Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

AMMONIUM TETRACHLOROALUMINATE

PRODUCT USE

In the processing of furs.

SUPPLIER

Company: Sigma- Aldrich Pty Ltd
Address:
12 Anella Avenue
Castle Hill
NSW, 2154
Australia
Telephone: +61 2 9841 0555
Telephone: 1800 800 097
Emergency Tel: +44 8701906777
Emergency Tel: 1800 448 456
Fax: +61 2 9841 0500
Email: ausmail@sial.com
Website: www.sigma- aldrich.com

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

STATEMENT OF HAZARDOUS NATURE

NON-HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE. NON-DANGEROUS GOODS. According to NOHSC Criteria, and ADG Code.

CHEMWATCH HAZARD RATINGS

Flammability	0
Toxicity	2
Body Contact	0
Reactivity	0
Chronic	2
SCALE: Min/Nil=0 Low=1 Moderate=2 High=3 Extreme=4

RISK                                                   
SAFETY                       
■ Ingestion may produce health damage*.                
• Do not breathe dust.       
■ Cumulative effects may result following exposure*.   
• Avoid contact with skin.   
* (limited evidence).                                  
                             

Section 3 - COMPOSITION / INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS

Section 4 - FIRST AID MEASURES

SWALLOWED

· If swallowed do NOT induce vomiting.
· If vomiting occurs, lean patient forward or place on left side (head-down position, if possible) to maintain open airway and prevent aspiration.
· Observe the patient carefully.
· Never give liquid to a person showing signs of being sleepy or with reduced awareness; i.e. becoming unconscious.
· Give water to rinse out mouth, then provide liquid slowly and as much as casualty can comfortably drink.
· Seek medical advice.

EYE

■ If this product comes in contact with the eyes:
· Wash out immediately with fresh running water.
· Ensure complete irrigation of the eye by keeping eyelids apart and away from eye and moving the eyelids by occasionally lifting the upper and lower lids.
· Seek medical attention without delay; if pain persists or recurs seek medical attention.
· Removal of contact lenses after an eye injury should only be undertaken by skilled personnel.

SKIN

■ If skin or hair contact occurs:
· Flush skin and hair with running water (and soap if available).
· Seek medical attention in event of irritation.

INHALED

· If dust is inhaled, remove from contaminated area.
· Encourage patient to blow nose to ensure clear passage of breathing.
· If irritation or discomfort persists seek medical attention.

NOTES TO PHYSICIAN

· Manifestation of aluminium toxicity include hypercalcaemia, anaemia, Vitamin D refractory osteodystrophy and a progressive encephalopathy (mixed dysarthria-
apraxia of speech, asterixis, tremulousness, myoclonus, dementia, focal seizures). Bone pain, pathological fractures and proximal myopathy can occur.
· Symptoms usually develop insidiously over months to years (in chronic renal failure patients) unless dietary aluminium loads are excessive.
· Serum aluminium levels above 60 ug/ml indicate increased absorption. Potential toxicity occurs above 100 ug/ml and clinical symptoms are present when levels exceed
200 ug/ml.
· Deferoxamine has been used to treat dialysis encephalopathy and osteomalacia. CaNa2EDTA is less effective in chelating aluminium. [Ellenhorn and Barceloux: Medical
Toxicology].

Section 5 - FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES

EXTINGUISHING MEDIA

· There is no restriction on the type of extinguisher which may be used.
· Use extinguishing media suitable for surrounding area.

FIRE FIGHTING

· Alert Fire Brigade and tell them location and nature of hazard.
· Wear breathing apparatus plus protective gloves for fire only.
· Prevent, by any means available, spillage from entering drains or water courses.
· Use fire fighting procedures suitable for surrounding area.
· DO NOT approach containers suspected to be hot.
· Cool fire exposed containers with water spray from a protected location.
· If safe to do so, remove containers from path of fire.
· Equipment should be thoroughly decontaminated after use.

FIRE/EXPLOSION HAZARD

· Non combustible.
· Not considered a significant fire risk, however containers may burn.
Decomposition may produce toxic fumes of: hydrogen chloride, nitrogen oxides (NOx), metal oxides.
May emit poisonous fumes.

