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:    Aluminum Fluoride

Formula:             AlF₃

CAS Number:      7784-18-1

II.  HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Component:   Aluminum Fluoride 

Percent (%):                    0-100 

OSHA/PEL:                       2.5 mg(F)/m³ 

ACGIH/TLV:                      2.5 mg(F)/m³

HMIS Ratings:  

Health:                              3  

Flammability:                   0    

Reactivity:                        1

III.  PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                  1537 ^oC

Melting Point:                 1291 ^oC (sublimes)

Specific Gravity:             2.88 g/cc

Solubility in H₂O:            Soluble

Appearance and Odor:   White powder or pieces, no odor.

IV.  FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/A

Autoignition Temperature:  N/E

Explosive Limits:   Lower:  N/E       Upper:  N/E

Extinguishing Media:  Use suitable extinguishing media for surrounding material 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 and Explosion Hazards:  When heated to decomposition, aluminum fluoride may emit toxic fumes of hydrogen fluoride and aluminum oxide.

V.  HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

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

Aluminum may be implicated in Alzheimers disease. Inhalation of aluminum containing dusts may cause pulmonary disease

Fluorides may cause salivation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain, followed by weakness, tremors, shallow respiration, convulsions and coma. May cause brain and kidney damage. Chronic fluoride poisoning can cause severe bone changes, loss of weight, anorexia, anemia and dental defects

Acute and Effects:

Inhalation:  Severe irritant and corrosive to the respiratory tract and mucous membranes.  May cause asthma attacks, excessive salivation, thirst, sweating, vomiting, colic, diarrhea and lung granulomas.

Ingestion:  Severe irritant and corrosive.  May cause gastrointestinal irritation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and cramp-like pains.

Skin:  Corrosive.  May cause skin burns or irritation depending on the severity of the exposure.

Eye:  Corrosive.  Eye contact may result in permanent damage and complete vision loss.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause fluorosis, pulmonary fibrosis, severe bone changes, liver enlargement and inflammation.  Non-reversible hyper-activity with nocturnal asthma.

Ingestion:  May affect the liver, circulatory, enzyme and nervous system.

Skin:  Severe irritant and corrosive.

Eye:  Severe irritant and corrosive.

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

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

Carcinogenicity:    NTP:  No        IARC:  No         OSHA:  No

EMERGENCY FIRST AID:

INHALATION:  Remove victim to fresh air; keep warm and quiet; give oxygen if breathing is difficult and seek medical attention immediately.

INGESTION:  Do not induce vomiting; seek medical attention immediately.

SKIN:  Remove contaminated clothing; brush material off skin; wash affected area with mild soap and water; seek medical attention immediately.

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

VI.  REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  None recorded

Incompatibility (Materials to Avoid):  Acids, reducing agents, sodium, potassium.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Fumes of fluorine, hydrofluoric acid and aluminum

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.  Use neutralizing agent.  Scoop or 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 should be in accordance with all Local, State and Federal regulations.

VIII.  SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  NIOSH approved respirator when high concentrations are present

Ventilation:  Use local exhaust to maintain concentrations at low levels.  General exhaust is not recommended.

Protective Gloves:  Impervious gloves

Eye Protection:  Safety goggles

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

IX.  SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage:  Store in cool, dry area in tightly sealed containers.  Wash thoroughly after handling.  Do not get in eyes, on skin or clothing.  Do not breathe dust, vapor, mist, or gas.  Contact with acid may release toxic vapors (HF) which cause burns.

Other Precautions:  Do not store in ceramic or glass containers.  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.

DOT Regulations:

Hazard Class:                     8

Identification Number:      UN2923

Packing Group:                   II

Proper Shipping Name:      Corrosive solid, toxic, n.o.s., (aluminum fluoride)

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:                   May 2006