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:     Barium Carbonate

Formula:              BaCO₃

CAS Number:       513-77-9

II. HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS 

Hazardous Components:  Barium Carbonate

Percent (%):                      0-100

OSHA/PEL:                         0.5 mg(Ba)/m³

ACGIH/TLV:                        0.5 mg(Ba)/m³

HMIS Rating:

Health:                               3

Flammability:                    0

Reactivity:                         0

III. PHYSICAL DATA 

Boiling Point:                   Decomposes 

Melting Point:                   C @ 90 atm 

Specific Gravity:              4.43 g/cc

Solubility in H₂O:              Soluble

Appearance and Odor:     White heavy powder, no odor

IV. FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA 

Flash Point:  N/E or N/A 

Autoignition Temperature:  N/E 

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

Extinguishing Media:  Use suitable extinguishing agent 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 and Explosion Hazard:  Barium carbonate may emit toxic fumes if involved in a fire.

V. HEALTH HAZARD DATA

Effects of Exposure:

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

Barium compounds may cause severe gastroenteritis, including abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea, tremors, faintness, paralysis of arms and legs, and slow or irregular heartbeat.  Severe cases may produce collapse and death due to respiratory failure.  Soluble barium compounds are more likely to cause these effects than insoluble compounds.  Inhalation of fumes may cause sore throat, coughing, labored breathing, and irritation of the respiratory tract as well as the above symptoms.

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause irritation to the respiratory system, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, colic, diarrhea, rapid respiration, high blood pressure, irregular heart action, convulsions, paralysis and acute barium poisoning.

Ingestion:  Poisonous by ingestion, intravenous and intraperitoneal routes.  Human systemic effects by ingestion and acute barium poisoning.

Skin:  May cause irritation.

Eye:  May cause irritation.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause baritosis (benign pneumoconiosis) and chronic barium poisoning.

Ingestion:  May cause barium poisoning.

Skin:  May cause dermatitis.

Eye:  May cause conjunctivitis.

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

Target Organs:  May affect the respiratory system, muscular and central nervous system, heart, skin and eyes.

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.  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 and lower eyelids, for at least 15 minutes.   Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

VI. REACTIVITY DATA 

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  None Documented

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid):  Acids, fluorine, powdered metals.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Barium oxide, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide.

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, provide ventilation and extinguish sources of ignition.  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.  Use non-sparking tools.

Disposal Procedure:  Dispose in accordance with all applicable Federal, State, and Local Environmental Regulations.

VIII. SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION 

Respiratory Protection:  NIOSH approved dust-mist-vapor cartridge respirator.

Ventilation:  Use local exhaust to maintain concentration at or below the PEL, TLV.  General exhaust is recommended.

Protective Gloves:  Butyl and polycarbonate 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 tightly sealed container.  Store in a cool, dry area.  Wash thoroughly after handling.  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 or 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:

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.

Issued by:                           S. Dierks

Revised/Verified:                  August 2005