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:      Gold

Formula:                Au

CAS Number:         7440-57-5

II.  HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Component:      Gold 

Percent (%):                       0-100 

OSHA/PEL:                          N/E 

ACGIH/TLV:                         N/E 

III.  PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                      2800 ^oC

Melting Point:                     1064 ^oC

Specific Gravity:                19.3

Vapor Pressure:                 1mm @ 1869 ^oC

Solubility in H₂O:                Insoluble

Appearance and Odor:       Yellow, soft ductile metal, no odor

IV.  FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/A 

Autoignition Temperature:  N/A

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

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

Special Fire Fighting Procedures:  Firefighters must wear full face, self-contained breathing apparatus with full protective clothing.  Fumes from fire are hazardous.

Unusual Fire & Explosion Hazards:   Gold, even in finely divided form, does not burn easily.  However gold can form an explosive compound with ammonia, ammonium hydroxide + aqua regia, and hydrogen peroxide.

V.  HEALTH HAZARD DATA

Effects of Exposure:

Gold poisoning is rare.  The few recorded cases of fatalities are the result of therapeutic overdose.  Human systemic effects are similar to those of arsenic exposure and include: violent diarrhea, gastritis, colitis, dermatitis, blood disorders, leukopenia, agranulocytosis and aplastic anemia.  The therapeutic use of gold compounds has been associated with serious effects to the kidney, liver and other organs.  Generally gold compounds are poorly absorbed when ingested.

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause irritation to mucous membranes.

Ingestion:  May cause gastrointestinal irriation.

Skin:  May cause irritation and allergic reaction.

Eye:  May cause irritation.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  Long exposure tiime may cause dyspnea, hyperventilation on exertion, cough, sputum, and chronic bronchitis.

Ingestion:  May cause damage to the blood and bone marrow.

Skin:  May cause dermatitis.

Eye:  May cause conjunctivitis.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure:  Blood and skin disorders.

Carcinogenicity:  NTP:  No          IARC:  No             OSHA:  No

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

INHALATION:  Remove to fresh air, keep warm and quiet, give oxygen if breathing is difficult and seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

INGESTION:  Give 1-2 glasses of milk or water and induce vomiting, seek medical attention if symptoms persist.  Never give anything by mouth or induce vomiting in an unconscious person.

SKIN:  Remove contaminated clothing, brush material of skin, wash with soap and water.  If irritation persists seek medical attention.

EYES:  Flush eyes with lukewarm water, including upper and lower eyelids, for 15 minutes.  If irritation persists, call a physician.

VI.  REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  None

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid):  Chlorides, bromides or iodides, alkali cyanides, thiocyanate solutions, double cyanides, hydrogen peroxide, halogens, ammonia, oxidizing agents, nitric acid, hydrochloric acid.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Fumes of gold, nascent halogens, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide.

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 or scoop the material into a container for reclamation or disposal.

Waste Disposal Method:  In accordance with Local, State and Federal Regulations.  Has reclaim value as scrap.

VIII.  SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION 

Respiratory Protection:  A NIOSH-approved respirator as necessary.

Ventilation:  General exhaust is recommended.  Use local exhaust ventilation as necessary to control dust/fume.

Protective Gloves:  Rubber gloves

Eye Protection:  Safety glasses

Other Protective Clothing or Equipment:  Normal lab wear.

IX.  SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage:  Avoid and control operations which create dusting.  Wash thoroughly after handling.   Keep container closed.  Avoid contact of dusts or powders with eyes and skin.

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:  None

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