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

E-Mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Product Name:   Aluminum Arsenide

Formula:            AlAs

CAS Number:     22831-42-1

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazard Components:      Aluminum arsenide 

Percent (%):                   0-100

OSHA PEL:                       0.01 mg(As)/m³

ACGIH TLV:                      0.2 mg(As)/m³
                                         

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                    N/E or N/A

Melting Point:                   1740 ^oC

 Specific Gravity:              3.81 @ 20 ^oC 

Solubility in H₂O:              Insoluble            

Appearance and Odor:     Gray to brown powder, odor not determined.  

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point: N/A                 

Autoignition Temperature: N/A     

Explosive Limits: Non-flammable   Upper: N/A        Lower: N/A

Extinguishing Media: Use suitable extinguishing media for surrounding material and type of fire.

Special Fire Fighting 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: When heated to decomposition aluminum arsenide may emit toxic fumes of arsenic oxide and arsine.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:
To the best of our knowledge the chemical, physical and toxicological properties of aluminum arsenide have not been thoroughly investigated and recorded.
Aluminum may be implicated in Alzheimers disease. Inhalation of aluminum containing dusts may cause pulmonary disease.
Acute arsenic poisoning from ingestion results in marked irritation of the stomach and intestines with nausea, vomiting an diarrhea. In severe cases, the vomitus and stools are bloody and the patient goes into collapse and shock with weak, rapid pulse, cold sweats, coma and death. Chronic arsenic poisoning may cause disturbances of the digestive system such as loss of appetite, cramps, nausea, constipation or diarrhea.

Acute Effects:

Inhalation: May cause irritation to the respiratory system.

Ingestion: Poison by ingestion. May cause systemic gastrointestinal and skin effects and acute arsenic poisoning.

Skin: May cause irritation and skin abnormalities.

Eye: May cause irritation.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation: May cause chronic arsenic poisoning, ulceration of the nasal septum, liver damage and cancer/disease of the blood, kidneys and nervous system.

Ingestion: May cause chronic arsenic poisoning, gastrointestinal disturbances, liver damage, and cancer/disease of the blood, kidneys and nervous system. Aluminum may be implicated in Alzheimers.

Skin: May cause irritation, occasional ulceration, spotty pigmentation, dermatitis, skin cancer and keratoses (especially on soles and palms).

Eye: No chronic health effects recorded.

Target Organs: May effect the liver, kidneys, skin, lungs and lymphatic system.

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

Carcinogenicity:   NTP: Yes       IARC: Yes      OSHA: Yes

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

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

INGESTION: If conscious, give 1-2 glasses of milk or water and induce vomiting; seek medical attention immediately.

SKIN: Remove contaminated clothing from affected area; 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.

VI.   REACTIVITY DATA

Stability: Stable

Conditions to Avoid: None

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid): Acids, acid fumes and moisture.

Hazardous Decomposition Products: Arsine gas and arsenic oxide fumes.

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 regulations.

VII.  I SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  NIOSH approved respirator.  Refer to OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1018(h)(2)(i) Table 1 and 2 for regulations on respiratory protection required during exposure to arsenic.

Ventilation: Use local exhaust to maintain concentration at or below PEL, TLV. Handle in a controlled atmosphere. Handle in an inert gas such as argon. General exhaust is not recommended.

Protective Gloves: Butyl or PVC gloves

Eye/Face Protection: Safety goggles or face shield

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

X.   SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage: Store in a cool, dry place in tightly sealed containers. Ensure good ventilation at the workplace. Open and handle container with care. Do not store together with acids. Keep container tightly sealed.

Other Precautions: Toxic and dangerous for the environment. Toxic by inhalation and if swallowed. Very toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment. When using do not eat, drink or smoke. After contact with skin, wash immediately with plenty of water. In case of accident or if you feel unwell, seek medical advice immediately. This material and its container must be disposed of as hazardous waste. Avoid release to the environment.

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.
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.

TSCA Listed:  Yes

DOT Regulations:

   Hazard Class:                  6.1

   Identification Number:   UN1557

   Packing Group:               II

   Proper Shipping Name:  Arsenic compound, solid, n.o.s., (Aluminum Arsenide)

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 contact with the above product.

Issued by:              S. Dierks

Revised/Verified:    November 2010