FIRE INCOMPATIBILITY

■ None known.

HAZCHEM

None

PERSONAL PROTECTION

Glasses:           
Respirator:  
Chemical goggles.  
Particulate  

Section 6 - ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES

MINOR SPILLS

· Remove all ignition sources.
· Clean up all spills immediately.
· Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
· Control personal contact by using protective equipment.
· Use dry clean up procedures and avoid generating dust.
· Place in a suitable, labelled container for waste disposal.

MAJOR SPILLS

■ Moderate hazard.
· CAUTION: Advise personnel in area.
· Alert Emergency Services and tell them location and nature of hazard.
· Control personal contact by wearing protective clothing.
· Prevent, by any means available, spillage from entering drains or water courses.
· Recover product wherever possible.
· IF DRY: Use dry clean up procedures and avoid generating dust. Collect residues and place in sealed plastic
bags or other containers for disposal. IF WET: Vacuum/shovel up and place in labelled containers for
disposal.
· ALWAYS: Wash area down with large amounts of water and prevent runoff into drains.
· If contamination of drains or waterways occurs, advise Emergency Services.

Personal Protective Equipment advice is contained in Section 8 of the MSDS.

Section 7 - HANDLING AND STORAGE

PROCEDURE FOR HANDLING

· Avoid all personal contact, including inhalation.
· Wear protective clothing when risk of exposure occurs.
· Use in a well-ventilated area.
· Prevent concentration in hollows and sumps.
· DO NOT enter confined spaces until atmosphere has been checked.
· DO NOT allow material to contact humans, exposed food or food utensils.
· Avoid contact with incompatible materials.
· When handling, DO NOT eat, drink or smoke.
· Keep containers securely sealed when not in use.
· Avoid physical damage to containers.
· Always wash hands with soap and water after handling.
· Work clothes should be laundered separately. Launder contaminated clothing before re-use.
· Use good occupational work practice.
· Observe manufacturer's storing and handling recommendations.
· Atmosphere should be regularly checked against established exposure standards to ensure safe working conditions are maintained.

SUITABLE CONTAINER

· Polyethylene or polypropylene container.
· Check all containers are clearly labelled and free from leaks.

STORAGE INCOMPATIBILITY

· Metals and their oxides or salts may react violently with chlorine trifluoride and bromine trifluoride.
· These trifluorides are hypergolic oxidisers. They ignites on contact (without external source of heat or ignition) with recognised fuels - contact with these materials, following an ambient or slightly elevated temperature, is often violent and may produce ignition.
· The state of subdivision may affect the results.

PACKAGING MATERIAL INCOMPATIBILITIES

Chemical Name                   Container Type
Chlorinated Glue                " Acetal (Delrinr)" , " Cast iron" , Neoprene

STORAGE REQUIREMENTS

· Store in original containers.
· Keep containers securely sealed.
· Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area.
· Store away from incompatible materials and foodstuff containers.
· Protect containers against physical damage and check regularly for leaks.
· Observe manufacturer's storing and handling recommendations.

_____________________________________________________

SAFE STORAGE WITH OTHER CLASSIFIED CHEMICALS

+	+	+	+	X	+

_____________________________________________________

+: May be stored together

O: May be stored together with specific preventions

X: Must not be stored together

Section 8 - EXPOSURE CONTROLS / PERSONAL PROTECTION

EXPOSURE CONTROLS

Source
Material
TWA mg/m³
___________
___________
_______
Australia Exposure Standards
ammonium tetrachloroaluminate (Aluminium, soluble salts (as Al))
2

MATERIAL DATA

AMMONIUM TETRACHLOROALUMINATE:
■ The TLV is based on the exposures to aluminium chloride and the amount of hydrolysed acid and the corresponding acid TLV to provide the same degree of freedom from
irritation. Workers chronically exposed to aluminium dusts and fumes have developed severe pulmonary reactions including fibrosis, emphysema and pneumothorax. A much
rarer encephalopathy has also been described.

