MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

I.  PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION 

ESPI Metals

1050 Benson Way, Ashland, OR 97520

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Product Name:       Antimony Telluride

Formula:                 Sb₂Te₃

CAS Number:          1327-50-0

II.  HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS 

Hazardous Components:   Antimony Telluride 

Percent (%):                     0-100

OSHA/PEL:                        0.1(Te) mg/m³

ACGIH/TLV:                      0.1(Te)mg/m³

HMIS Ratings:

Health:                              2

Flammability:                   0

Reactivity:                        1

III.  PHYSICAL DATA 

Boiling Point:                    N/E or N/A 

Melting Point:                   629 ^oC

Specific Gravity:               6.5 gm/cc @ 20

Solubility in H₂O:              Insoluble

Appearance and Odor:     Grey powder and pieces, 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:  Suitable for surrounding fire.

Special Fire Fighting Procedures:  Wear a self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing to prevent contact with skin and eyes.  Fumes from fire are hazardous.  Isolate runoff  to prevent environmental pollution.

Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards:  When heated to decomposition, antimony telluride may emit toxic metal oxide fumes.

V.  HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION 

Effects of Exposure:

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

Antimony compounds may cause metallic taste, gastrointestinal disturbances, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness and systemic poisoning.  Chronic exposure may cause liver and kidney damage.  Dermatitis and eczematous skin eruptions may result from skin contact.

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:  May cause irritation to the respiratory  system, a dry mouth, metallic taste, gingivitis, garlic odor to breath, sweat and urine.

Ingestion:  May cause a dry mouth, suppression of sweat, malaise, albuminuria, diarrhea, skin reactions, stomatitis, diarrhea, headache, fever, rheumatic pain, black line on gums,  garlic odor to breath and urine.

Skin:  May cause irritation and itching.

Eye:  May cause irritation.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause anorexia, nausea, depression, somnolence and affect the function of the liver and kidneys.

Ingestion:  May cause anorexia, anemia, black line on gums,  ulcerative stomatitis, nausea, depression and somnolence.  May affect the function of the liver and kidneys.

Skin:  May cause dermatitis.

Eye:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Target Organs:  May affect the skin, liver, kidneys and central nervous system.

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

Carcinogenicity:  NTP:  No       IARC:  No       OSHA Regulated:  No

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

INHALATION:  Remove victim 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 for 15 minutes, seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

EYES:  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:  Acids

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Toxic metal oxide fume.

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 in accordance with Local, State and Federal regulations.

VIII.  SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION 

Respiratory Protection (Specify Type):  Wear a NIOSH-approved dust, mist, vapor cartridge respirator.

Ventilation:  Use local exhaust to maintain concentration at or below PEL, TLV.

Protective Gloves:  Neoprene 

Eye Protection:  Safety Glasses

Other Protective Equipment: Wear protective clothing to prevent contamination.

IX.  SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS 

Precautions to be Taken in Handling and Storing:  Store in a cool, dry area, Wash thoroughly after handling.  Store in tightly sealed container.  Do not store together with acids.

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:  Not regulated by DOT

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:                 November 2004