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:     Potassium Bromide

Formula:              KBr

CAS Number:       7758-02-3

II.  HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Component:     Potassium Bromide

Percent (%):                     0-100

OSHA/PEL:                         0.7 mg(Br)/m³

ACGIH/TLV:                       0.66 mg(Br)/m³

HMIS Ratings:

Health:                              4

Flammability:                   0

Reactivity:                        1

III.  PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                 1435 ^oC

Melting Point:                 734 ^oC

Specific Gravity:            2.75 g/cc @ 25

Solubility in H₂O:           Soluble

Appearance and Odor:  White powder and pieces, no odor

IV.  FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/A

Flammability:  Non-flammable                            

Autoignition Temperature:  N/A

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

Extinguishing Media:  Use extinguishing media suitable 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.

Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards:  When heated to decomposition, potassium bromide may emit toxic fumes of bromine and potassium oxide.  May have a violent reaction with BrF₃.

V.  HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

Potassium is not toxic.  Any toxicity of the salts is due to the anion.

The inorganic bromides produce depression, emaciation, and, in severe cases, psychosis and mental deterioration.  Bromide rashes (bromoderma), especially of the face and resembling acne and furunculosis (recurring boils), often occur when bromide inhalation or administration are prolonged.  (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials)

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause sneezing, coughing, difficulty breathing, irritation of the mucous membranes, depression, emaciation, altered respiratory rates, convulsions and in severe cases, psychosis and mental deterioration.

Ingestion:  May cause abdominal pain, irritability, confusion, tremors, memory loss, slurred speech, anorexia and diarrhea.

Skin:  May cause irritation, skin lesions, acne-form eruptions and measle like eruptions.

Eye:  May cause irritation.

Chronic Exposure:

Inhalation:  Chronic exposure to bromine is similar to the therapeutic ingestion of excessive bromides.  Prolonged inhalation may cause pulmonary edema, bronchitis and skin eruptions.

Ingestion:  Large doses may cause central nervous system depression.

Skin:  Prolonged contact with moist skin may produce severe irritation or chemical burns.

Eye:  May cause permanent eye injuries.

Target Organs:  May affect the central nervous system, lungs, skin and eyes.

Aggravation of Pre-existing Medical Conditions:  Pre-existing respiratory 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.

INGESTION:  Give 1 to 2 glasses of milk or water, do not induce vomiting, seek medical attention.  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.

EYE:  Flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, lifting upper and lower eyelids.  Seek medical attention.

VI.  REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  Water/moisture.

Incompatibilities:  Strong oxidizers, acids, bromine trifluoride, water, heavy metal salts.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Fumes of bromine and potassium oxide.

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 federal, state, and local requirements.

VIII.  SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Personal Respirators:  NIOSH approved dust respirator

Ventilation:  Handle in an controlled atmosphere.  Handle in an inert gas such as argon.  Use local exhaust to maintain concentration of exposure at low levels.  General exhaust is not recommended.

Protective Gloves:  Butyl or PVC gloves.

Eye Protection:  Safety glasses.

Other Protective Clothing or Equipment:  Protective gear suitable to prevent contamination.

IX.  SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage:  Store in a cool, dry area.  Store in a tightly sealed container.  Wash thoroughly after handling.

Other Precautions:  Potassium bromide is hygroscopic.  Handle and store in an inert gas such as argon.

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.

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.

Prepared by:          S. Dierks

Dated:                  January 2007