PERSONAL PROTECTION

EYE

· Safety glasses with side shields
· Chemical goggles.
· Contact lenses may pose a special hazard; soft contact lenses may absorb and concentrate irritants. A written policy document, describing the wearing of lens or
restrictions on use, should be created for each workplace or task. This should include a review of lens absorption and adsorption for the class of chemicals in use
and an account of injury experience. Medical and first- aid personnel should be trained in their removal and suitable equipment should be readily available. In the
event of chemical exposure, begin eye irrigation immediately and remove contact lens as soon as practicable. Lens should be removed at the first signs of eye redness
or irritation - lens should be removed in a clean environment only after workers have washed hands thoroughly. [CDC NIOSH Current Intelligence Bulletin 59], [AS/NZS
1336 or national equivalent].

HANDS/FEET

■ Suitability and durability of glove type is dependent on usage. Important factors in the selection of gloves include:
· frequency and duration of contact,
· chemical resistance of glove material,
· glove thickness and
· dexterity
Select gloves tested to a relevant standard (e.g. Europe EN 374, US F739, AS/NZS 2161.1 or national equivalent).
· When prolonged or frequently repeated contact may occur, a glove with a protection class of 5 or higher (breakthrough time greater than 240 minutes according to EN
374, AS/NZS 2161.10.1 or national equivalent) is recommended.
· When only brief contact is expected, a glove with a protection class of 3 or higher (breakthrough time greater than 60 minutes according to EN 374, AS/NZS
2161.10.1 or national equivalent) is recommended.
· Contaminated gloves should be replaced.
Gloves must only be worn on clean hands. After using gloves, hands should be washed and dried thoroughly. Application of a non- perfumed moisturiser is recommended.
Experience indicates that the following polymers are suitable as glove materials for protection against undissolved, dry solids, where abrasive particles are not
present.
· polychloroprene
· nitrile rubber
· butyl rubber
· fluorocaoutchouc
· polyvinyl chloride
Gloves should be examined for wear and/ or degradation constantly.

OTHER

· Overalls.
· P.V.C. apron.
· Barrier cream.
· Skin cleansing cream.
· Eye wash unit.

RESPIRATOR

•Particulate. (AS/NZS 1716 & 1715, EN 143:2000 & 149:2001, ANSI Z88 or national equivalent)
· Respirators may be necessary when engineering and administrative controls do not adequately prevent exposures.
· The decision to use respiratory protection should be based on professional judgment that takes into account toxicity information, exposure measurement data, and
frequency and likelihood of the worker' s exposure - ensure users are not subject to high thermal loads which may result in heat stress or distress due to personal
protective equipment (powered, positive flow, full face apparatus may be an option).
· Published occupational exposure limits, where they exist, will assist in determining the adequacy of the selected respiratory . These may be government mandated or
vendor recommended.
· Certified respirators will be useful for protecting workers from inhalation of particulates when properly selected and fit tested as part of a complete respiratory
protection program.
· Use approved positive flow mask if significant quantities of dust becomes airborne.
· Try to avoid creating dust conditions.
The local concentration of material, quantity and conditions of use determine the type of personal protective equipment required. For further information consult
site specific CHEMWATCH data (if available), or your Occupational Health and Safety Advisor.

ENGINEERING CONTROLS

■ Engineering controls are used to remove a hazard or place a barrier between the worker and the hazard. Well- designed engineering controls can be highly effective
in protecting workers and will typically be independent of worker interactions to provide this high level of protection.
The basic types of engineering controls are:
Process controls which involve changing the way a job activity or process is done to reduce the risk.
Enclosure and/or isolation of emission source which keeps a selected hazard " physically" away from the worker and ventilation that strategically " adds" and "
removes" air in the work environment. Ventilation can remove or dilute an air contaminant if designed properly. The design of a ventilation system must match the
particular process and chemical or contaminant in use.
Employers may need to use multiple types of controls to prevent employee overexposure.
· Local exhaust ventilation is required where solids are handled as powders or crystals; even when particulates are relatively large, a certain proportion will be
powdered by mutual friction.
· If in spite of local exhaust an adverse concentration of the substance in air could occur, respiratory protection should be considered.
Such protection might consist of:
(a): particle dust respirators, if necessary, combined with an absorption cartridge;
(b): filter respirators with absorption cartridge or canister of the right type;
(c): fresh- air hoods or masks.
Air contaminants generated in the workplace possess varying " escape" velocities which, in turn, determine the " capture velocities" of fresh circulating air
required to effectively remove the contaminant.


