relevant authorities if contamination of environment occurs.
Handling: Wear suitable protective equipment at all times. Use only in fume hoods or ventilated areas. Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. Do not breathe dust. Ensure containers are clearly labeled.
Storage: Store in tightly closed containers kept in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place. Avoid storage near incompatible materials like acids or oxidizers. Restrict access to trained personnel.
General Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly after handling and before eating or drinking. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.
Occupational Exposure Limits: Thallium compounds (as Tl): OSHA PEL: 0.1 mg/m3 TWA; ACGIH TLV: 0.1 mg/m3 TWA
Engineering Controls: Use chemical fume hoods, exhaust ventilation, or other engineering controls to keep airborne concentrations below recommended exposure limits.
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene), safety goggles or full face shield, lab coat, and apron. In dust-generating situations, use NIOSH-approved respirator.
Environmental Exposure Controls: Keep material contained. Follow local procedures for environmental safety.
Appearance: White crystalline powder
Odor: No distinct odor
Odor Threshold: Not applicable
pH: No data available (aqueous solution expected to be slightly acidic)
Melting Point: 110–112°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes
Flash Point: Not flammable
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Flammability: Not combustible
Vapor Pressure: Negligible
Vapor Density: Not applicable
Relative Density: Approximately 5.8 (water = 1)
Solubility: Soluble in water
Partition Coefficient: No data
Auto-ignition Temperature: Not applicable
Decomposition Temperature: Above 110°C
Viscosity: Not applicable
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions.
Reactivity: Reactive with strong acids and oxidizers.
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Generates toxic fumes upon heating or contact with acids.
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, moisture, and open flames.
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, oxidizing agents.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Thallium oxides, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact
Acute Toxicity: Extremely toxic; oral LD50 (rat) reported as low as 5 mg/kg. Rapid absorption and severe systemic effects.
Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, neuropathy, fatigue, hair loss, blue lines on gums
Chronic Effects: Peripheral neuropathy, tremors, kidney dysfunction, reproductive harm, teratogenic effects
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogen by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Mutagenicity: Evidence of chromosomal damage in animal studies
Reproductive Toxicity: Clear evidence of fertility and developmental effects in animal studies
Target Organs: Central and peripheral nervous system, liver, kidneys, reproductive organs
Aquatic Toxicity: Very toxic to aquatic life. LC50 (fish, 96 hr): <10 mg/L.
Persistence and Degradability: Not readily biodegradable. Thallium remains in environment long-term.
Bioaccumulative Potential: Thallium can bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms.
Mobility in Soil: High; may contaminate groundwater.
Other Adverse Effects: Harmful to mammals, birds, and bees. Even small concentrations can have lethal effects.
Disposal Methods: Dispose of as hazardous waste according to federal, state, and local regulations. Use registered hazardous waste contractors. Material and any contaminated cleanup residues must go to approved chemical waste facilities.
Container Disposal: Rinse containers three times with appropriate solvent, then destroy by puncture and dispose of at hazardous waste site.
Precautions: Never pour thallous acetate down the drain or into the environment. Account for all unused or remaining material.
Regulations: Must observe all applicable laws and guidelines regarding hazardous waste and thallium compounds.
UN Number: UN1707
UN Proper Shipping Name: Thallium compound, n.o.s. (contains Thallous Acetate)
Transport Hazard Class(es): 6.1 (Toxic substances)
Packing Group: I (great danger)
Environmental Hazards: Marine pollutant
Special Precautions: Follow local and international transport guidelines. Ensure containers are securely packaged and clearly marked. Only trained personnel should handle shipments.
Transport Labels: Toxic, Environmentally hazardous
OSHA: Regulated as a highly toxic substance; occupational exposure standards in place.
EPA: Listed under CERCLA and RCRA as hazardous waste; strict reporting requirements exist for spills and releases.
TSCA: Listed in the Chemical Substance Inventory.
SARA Title III: Subject to Section 313 (toxic chemical reporting).
Community Right-To-Know: Facilities storing or handling must comply with local hazard communication laws.
Other Regulations: European REACH, Canadian DSL/NDSL, and other international guidelines classify thallium compounds as highly regulated toxic chemicals.