MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

I.   PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION

Manufacturer/Supplier:

ESPI Metals

1050 Benson Way, Ashland, OR 97520

Toll Free (800) 638-2581 * Fax (541) 488-8313

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Product Name:     Lead Telluride

Formula:              PbTe

CAS Number:       1314-91-6

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Component:  Lead Telluride

Percent (%):                  0-100

OSHA/PEL:                     0.05 mg (Pb)/m³

ACGIH/TLV:                   0.15 mg (Pb)/m³

HMIS Ratings:

Health:                          3

Flammability:               0

Reactivity:                    1

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                   N/E

Melting Point:                  917 ^oC

Specific Gravity:             8.164 g/cc

Solubility in H₂O:             Insoluble

Appearance and Odor:    Metallic crystalline pieces and powder, no odor.

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/A

Autoignition Temperature:  N/A

Flammable Limits in Air:  Lower:  N/A        Upper:  N/A

Flammability:  Non-flammable

Extinguishing Media:  Use suitable extinguishing media for surrounding materials and type of fire.

Special Firefighting Procedures:  Firefighters must wear full face, self-contained breathing apparatus with full protective clothing to prevent contact with skin and eyes.  Fumes from fire are hazardous.  Isolate runoff to prevent environmental pollution.

Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards:  When heated to decomposition or if lead telluride comes into contact with acid or acid fumes it may emit toxic fumes of lead.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Overexposure:

To the best of our knowledge the chemical, physical and toxicological properties of lead telluride have not been thoroughly investigated and recorded.

Some lead compounds are experimental neoplastigens and tumorigens.  Lead poisoning is one of the commonest of occupational diseases.  The lead must be in such form, and so distributed, as to gain entrance to the body or tissues of the worker in measurable quantity, otherwise no exposure can be said to exist.  Some lead compounds are carcinogens of the lungs and kidneys.  Lead is a cumulative poison.  Increasing amounts build up in the body and eventually reach a point where symptoms and disability occur.

Elemental tellurium has relatively low toxicity.  It is converted in the body to dimethyl telluride which imparts a garlic-like odor to the breath and sweat.  Heavy exposures may, in addition, result in headache, drowsiness, metallic taste, loss of appetite, nausea, tremors, convulsions and respiratory arrest.  Large doses can be fatal.  (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials)

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause irritation to the upper respiratory system, insomnia, dryness of the mouth and a metallic taste.

Ingestion:  May cause constipation and abdominal pain, colic, tremors, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, metallic taste, loss of appetite, irritability and muscle pain.  May cause acute lead and tellurium toxicity.

Skin:  May cause irritation.

Eyes:  May cause irritation.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause chronic lead toxicity.  May be toxic to the central and peripheral nervous system affecting the cerebellum, spinal cord, motor and sensory nerves.

Ingestion:  May cause anemia, gingival lead line, paralysis in the wrist and permanent neurological injury.  May cause chronic lead and tellurium toxicity.  May cause nephritis, scarring and shrinking of the kidney tissue.

Skin:  May cause dermatitis.

Eyes:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Target Organs:  May affect the gastrointestinal tract, central nervous system, kidneys, blood, skin and gingival tissue. 

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure:  Pre-existing lung disorders.

Carcinogenicity:  NTP:  No               IARC Monographs:  No      OSHA Regulated:  No

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

INHALATION:  Remove victim to fresh air; keep warm and quiet; give oxygen if breathing is difficult and seek medical attention immediately.

INGESTION:  Give 1-2 glasses of milk or water and induce vomiting; seek medical attention immediately.  Never induce vomiting or give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.

SKIN:  Remove contaminated clothing; brush material off skin; wash affected area with mild soap and water; seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

EYES:  Flush eyes with lukewarm water, lifting upper and lower eyelids, for at least 15 minutes.  Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

VI.   REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  None

Incompatibility (Materials to Avoid):  Acids, strong oxidizing agents, hydrogen peroxide, active metals, sodium and potassium.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Fumes of lead and tellurium.

Hazardous Polymerization:  Will not occur.

VII.   SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES

Steps to Be Taken in Case Material is Released or Spilled:  Wear appropriate respiratory and protective equipment specified in Section VIII.  Isolate spill area and provide ventilation.  Vacuum up spill using a high efficiency particulate absolute (HEPA) air filter and place in a closed container for proper disposal.  Take care not to raise dust.

Waste Disposal Method:  Dispose of in accordance with State, Local and Federal regulations.

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  NIOSH/MSHA approved dust mask for ordinary use, self-contained breathing apparatus for emergency use.

Ventilation:  Use local exhaust to maintain concentration at or below the TLV, PEL.  Mechanical exhaust not recommended.

Protective Gloves:  Rubber

Eye Protection:  ANSI approved safety goggles.

Other Protective Clothing or Equipment:  Normal lab wear.

IX.   SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage:  Keep container tightly closed.  Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area.  Do not store together with incompatibles.  Open and handle container with care.  Wash thoroughly after use.

Work Practices:  Implement engineering and work practice controls to reduce and maintain concentration of exposure at low levels.  Use good housekeeping and sanitation practices.  Do not use tobacco or food in work area.  Wash thoroughly before eating and smoking.  Do not blow dust off clothing or skin with compressed air.  Maintain eyewash capable of sustained flushing, safety drench shower and facilities for washing.

TSCA Listed:                     Yes

DOT Regulations:

Hazard Class:                   6.1

Identification Number:    UN3284

Packing Group:                III

Proper Shipping Name:   Tellurium compound, n.o.s., (Lead Telluride)

The above information is believed to be correct, but does not purport to be all inclusive and shall be used only as a guide.  ESPI shall not be held liable for any damage resulting from handling or from contact with the above product.

Issued by:                            S. Dierks

Revised/Verified:                  April 2009