Type of Contaminant:

Air Speed:

direct spray, spray painting in shallow booths, drum filling, conveyer loading, crusher dusts, gas discharge (active generation into zone of rapid air motion)

1-2.5 m/s (200-500 f/min.)

grinding, abrasive blasting, tumbling, high speed wheel generated dusts (released at high initial velocity into zone of very high rapid air motion).

2.5-10 m/s (500-2000 f/min.)

Within each range the appropriate value depends on:


Lower end of the range

Upper end of the range

1: Room air currents minimal or favourable to capture

1: Disturbing room air currents

2: Contaminants of low toxicity or of nuisance value only.

2: Contaminants of high toxicity

3: Intermittent, low production.

3: High production, heavy use

4: Large hood or large air mass in motion

4: Small hood-local control only

Simple theory shows that air velocity falls rapidly with distance away from the opening of a simple extraction pipe. Velocity generally decreases with the square of
distance from the extraction point (in simple cases). Therefore the air speed at the extraction point should be adjusted, accordingly, after reference to distance
from the contaminating source. The air velocity at the extraction fan, for example, should be a minimum of 4- 10 m/s (800- 2000 f/min) for extraction of crusher
dusts generated 2 metres distant from the extraction point. Other mechanical considerations, producing performance deficits within the extraction apparatus, make it
essential that theoretical air velocities are multiplied by factors of 10 or more when extraction systems are installed or used.

Section 9 - PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

APPEARANCE

Powder; mixes with water and ether.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Solid.
Mixes with water.

State
Divided solid
Molecular Weight
186.84
Melting Range (ºC)
304
Viscosity
Not Applicable
Boiling Range (ºC)
Not available
Solubility in water (g/L)
Miscible
Flash Point (ºC)
Not available
pH (1% solution)
Not available
Decomposition Temp (ºC)
Not available.
pH (as supplied)
Not applicable
Autoignition Temp (ºC)
Not available
Vapour Pressure (kPa)
Negligible
Upper Explosive Limit (%)
Not available.
Specific Gravity (water=1)
Not available
Lower Explosive Limit (%)
Not available
Relative Vapour Density (air=1)
Not Applicable
Volatile Component (%vol)
Negligible
Evaporation Rate
Not applicable

State
Divided solid
Molecular Weight
186.84
Melting Range (ºC)
304
Viscosity
Not Applicable
Boiling Range (ºC)
Not available
Solubility in water (g/L)
Miscible
Flash Point (ºC)
Not available
pH (1% solution)
Not available
Decomposition Temp (ºC)
Not available.
pH (as supplied)
Not applicable
Autoignition Temp (ºC)
Not available
Vapour Pressure (kPa)
Negligible
Upper Explosive Limit (%)
Not available.
Specific Gravity (water=1)
Not available
Lower Explosive Limit (%)
Not available
Relative Vapour Density (air=1)
Not Applicable
Volatile Component (%vol)
Negligible
Evaporation Rate
Not applicable

Section 10 - STABILITY AND REACTIVITY

CONDITIONS CONTRIBUTING TO INSTABILITY

· Presence of incompatible materials.
· Product is considered stable.
· Hazardous polymerisation will not occur.

For incompatible materials - refer to Section 7 - Handling and Storage.

Section 11 - TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

■ Accidental ingestion of the material may be damaging to the health of the individual.
Acute toxic responses to aluminium are confined to the more soluble forms.
Large doses of ammonia or injected ammonium salts may produce diarrhoea and may be sufficiently absorbed to produce increased production of urine and systemic
poisoning. Symptoms include weakening of facial muscle, tremor, anxiety, reduced muscle and limb control.

