Name: Urea, medium-sized granules
Chemical Formula: CO(NH2)2
Appearance: White or slightly off-white granules
Odor: Faint ammonia scent noticeable at higher temperatures or in damp air
Typical Manufacturing Purity: Over 99 percent urea by weight
Common Industrial Use: Nitrogen fertilizer for agricultural soil amendments
Main Health Risks: Dust exposure can irritate the respiratory tract, eyes, or skin upon contact
Physical Hazards: Non-flammable under normal handling, but decomposition releases hazardous ammonia and oxides of nitrogen
Warning Signs: Dust clouds in poorly ventilated areas, eye redness or coughing during bulk storage handling
Chronic Exposure: No known long-term health effects when used properly, though repeated skin contact can dry or crack skin
Environmental Risks: Leaching of dissolved urea into waterways can contribute to eutrophication
Main Component: Urea, CAS number 57-13-6
Typical Concentration: Above 99 percent
Possible Impurities: Biuret (up to 1 percent), moisture, trace formaldehyde from some finishing processes
Hazardous Decomposition: Ammonia and nitrogen oxides released at temperatures above 133°C
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes continuously with clean water for several minutes
Skin Contact: Wash affected area with soap and water, apply skin cream if dryness develops
Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air, seek medical attention if irritation persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink small amounts of water if conscious, consult a doctor for symptoms beyond mild stomach upset
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, carbon dioxide, dry chemical
Unusual Fire Risks: Urea is not flammable, but high heat from fire decomposes the granules and releases toxic gases
Advice for Firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus to avoid ammonia inhalation
Combustion Products: Ammonia, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides
Personal Protection: Dust mask, protective goggles, gloves for cleanup
Containment: Stop urea from spreading by diking or using spill barriers
Cleanup: Sweep or vacuum spilled material carefully to minimize dust, store recovered product in sealed containers
Environmental Precautions: Avoid washing granules into storm drains, minimize runoff to protect surface water and soil nutrients
Handling: Keep dust levels low by using local exhaust or water spray, avoid handling on windy days outdoors
Storage: Store in dry, well-ventilated areas away from strong acids, ammonium nitrate, or oxidizing agents
Packaging: Bags and bulk containers must stay sealed, stack carefully to prevent rupture
Moisture Sensitivity: Urea absorbs water vapor easily, use pallets to keep bags off concrete floors and prioritize older stock to minimize caking
Engineering Controls: Dust extraction near conveyors and bagging equipment, regular cleaning of storage areas
Personal Protective Equipment: Dust mask or respirator, safety glasses or face shield, gloves, long sleeves
Hygiene Measures: Avoid eating or drinking in handling areas, wash hands before breaks or after shifts
Occupational Limits: No established workplace exposure limits for urea dust in many jurisdictions, but monitor to keep below 10 mg/m³ as total inhalable dust
Form: Granular, free-flowing
Color: White to pale cream
Solubility in Water: 1080 grams per liter at 20°C
Melting Point: 133°C (decomposes as it melts)
Decomposition Temperature: Above 133°C, forms ammonia and carbon dioxide
Odor Threshold: Ammonia odor detected only at very high concentrations
Chemical Stability: Stable in solid form at ambient temperatures
Reactivity: Reacts strongly with hypochlorites, strong acids, and oxidizers
Hazardous Reactions: Contact with nitrites or hypochlorites forms potentially toxic gases
Conditions to Avoid: Extreme heat, open flames, strong acids
Acute Toxicity: Low toxicity if swallowed, but large amounts may cause nausea and stomach cramps
Eye and Skin Irritation: Can cause mild irritation or dryness
Inhalation Effects: Dust can irritate respiratory tract or worsen asthma
Chronic Toxicity: No evidence of carcinogenicity or systemic organ effects from repeated industrial use
Environmental Mobility: Dissolves rapidly in water, migrates through soil easily
Water Impact: High solubility and runoff can elevate nitrogen levels, encourage algal growth in lakes and rivers
Aquatic Toxicity: Not classified as fish-toxic, but indirect oxygen depletion affects aquatic life
Persistence and Degradability: Microorganisms quickly degrade urea in soil to ammonia and carbon dioxide
Recommended Disposal: Recycle spilled or unused material in fertilizer applications if uncontaminated
Waste Treatment: Small quantities can be dissolved and used on fields, large volumes require licensed disposal facilities
Container Management: Rinse empty bags or containers before disposal, prevent leakage into stormwater systems
UN Number: Not classified as hazardous for road, rail, sea, or air transport
Packing Instructions: Use well-sealed bags or bulk tankers, prevent contact with strong oxidizers or moisture
Hazard Label Requirement: Not required for shipping in most regulatory jurisdictions, check local requirements for specific restrictions
Major Regulations: Listed on most chemical inventories as a fertilizer, not classified as hazardous under global GHS guidelines
Workplace Controls: Dust management and exposure monitoring fall under occupational safety regulations
Water and Air: Permits or best practices may apply to storage near water bodies to prevent nutrient loading
Community Reporting: Large facilities subject to reporting thresholds for ammonia release under environmental protection laws
