COBALT CHLORIDE

Pink to red solid with a slight sharp odor. Sinks and mixes with water. Pale blue leaflets, turns pink upon exposure to moist air.

none

Hygroscopic. Soluble in water.

Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Toxic cobalt oxide fumes may form in fire. (USCG, 1999)

Inhalation causes respiratory disease, shortness of breath, and coughing; permanent disability may occur. Ingestion causes pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Contact causes irritation of eyes and may cause skin rash. (USCG, 1999)

A 0.2 molar aqueous solution has a pH of 4.6. COBALT CHLORIDE acts as a weakly acidic inorganic salt, which is soluble in water. The resulting solutions contain moderate concentrations of hydrogen ions and have pH's of less than 7.0. They react as acids to neutralize bases. These neutralizations generate heat, but less or far less than is generated by neutralization of inorganic acids, inorganic oxoacids, and carboxylic acid. They usually do not react as either oxidizing agents or reducing agents but such behavior is not impossible. Many of these compounds catalyze organic reactions. Potassium or sodium metals act to reduce metal halides, producing exothermic reactions, even explosions [Bretherick, 5th Ed., 1995].

• Salts, Acidic

No information available.

Excerpt from 151 [Substances - Toxic (Non-Combustible)]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2020)

Excerpt from 151 [Substances - Toxic (Non-Combustible)]:

SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2 or water spray.

LARGE FIRE: Water spray, fog or regular foam. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Dike runoff from fire control for later disposal. Avoid aiming straight or solid streams directly onto the product.

FIRE INVOLVING TANKS OR CAR/TRAILER LOADS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Do not get water inside containers. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks engulfed in fire. For massive fire, use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn. (ERG, 2020)

Excerpt from 151 [Substances - Toxic (Non-Combustible)]:

Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Cover with plastic sheet to prevent spreading. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS. (ERG, 2020)

Rubber gloves; side-shield goggles; Bu. of Mines respirator; protective clothing (USCG, 1999)

No information available.

INHALATION: move victim to fresh air; if breathing has stopped, begin artificial respiration and call a doctor.

INGESTION: give large amount of water; induce vomiting.

EYES: flush with water at least 15 min.; consult physician if irritation persists.

SKIN: flush with water. (USCG, 1999)

• COBALT (II) CHLORIDE
• COBALT CHLORIDE
• COBALTOUS CHLORIDE
• COBALTOUS CHLORIDE DIHYDRATE
• COBALTOUS CHLORIDE HEXAHYDRATE