EYE

■ Although the material is not thought to be an irritant (as classified by EC Directives), direct contact with the eye may cause transient discomfort characterised
by tearing or conjunctival redness (as with windburn). Slight abrasive damage may also result. The material may produce foreign body irritation in certain
individuals.

SKIN

■ The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or skin irritation following contact (as classified by EC Directives using animal models).
Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable gloves be used in an occupational setting.
Open cuts, abraded or irritated skin should not be exposed to this material.
Solution of material in moisture on the skin, or perspiration, may increase irritant effects.
Entry into the blood- stream, through, for example, cuts, abrasions or lesions, may produce systemic injury with harmful effects. Examine the skin prior to the use
of the material and ensure that any external damage is suitably protected.

INHALED

■ The material is not thought to produce either adverse health effects or irritation of the respiratory tract following inhalation (as classified by EC Directives
using animal models). Nevertheless, adverse systemic effects have been produced following exposure of animals by at least one other route and good hygiene practice
requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable control measures be used in an occupational setting.
Persons with impaired respiratory function, airway diseases and conditions such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, may incur further disability if excessive
concentrations of particulate are inhaled.
If prior damage to the circulatory or nervous systems has occurred or if kidney damage has been sustained, proper screenings should be conducted on individuals who
may be exposed to further risk if handling and use of the material result
in excessive exposures.

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

■ Substance accumulation, in the human body, may occur and may cause some concern following repeated or long- term occupational exposure.
Exposure to large doses of aluminium has been connected with the degenerative brain disease Alzheimer' s Disease.
Long term exposure to high dust concentrations may cause changes in lung function i.e. pneumoconiosis; caused by particles less than 0.5 micron penetrating and
remaining in the lung. Prime symptom is breathlessness; lung shadows show on X- ray.

TOXICITY AND IRRITATION

AMMONIUM TETRACHLOROALUMINATE:
■ No significant acute toxicological data identified in literature search.

Section 12 - ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION

AMMONIUM TETRACHLOROALUMINATE:

