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

E-Mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Product Name:    Indium Tin Alloy

II.  HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Components:        Indium               Tin

 CAS Number:                          7440-74-6          7440-31-5

Percent (%):                          52                      48

OSHA/PEL:                             0.1 mg/m³          2 mg/m³

ACGIH/TLV:                            0.1 mg/m³          2 mg/m³

III.  PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                   >1093 ^oC

Melting Point:                  117 ^oC 

Specific Gravity:              7.3 g/cc

Vapor Density:                 <10^-5

Solubility in H₂O:              Negligible

Appearance and Odor:     Silver gray solid, no odor.

IV.  FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point (Method used):  N/A

Autoignition Temperature:  N/A

Explosive Limits:  Lower:  N/A         Upper:  N/A

Extinguishing Media:  Special powder for metal fires.  Do not use water or halogenated extinguisher.

Special Firefighting Procedures:  Firefighters must wear full face, self-contained breathing apparatus with full protective clothing to prevent contact with skin and eyes.

Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards:  Do not use water near molten metal, a danger of explosion exists.  At very high temperatures toxic metal oxide fumes may be evolved.

V.  HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

To the best of our knowledge the chemical, physical and toxicological properties of indium-tin alloy have not been thoroughly investigated and reported.

Exposure to indium compounds may cause pain in the joints and bones, tooth decay, nervous and gastrointestinal disorders, heart pain and general debility.  Experiments with animals also indicate that indium may cause reduced food and water consumption with weight loss, pulmonary edema, pneumonia, blood, liver and kidney damage, leg paralysis and damage to the brain, heart, adrenals and spleen.

Metallic tin and inorganic tin compounds may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, irritation and pneumoconiosis.

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  Indium is toxic by inhalation, may cause damage to the respiratory system.  Tin may cause irritation of the upper respiratory system, metal fume fever, thirst, metallic taste, coughing, fever, chills, muscular pain, headache, nausea, vomiting, profuse sweating, excessive urination and diarrhea.

Ingestion:  May cause irritation to the gastrointestinal tract.

Skin:  Indium is highly toxic when administered subcutaneously.  Severe irritant.

Eye:  Severe irritant.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause pneumonitis, pneumoconiosis and tin poisoning.

Ingestion:  Repeated or high levels may cause abdominal pain, nausea, constipation or diarrhea, gastric irritation and loss of weight. 

Skin:  May cause dermatitis.

Eye:  May cause conjunctivitis. 

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 immediate medical attention. 

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

SKIN:  Remove any contaminated clothing, brush material off of skin, flush with running water, wash carefully with soap and water.  Seek medical attention immediately.

EYE:  Flush with copious amounts of water for 15 minutes.  Seek immediate medical attention.

VI.  REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid: Keep water and other volatile liquids away from molten metals.

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid):  Oxidizing agents, acids, halogens.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  None known

Hazardous Polymerization:  Will not occur

VII.  SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES

Steps to Be Taken in Case Material Is Released or Spilled:  Wear appropriate respilratory and protective equipment specified in section VIII.  Isolate spill area and provide ventilation.  Scoop or vacuum up using a high efficiency particulate absolute (HEPA) air filter and place in a closed container for proper disposal.  Do not allow material to be released to the environment without proper governmental permits.

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

VIII.  SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  Use suitable respirator when high concentrations are present.

Ventilation:  Use local exhaust to maintain concentration at low levels.  General exhaust is recommended.

Protective Gloves:  Impervious gloves.

Eye Protection:  Safety goggles.

Other Protective Equipment:  Protective work clothing.

IX.  SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage:  Store in cool, dry conditions in well sealed containers.  Be sure solid alloy is dry before adding to molten alloy.  Avoid making dust.

Work Practices:  Implement engineering and work practice controls to reduce and maintain concentration of exposure.  Use good housekeeping and sanitation practices.  Do not use tobacco or food in work area.  Wash thoroughly before eating or 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.

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

Date:                    June 2006