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:    Iron Oxide

Formula:              Fe₂O₃

CAS Number:       1309-37-1

II.  HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Component:   Iron Oxide 

Percent (%):                    0-100 

OSHA/PEL:                       5 mg(Fe)/m³ 

ACGIH/TLV:                      5 mg(Fe)/m³

HMIS Ratings:   

Health:                              1      

Flammability:                   0  

Reactivity:                        0          

III.  PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                     N/A

Melting Point:                    1565 ^oC

Specific Gravity:                5.24 g/cc

Solubility in H₂O:               Insoluble

Appearance and Odor:      Red brown powder, no odor.

IV.  FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  NA                                                                                                   

Autoignition Temperature:  N/A

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

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

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 & Explosion Hazards:  May have a violent reaction when heated with powdered aluminum, calcium disilicide, magnesium, metal acetylide, cesium acetylide rubidium and possibly have an explosive reaction when heated with guanidine perchlorate.  Iron oxide has the potential to react violently with hydrogen peroxide.  Reaction with carbon monoxide may form an explosive product.  The wet oxide may react explosively with molten aluminum-magnesium alloys.  May catalyze the potentially explosive polymerization of ethylene oxide.

V.  HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

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

Iron compounds may cause vomiting, diarrhea, pink urine, black stool, and liver damage.  May cause damage to the kidneys.  Irritating to the respiratory tract, they may cause pulmonary fibrosis if dusts are inhaled.

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause irritation of the upper respiratory tract and possibly acute iron poisoning.

Ingestion:  No acute health effects recorded.

Skin:  No acute health effects recorded.

Eye:  May cause irritation.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause chronic iron poisoning

Ingestion:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Skin:  Repeated or prolonged contact may cause irritation.

Eye:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Target Organs:  May affect the blood.

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

Carcinogenicity:  NTP:  No               IARC:  No             OSHA:  No

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

INHALATION:  Move the exposed person to fresh air.  If breathing is difficult, give oxygen, if not breathing give artificial respiration.  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 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.

EYE:  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):  Hydrogen peroxide, magnesium, metal acetylides, aluminum, calcium disilicide, carbon monoxide, ethylene oxide, guanidine perchlorate and aluminum-magnesium alloys.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Metal oxide fumes

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.  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:  Disposal must be made in accordance with Federal, State and Local environmental regulations.

VIII.  SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection (Specify type):  NIOSH/MSHA approved respirator.

Ventilation:  Use local exhaust to control any air contaminants to within their PEL or TLV during the use of this product.  Good general ventilation is recommended.

Protective Gloves:  Impervious gloves

Eye Protection:  Safety glasses with side-shields.

Other Protective Clothing or Equipment:  Normal lab wear.

IX.  SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage:  Wear appropriate NIOSH/MSHA-approved respirator, chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, other protective clothing, safety shower and eye bath.  Do not breath dust.  Do not get into eyes, on skin, or clothing.  Avoid prolonged or repeated exposure.  Wash thoroughly after handling.  Possible carcinogen, irritant.  Keep tightly closed.  Store in a cool place.

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 off clothing or skin with compress air.

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 damages resulting from handling or from contact with the above product.

Issued By:            S. Dierks

Date:                    June 2006