■ Although inorganic chloride ions are not normally considered toxic they can exist in effluents at acutely toxic levels (chloride >3000 mg/l). The resulting
salinity can exceed the tolerances of most freshwater organisms.
Inorganic chlorine eventually finds its way into the aqueous compartment and as such is bioavailable. Incidental exposure to inorganic chloride may occur in
occupational settings where chemicals management policies are improperly applied. The toxicity of chloride salts depends on the counter- ion (cation) present; that
of chloride itself is unknown. Chloride toxicity has not been observed in humans except in the special case of impaired sodium chloride metabolism, e.g. in
congestive heart failure. Healthy individuals can tolerate the intake of large quantities of chloride provided that there is a concomitant intake of fresh water.
Although excessive intake of drinking- water containing sodium chloride at concentrations above 2.5 g/litre has been reported to produce hypertension, this effect is
believed to be related to the sodium ion concentration.
Chloride concentrations in excess of about 250 mg/litre can give rise to detectable taste in water, but the threshold depends upon the associated cations. Consumers
can, however, become accustomed to concentrations in excess of 250 mg/litre. No health- based guideline value is proposed for chloride in drinking- water.
In humans, 88% of chloride is extracellular and contributes to the osmotic activity of body fluids. The electrolyte balance in the body is maintained by adjusting
total dietary intake and by excretion via the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract. Chloride is almost completely absorbed in normal individuals, mostly from the
proximal half of the small intestine. Normal fluid loss amounts to about 1.5- 2 liters/day, together with about 4 g of chloride per day. Most (90 - 95%) is excreted
in the urine, with minor amounts in faeces (4- 8%) and sweat (2%).
Chloride increases the electrical conductivity of water and thus increases its corrosivity. In metal pipes, chloride reacts with metal ions to form soluble salts
thus increasing levels of metals in drinking- water. In lead pipes, a protective oxide layer is built up, but chloride enhances galvanic corrosion. It can also
increase the rate of pitting corrosion of metal pipes.
In air ammonia is persistent whilst, in water, it biodegrades rapidly to nitrate, producing a high oxygen demand. Ammonia is strongly adsorbed to soil. Ammonia is
non- persistent in water (half- life 2 days) and is moderately toxic to fish under normal temperature and pH conditions. Ammonia is harmful to aquatic life at low
concentrations but does not concentrate in the food chain. Ammonium ions may be toxic to fish at 0.3 mg/l
Drinking Water Standards:
0.5 mg/l (UK max.)
1.5 mg/l (WHO Levels)
Soil Guidelines: none available.
Air Quality Standards: none available.
For aluminium and its compounds and salts:
Environmental fate:
Aluminium occurs in the environment in the form of silicates, oxides and hydroxides, combined with other elements such as sodium, fluorine and arsenic complexes with
organic matter.
Acidification of soils releases aluminium as a transportable solution. Mobilisation of aluminium by acid rain results in aluminium becoming available for plant
uptake.
As an element, aluminum cannot be degraded in the environment, but may undergo various precipitation or ligand exchange reactions. Aluminum in compounds has only one
oxidation state (+3), and would not undergo oxidation- reduction reactions under environmental conditions. Aluminum can be complexed by various ligands present in
the environment (e.g., fulvic and humic acids). The solubility of aluminum in the environment will depend on the ligands present and the pH.
The trivalent aluminum ion is surrounded by six water molecules in solution. The hydrated aluminum ion, [Al(H2O)6]3+, undergoes hydrolysis, in which a stepwise
deprotonation of the coordinated water ligands forms bound hydroxide ligands (e.g., [Al(H2O)5(OH)]2+, [Al(H2O)4(OH)2]+). The speciation of aluminum in water is pH
dependent. The hydrated trivalent aluminum ion is the predominant form at pH levels below 4. Between pH 5 and 6, the predominant hydrolysis products are Al(OH)2+ and
Al(OH)2+, while the solid Al(OH)3 is most prevalent between pH 5.2 and 8.8. The soluble species Al(OH)4- is the predominant species above pH 9, and is the only
species present above pH 10. Polymeric aluminum hydroxides appear between pH 4.7 and 10.5, and increase in size until they are transformed into colloidal particles
of amorphous Al(OH)3, which crystallise to gibbsite in acid waters. Polymerisation is affected by the presence of dissolved silica; when enough silica is present,
aluminum is precipitated as poorly crystallised clay mineral species.
Hydroxyaluminum compounds are considered amphoteric (e.g., they can act as both acids and bases in solution). Because of this property, aluminum hydroxides can act
as buffers and resist pH changes within the narrow pH range of 4- 5.
Monomeric aluminum compounds, typified by aluminum fluoride, chloride, and sulfate, are considered reactive or labile compounds, whereas polymeric aluminum species
react much more slowly in the environment. Aluminum has a stronger attraction for fluoride in an acidic environment compared to other inorganic ligand.
The adsorption of aluminum onto clay surfaces can be a significant factor in controlling aluminum mobility in the environment, and these adsorption reactions,
measured in one study at pH 3.0- 4.1, have been observed to be very rapid. However, clays may act either as a sink or a source for soluble aluminum depending on the
degree of aluminum saturation on the clay surface.
Within the pH range of 5- 6, aluminum complexes with phosphate and is removed from solution. Because phosphate is a necessary nutrient in ecological systems, this
