Ikmanda Roswati
Ikmanda RoswatiPh.D.Indonesia
Ultrafast Laser Physics and Material Interactions
Published
Dec 24, 2025

Iron Oxide (Fe₂O₃)

Chemical Properties

Chemical Identity

CAS Number
1309-37-1
Formula
Fe₂O₃
Molecular Weight
159.69 g/mol

Exposure Limits Comparison

Health Effects

Siderosis
Yes
Respiratory Irritation
Yes
Benign Pneumoconiosis
Yes
Lung Discoloration
Yes

Iron Oxide (Fe₂O₃) safety information

Comprehensive safety and handling requirements

Detection Monitoring
Sensor Types
  • Particulate monitors (PM10/PM2.5)
  • Personal air sampling pumps
Detection Range0.1-100 mg/m³
Alarm Setpoints
Low5 mg/m³ (NIOSH REL/ACGIH TLV)
High10 mg/m³ (OSHA PEL)
Evacuate2500 mg/m³ (NIOSH IDLH)
Colorimetric TubesNot available - laboratory analysis required
Analytical Methods
MethodTechniqueDetection Limit
NIOSH 7300ICP-AES (Inductively Coupled Plasma)0.2 µg/sample
NIOSH 7380AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy)0.5 µg/sample
OSHA ID-125GAAS0.3 µg/sample
Odor ThresholdNot applicable - odorless
Environmental Impact
Aquatic ToxicityLow toxicity to aquatic life. LC50 (fish, 96h): >100 mg/L. May color water but minimal toxic effects.
BiodegradabilityNot biodegradable (inorganic). Persists indefinitely.
BioaccumulationLow bioaccumulation. Essential element. Regulated by organisms.
Soil MobilityLow mobility. Common soil constituent. No significant environmental concern.
Atmospheric FateSettles as particulate. Does not react in atmosphere. Component of natural dust.
Ozone Depletionfalse
Reportable Releases
WaterNot reportable (not CERCLA listed)
AirNot reportable
Ppe Requirements
RespiratoryNIOSH-approved air-purifying respirator with P100 particulate filters for ≤50 mg/m³. PAPR for higher concentrations.
Eye ProtectionSafety glasses with side shields. Welding goggles/helmet for welding operations.
Skin ProtectionLeather or cotton gloves adequate for dust. Welding gloves for metal work.
Reactivity
StabilityStable under normal conditions.
PolymerizationWill not polymerize
Incompatible Materials
  • Strong acids (generates hydrogen)
  • Aluminum powder (thermite)
  • Magnesium (thermite)
  • Organic peroxides
Hazardous Decomposition
  • Iron oxide fume
  • Iron vapors at very high temperatures
Conditions To Avoid
  • High heat
  • Aluminum powder mixtures
  • Strong acids
Reactivity HazardGenerally stable. Thermite reaction with aluminum powder produces extreme heat. Reacts with strong acids.
Regulatory Classification
Un NumberNone (not regulated as hazardous for transport)
Dot Hazard ClassNot classified
Dot LabelNone
Nfpa Codes
Health1
Flammability0
Reactivity0
Epa Hazard Categories
  • Nuisance dust
Sara Title Iiifalse
Storage Requirements
Temperature RangeStore at room temperature
VentilationGeneral ventilation adequate. Keep containers closed.
Incompatibilities
  • Strong acids
  • Aluminum (thermite reaction)
  • Magnesium
Container MaterialPlastic or metal containers with tight lids.
SegregationNone required. Separate from strong acids and reactive metals.
Quantity LimitsNone specified. Follow facility storage protocols.
Special RequirementsKeep containers closed when not in use. Store in dry area. Prevent dust accumulation.

Produced From Contaminants

Z-Beam Logo
Z-Beam Logo
Z-Beam Logo
Z-Beam Logo
Z-Beam Logo
Z-Beam Logo
Z-Beam Logo
Z-Beam Logo

Exposure Limits

Regulatory exposure thresholds and safe concentration levels

Osha Pel Mg M3
10
Niosh Rel Mg M3
5
Acgih Tlv Mg M3
5
Workplace Exposure
Osha Pel
twa_8hr: 10 mg/m³ (fume as Fe)
stel_15min: null
ceiling: null
Niosh Rel
twa_8hr: 5 mg/m³ (fume)
stel_15min: null
ceiling: null
idlh: 2500 mg/m³ (fume)
Acgih Tlv
twa_8hr: 5 mg/m³ (respirable fraction)
stel_15min: null
ceiling: null
Biological Exposure Indices

Physical Properties

Physical characteristics and state information

Boiling Point
3414°C (6177°F) - decomposes
Melting Point
1538-1565°C (2800-2849°F)
Vapor Pressure
Negligible at room temperature
Vapor Density
Not applicable (solid)
Specific Gravity
5.24
Flash Point
Not applicable
Autoignition Temp
Not applicable
Explosive Limits
Not applicable
Appearance
Reddish-brown to black powder
Odor
Odorless

Reactivity

Chemical reactivity and compatibility with other substances

Stability
Stable under normal conditions.
Polymerization
Will not polymerize
Incompatible Materials
  • Strong acids (generates hydrogen)
  • Aluminum powder (thermite)
  • Magnesium (thermite)
  • Organic peroxides
Hazardous Decomposition
  • Iron oxide fume
  • Iron vapors at very high temperatures
Conditions To Avoid
  • High heat
  • Aluminum powder mixtures
  • Strong acids
Reactivity Hazard
Generally stable. Thermite reaction with aluminum powder produces extreme heat. Reacts with strong acids.

Synonyms & Identifiers

Alternative names and chemical identifiers (CAS numbers)

Synonyms
  • Ferric oxide
  • Hematite
  • Iron(III) oxide
  • Red iron oxide
  • Rust
Common Trade Names
  • Rouge
  • Iron oxide fume
Other Identifiers
Rtecs Number
NO7400000
Ec Number
215-168-2
Pubchem Cid
518696