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:   Tellurium

Formula:            Te

CAS Number:     13494-80-9

II.  HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Component:    Tellurium 

Percent (%):                     0-100 

OSHA/PEL:                        0.1 mg/m³ 

ACGIH/TLV:                       0.1 mg/m³

HMIS Ratings (Powder):

Health:                              3

Flammability:                    1

Reactivity:                         1

HMIS Ratings (Solid):

Health:                              1

Flammability:                    0

Reactivity:                         0

III.  PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                   1390 ^oC

Melting Point:                   452 ^oC

Specific Gravity:              6.25 g/cc

Solubility in H₂O:              Insoluble

Appearance and Odor:     Silver-gray solid or dark gray to black powder, no odor.

IV.  FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/A 

Autoignition Temperature:  N/E

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

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 & Explosion Hazard:  When heated to decomposition, tellurium may emit toxic fumes of tellurium.  Burns in air with a greenish-blue flame, forming tellurium dioxide.  May have a hazardous reaction with halogens, interhalogens, metals, hexalithium disilicide, silver bromate and silver iodate.

V.  HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure: To the best of our knowledge the chemical, physical and toxicological properties of tellurium have not been thoroughly investigated and recorded.

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.  (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials)

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  Toxic by inhalation.  Dust may cause irritation to the respiratory system, dry mouth, garlic odor to breath, sweat and urine, nausea and vomiting.

Ingestion:  Poison by ingestion.  May cause dry mouth, suppression of sweat, garlic odor to breath and urine.

Skin:  May cause irritation and itching.

Eye:  May cause irritation.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause anorexia, nausea, depression to the central nervous system and somnolence.

Ingestion:  May cause anorexia, nausea, depression to the central nervous system and somnolence.

Skin:  May cause dermatitis.

Eye:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Target Organs:  No target organs recorded.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure:  None recorded.

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 1-2 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.

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):  Halogens, interhalogens, oxidizing agents, metals, hexalithium disilicide, silver bromate, silver iodate.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Oxides of tellurium and hydrogen telluride.

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 Local, State and Federal waste disposal regulations.

VIII.  SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  NIOSH-approved respirator.

Ventilation:  Local exhaust ventilation may be necessary to control any air contaminants to within their PELs or TLVs during the use of this product.  Good general exhaust is recommended.

Protective Gloves:  Rubber 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 tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place.  Wash hands and face thoroughly after handling and before eating.  Do not get in eyes, on skin or clothing.  Do not breathe dust, vapor, mist, or gas.  Keep container closed.

Other Precautions:  Store away from oxidizing agents, halogens, interhalogens.  May react with certain other metals.  Protect from sources of ignition.

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:

Solid Forms:

          Hazard Class:                  None

Powder:

          Hazard Class:                  6.1

          Identification Number:    UN3288

          Packing Group:                III

          Proper Shipping Name:   Toxic solid, inorganic, n.o.s. (tellurium)

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:     December 2011