immobilization of both aluminum and phosphate may result in depleted nutrient states in surface water.
Plant species and cultivars of the same species differ considerably in their ability to take up and translocate aluminum to above- ground parts. Tea leaves may
contain very high concentrations of aluminum, >5, 000 mg/kg in old leaves. Other plants that may contain high levels of aluminum include Lycopodium (Lycopodiaceae),
a few ferns, Symplocos (Symplocaceae), and Orites (Proteaceae). Aluminum is often taken up and concentrated in root tissue. In sub- alpine ecosystems, the large root
biomass of the Douglas fir, Abies amabilis, takes up aluminum and immobilizes it, preventing large accumulation in above- ground tissue. It is unclear to what extent
aluminum is taken up into root food crops and leafy vegetables. An uptake factor (concentration of aluminum in the plant/concentration of aluminum in soil) of 0.004
for leafy vegetables and 0.00065 for fruits and tubers has been reported, but the pH and plant species from which these uptake factors were derived are unclear.
Based upon these values, however, it is clear that aluminum is not taken up in plants from soil, but is instead biodiluted.
Aluminum concentrations in rainbow trout from an alum- treated lake, an untreated lake, and a hatchery were highest in gill tissue and lowest in muscle. Aluminum
residue analyses in brook trout have shown that whole- body aluminum content decreases as the fish advance from larvae to juveniles. These results imply that the
aging larvae begin to decrease their rate of aluminum uptake, to eliminate aluminum at a rate that exceeds uptake, or to maintain approximately the same amount of
aluminum while the body mass increases. The decline in whole- body aluminum residues in juvenile brook trout may be related to growth and dilution by edible muscle
tissue that accumulated less aluminum than did the other tissues.
The greatest fraction of the gill- associated aluminum was not sorbed to the gill tissue, but to the gill mucus. It is thought that mucus appears to retard aluminum
transport from solution to the membrane surface, thus delaying the acute biological response of the fish. It has been reported that concentrations of aluminum in
whole- body tissue of the Atlantic salmon exposed to high concentrations of aluminum ranging from 3 ug/g (for fish exposed to 33 ug/L) to 96 ug/g (for fish exposed
to 264 ug/L) at pH 5.5. After 60 days of exposure, BCFs ranged from 76 to 190 and were directly related to the aluminum exposure concentration. In acidic waters (pH
4.6- 5.3) with low concentrations of calcium (0.5- 1.5 mg Ca/L), labile aluminum between 25 and 75 ug/L is toxic. Because aluminum is toxic to many aquatic species,
it is not bioaccumulated to a significant degree (BCF <300) in most fish and shellfish; therefore, consumption of contaminated fish does not appear to be a
significant source of aluminum exposure in humans.
Bioconcentration of aluminum has also been reported for several aquatic invertebrate species. BCF values ranging from 0.13 to 0.5 in the whole- body were reported
for the snail. Bioconcentration of aluminum has also been reported for aquatic insects.
Ecotoxicity:
Freshwater species pH >6.5
Fish: Acute LC50 (48- 96 h) 5 spp: 0.6 (Salmo salar) - 106 mg/L; Chronic NOEC (8- 28 d): 7 spp, NOEC, 0.034- 7.1 mg/L. The lowest measured chronic figure was an 8- d
LC50 of 0.17 mg/L for Micropterus sp.
Amphibian: Acute LC50 (4 d): Bufo americanus, 0.86- 1.66 mg/L; Chronic LC50 (8- d) 2.28 mg/L
Crustaceans LC50 (48 h): 1 sp 2.3- 36 9 mg/L; Chronic NOEC (7- 28 d) 3 spp, 0.136- 1.72 mg/L
Algae EC50 (96 h): population growth, 0.46- 0.57 mg/L; 2 spp, chronic NOEC, 0.8- 2.0 mg/L
Freshwater species pH <6.5 (all between pH 4.5 and 6.0)
Fish LC50 (24- 96 h): 4 spp, 0.015 (S. trutta) - 4.2 mg/L; chronic data on Salmo trutta, LC50 (21- 42 d) 0.015- 0.105 mg/L
Amphibians LC50 (4- 5 d): 2 spp, 0.540- 2.670 m/L (absolute range 0.40- 5.2 mg/L)
Alga: 1 sp NOEC growth 2.0 mg/L
Among freshwater aquatic plants, single- celled plants are generally the most sensitive to aluminium. Fish are generally more sensitive to aluminium than aquatic
invertebrates. Aluminium is a gill toxicant to fish, causing both ionoregulatory and respiratory effects.
The bioavailability and toxicity of aluminium is generally greatest in acid solutions. Aluminium in acid habitats has been observed to be toxic to fish and
phytoplankton. Aluminium is generally more toxic over the pH range 4.4.5.4, with a maximum toxicity occurring around pH 5.0.5.2. The inorganic single unit aluminium
species (Al(OH)2 +) is thought to be the most toxic. Under very acid conditions, the toxic effects of the high H+ concentration appear to be more important than the
effects of low concentrations of aluminium; at approximately neutral pH values, the toxicity of aluminium is greatly reduced. The solubility of aluminium is also
enhanced under alkaline conditions, due to its amphoteric character, and some researchers found that the acute toxicity of aluminium increased from pH 7 to pH 9.
However, the opposite relationship was found in other studies. The uptake and toxicity of aluminium in freshwater organisms generally decreases with increasing water
hardness under acidic, neutral and alkaline conditions. Complexing agents such as fluoride, citrate and humic substances reduce the availability of aluminium to
organisms, resulting in lower toxicity. Silicon can also reduce aluminium toxicity to fish.
Drinking Water Standards:
aluminium: 200 ug/l (UK max.)
200 ug/l (WHO guideline)
chloride: 400 mg/l (UK max.)
250 mg/l (WHO guideline)
fluoride: 1.5 mg/l (UK max.)
1.5 mg/l (WHO guideline)
nitrate: 50 mg/l (UK max.)
50 mg/l (WHO guideline)
sulfate: 250 mg/l (UK max.)
Soil Guideline: none available.
Air Quality Standards: none available.
DO NOT discharge into sewer or waterways.

