Material Safety Data Sheet: Urea

Identification

Product Name: Urea
SYNONYMS: Carbamide, Carbonyl diamide
CAS Number: 57-13-6
Recommended uses: Fertilizer, animal feed additive, chemical manufacturing
Supplier: Contact local distributor or manufacturer
Emergency Contact: Refer to emergency number provided by supplier

Hazard Identification

Classification: Not classified as a hazardous substance under GHS; dust may cause minor irritation
Label Elements: No pictogram required; precautionary statements relate to physical exposure
Health Hazards: Inhalation may lead to mild respiratory irritation; eye contact causes slight, temporary discomfort; not considered carcinogenic
Environmental Hazards: Not listed as a marine pollutant; large spills may increase nutrient loads in waterways
Physical Hazards: No significant fire or explosion risk under normal conditions

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Urea
Formula: CH4N2O
PURITY: Typically ≥ 99%
Impurities: Biuret, moisture (minimal, regulated in commercial production)

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air; seek medical attention for persistent symptoms such as coughing or difficulty breathing
Skin Contact: Wash with plenty of soap and water; remove contaminated clothing
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes cautiously under running water for several minutes; remove contact lenses if present and easy to do
Ingestion: Rinse mouth; do not induce vomiting; seek medical advice if feeling unwell

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or foam
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Not determined, but water is generally acceptable
Hazardous Combustion Products: Ammonia, carbon oxides, and nitrogen oxides released at high temperatures
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should use self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing
Special Procedures: Cool tanks with water spray; prevent runoff from entering water bodies

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing; use personal protective equipment appropriate for exposure level
Methods for Cleaning Up: Sweep or shovel material into containers for reuse or disposal; avoid generating dust
Environmental Precautions: Prevent material from entering waterways or drains to minimize eutrophication
Reference to Other Sections: See exposure controls for personal protection

Handling and Storage

Precautions for Safe Handling: Use in well-ventilated areas; avoid breathing in dust; keep bags/seals closed
Conditions for Safe Storage: Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated location; protect from moisture and direct sunlight to prevent caking
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, nitrates, chlorites, and strong acids

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No established OSHA, ACGIH, or NIOSH exposure limits for urea dust
Engineering Controls: Adequate local exhaust ventilation where dust is generated; process enclosures and mechanical handling minimize exposure
Personal Protective Equipment: Dust mask or respirator for airborne concentrations; safety goggles for eye protection; chemical-resistant gloves for skin contact; long-sleeve clothing
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after handling; do not eat or drink near material; remove contaminated clothing immediately

Physical and Chemical Properties

Form: Solid; granules, prills, or crystals
Color: White
Odor: Odorless or faint ammonia-like odor
Molecular Weight: 60.06 g/mol
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Melting Point: 132–135°C
Solubility in Water: Highly soluble (approx 545 g/L at 25°C)
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
pH (10% solution): 7.2–7.5
Density: ~1.32 g/cm³ (solid)
Flash Point: Not applicable
Flammability: Not classified as flammable

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal handling and storage conditions
Conditions to Avoid: High humidity, heat, and exposure to acids or oxidizing agents
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong oxidizers (including nitrates and chlorites)
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Ammonia, nitrogen oxides, carbon oxides produced during thermal decomposition above 134°C
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Does not polymerize

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): 14,300 mg/kg; low toxicity to humans
Irritation: Possible mild eye and respiratory tract irritation; not a primary skin irritant
Sensitization: No evidence of skin sensitization
Chronic Exposure: No evidence of chronic toxicity or carcinogenicity
Mutagenicity: Not mutagenic based on available data

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Urea runoff may contribute to algal blooms and eutrophication in waterways; not considered acutely toxic to aquatic organisms
Persistence and Degradability: Readily hydrolyzed to ammonia in soil and water
Bioaccumulation Potential: Does not significantly bioaccumulate
Mobility in Soil: Highly mobile; can leach rapidly through soil in the presence of water

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Return uncontaminated product to use where practical; dispose of waste in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations
Precautions: Prevent release to uncontrolled environments; avoid dumping into sewers or surface water
Container Disposal: Rinse containers thoroughly before recycling or disposal

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated as a dangerous good
UN Proper Shipping Name: Not classified as dangerous
Transport Hazard Class: Not assigned
Packaging Requirements: Use standard non-hazardous product packaging
Environmental Hazards: Not designated as a marine pollutant

Regulatory Information

TSCA: Listed on United States TSCA Inventory
DSL/NDSL (Canada): Listed
OSHA: Not considered hazardous
WHMIS (Canada): No classification required
REACH (EU): Exempt as fertilizer; registered under REACH
SARA Title III: Not a reportable substance