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Chemical Name: Xanthan Gum
Synonyms: Corn Sugar Gum, Bacterial Polysaccharide
CAS Number: 11138-66-2
Physical Hazards: Xanthan gum arrives as an off-white, free-flowing powder. Unless fine particles get suspended in air, it does not pose fire or explosion risks. Dust may cause eye, skin, and respiratory irritation.
Health Hazards: Inhalation of dust presents the largest risk, triggering coughing or discomfort in sensitive people. Rare allergic reactions may show as redness or itching for some.
Environmental Hazards: Spills into waterways foster nutrient loads, but xanthan gum itself shows low acute toxicity for aquatic species.
Main Ingredient: Xanthan Gum (polysaccharide produced by Xanthomonas campestris fermentation)
Typical Purity: Above 91%
Additives: Some batches use trace amounts of ethanol or isopropanol during drying. These residual solvents remain well below food-grade thresholds.
Inhalation: Move person into fresh air. Support breathing, rinse mouth with water, seek medical attention if symptoms persist.
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and warm water. Remove contaminated clothing.
Eye Contact: Rinse gently with plenty of clean water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water, avoid forcing vomiting. Seek medical care if large amounts are consumed.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical powder, foam, carbon dioxide, or water spray for fires involving xanthan gum.
Special Hazards: Burning large quantities yields carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and minor organic vapors.
Protective Equipment: Firefighters may use self-contained breathing apparatus.
Personal Precautions: Minimize dust. Use masks or respirators if dust levels build up.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into sewers and waterways if possible.
Cleanup: Scoop or vacuum up powder. Wetting the material helps avoid airborne dust.
Handling: Scoop carefully to cut down dust generation. Protective gloves or goggles may benefit workers exposed to frequent use.
Storage: Store in tightly sealed containers. Keep dry to avoid clumping, and shield from strong odors. Separate from moisture, strong oxidizers, and high heat.
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation works well for dust-prone workspaces.
Respiratory Protection: Dust masks or respirators recommended for processing or mixing.
Skin Protection: Gloves reduce the rare likelihood of irritation.
Eye Protection: Safety goggles useful where powder could affect eyes.
Appearance: White to light tan powder, slight odor
pH: 6–8 (1% solution)
Solubility: Disperses in cold and warm water
Melting Point: Not applicable
Flash Point: Not highly flammable
Bulk Density: Ranges between 500–700 kg/m3 depending on grade
Chemical Stability: Xanthan gum resists breakdown at normal storage conditions.
Reactivity: May react with strong oxidizers, like sodium hypochlorite.
Hazardous Decomposition: Heating above 170°C leads to charring, releasing carbon oxides and organic fumes.
Polymerization: No hazardous polymerization expected.
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat) estimated above 5000 mg/kg, showing very low risk.
Chronic Effects: No evidence xanthan gum causes genetic, reproductive, or cancer effects in studies involving rodents and humans.
Irritation: May cause temporary mechanical irritation to eyes or airways through dust.
Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable, breaks down in soil and water.
Aquatic Toxicity: Harmless to aquatic organisms at concentrations used in consumer and industrial applications.
Bioaccumulation: Not expected.
Persistence: Does not persist in the environment.
Product Disposal: Small amounts may be disposed with household waste. Large scale industrial waste should be sent to authorized landfill or incinerator.
Packaging Disposal: Wash, then recycle or dispose based on local guidelines. Avoid discharge of powder into water systems.
UN Number: Not classified as a dangerous good.
Transport Hazard Class: Not regulated.
Packing Group: Not assigned.
Special Precautions: Ensure containers remain dry and sealed during transport.
Global Status: Approved as a food and pharmaceutical additive in most countries.
Occupational Exposure Limits: No established limit for xanthan gum dust, but general nuisance dust limits apply.
Labelling: Not required to carry hazard labels under GHS for standard uses.
Regulation References: US FDA lists xanthan gum as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS). Europe includes it as E415 in food uses.