Ecotoxicity

Ingredient
Persistence: Water/Soil
Persistence: Air
Bioaccumulation
Mobility
ammonium tetrachloroaluminate
No Data Available
No Data Available

Section 13 - DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS

■ Legislation addressing waste disposal requirements may differ by country, state and/ or territory. Each user must refer to laws operating in their area. In some areas, certain wastes must be tracked.
A Hierarchy of Controls seems to be common - the user should investigate:
· Reduction
· Reuse
· Recycling
· Disposal (if all else fails)
This material may be recycled if unused, or if it has not been contaminated so as to make it unsuitable for its intended use. Shelf life considerations should also be applied in making decisions of this type. Note that properties of a material may change in use, and recycling or reuse may not always be appropriate.
· DO NOT allow wash water from cleaning or process equipment to enter drains.
· It may be necessary to collect all wash water for treatment before disposal.
· In all cases disposal to sewer may be subject to local laws and regulations and these should be considered first.
· Where in doubt contact the responsible authority.
· Recycle wherever possible or consult manufacturer for recycling options.
· Consult State Land Waste Management Authority for disposal.
· Bury residue in an authorised landfill.
· Recycle containers if possible, or dispose of in an authorised landfill.

Section 14 - TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

HAZCHEM:

None (ADG7)
NOT REGULATED FOR TRANSPORT OF DANGEROUS GOODS: ADG7, UN, IATA, IMDG

Section 15 - REGULATORY INFORMATION

POISONS SCHEDULE None

REGULATIONS

ammonium tetrachloroaluminate (CAS: 7784-14-7) is found on the following regulatory lists;

"Australia Exposure Standards","Australia Hazardous Substances"

Section 16 - OTHER INFORMATION

CONTACT POINT

Paul Milward-Bason
17 Grandview Parade
Moolap 3221
Victoria Australia

■ Classification of the preparation and its individual components has drawn on official and authoritative sources as well as independent review by the Chemwatch Classification committee using available literature references.
A list of reference resources used to assist the committee may be found at:
www.chemwatch.net/references.

■ The (M)SDS is a Hazard Communication tool and should be used to assist in the Risk Assessment. Many factors determine whether the reported Hazards are Risks in the workplace or other settings. Risks may be determined by reference to Exposures Scenarios. Scale of use, frequency of use and current or available engineering controls must be considered.

This document is copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purposes of private study, research, review or
criticism, as permitted under the Copyright Act, no part may be reproduced by any process without written
permission from CHEMWATCH. TEL (+61 3) 9572 4700.

Issue Date: 2-Jan-2010

Print Date: 17-Feb-2012

This is the end of the MSDS.