Beryllium Boride BeB6
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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:     Beryllium Boride

Formula:              BeB6

CAS Number:       12429-94-6

 

 

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Component:  Beryllium Boride

Percent (%):                   0-100

OSHA/PEL:                      0.002 mg/m3

ACGIH/ TLV:                    0.002 mg/m3 

HMIS Ratings:

Health:                            4

Flammability:                 0

Reactivity:                      0

 

 

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                   N/E or N/A

Melting Point:                  N/E or N/A

Specific Gravity:             N/E

Solubility in H2O:             N/E, may decompose to BeO and H3B

Appearance and Odor:    Brown to black powder, no odor

 

 

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA 

Flash Point:  N/A

Autoignition Temperature:  N/A

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

Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards:  Beryllium boride 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 beryllium boride have not been thoroughly investigated and recorded.

Exposure to beryllium compounds is by inhalation or locally on the skin.  Exposure may cause dermatitis, chronic skin ulcers, rhinitis, nasopharyngitis, epistaxis, bronchitis, and in severe cases the development of acute pneumonitis with cough, scanty sputum, low grade fever, rales, dyspnea, and substernal pain.  There may be radiographic changes of the lungs which typically show a diffuse haziness.  May cause pulmonary edema and fatal pneumonitis.  A delayed form of lung disease, characterized by granulomatous areas in the lung tissue, has been caused by industrial exposure.  Symptoms can appear immediately or up to five years after exposure, and include shortness of breath, loss of appetite, loss of weight, fatigue, cyanosis, and increased cardiac or respiratory failure.  Accidental subcutaneous exposure can cause granviormatous tumors.

Boron compounds are very toxic and therefore considered an industrial poison.  Boron is one of a group of elements, such as Pb, Mn, As, which effects the central nervous system.  Boron poisoning causes depression of the circulation, persistent vomiting and diarrhea, followed by profound shock and comma.  The temperature becomes subnormal and a scarlatina form rash may cover the entire body (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, eighth ed.). 

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause irritation to the upper respiratory tract, pneumonitis, nasopharyngitis, lung fibrosis, dyspnea, weight loss, inflammation and edema of the larynx and bronchi.

Ingestion:  May cause boron poisoning.

Skin:  May cause irritation, contact dermatitis and non-healing ulcerations at the site of injury.

Eye:  May cause irritation, conjunctivitis and corneal burns.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause pulmonary granulatomas and  berylliosis.

Ingestion:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Skin:  May cause dermatitis and chronic skin ulcers.

Eye:  May cause visual impairment.

Routes of Entry:  Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eyes.

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

Target Organs:  May affect the lungs, thorax, respiration, liver, mucous membranes, skin and eyes.

CarcinogenicityNTP:  Yes       IARC Monographs:  Yes    OSHA Regulated:  Yes

 

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

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

INGESTION:  If conscious, give 1-2 glasses of milk or water and induce vomiting, seek medical attention.  Never give anything by mouth or induce vomiting on an unconscious person.

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

EYES:  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 
 
Incompatibilities:  Water, strong acids and bases. 

Hazardous Decomposition or Byproducts:  Beryllium oxide and BH3.

Hazardous Polymerization:  Will not occur.

 

 

VII.   PRECAUTIONS FOR SAFE HANDLING AND USE

Steps to Be Taken in Case Material Is Released or Spilled:  Wear appropriate respiratory and protective equipment specified in Section VIII-Special Protection Information.  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:  Observe all Federal, State & Local regulations.

 


VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  Wear a NIOSH-approved dust, mist, fume cartridge respirator.

Ventilation:  Use local exhaust to maintain concentration at or below the PEL, TLV.  Handle in a controlled atmosphere.  General exhaust is not recommended.

Protective Gloves:  Rubber gloves.

Eye Protection:  Safety glasses.

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

 

 

IX.   ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage:  Store in cool, dry area.  Store in tightly sealed container.  Wash thoroughly after handling.

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.

 

Issued by:                           S. Dierks

Revised/Verified:                  August 2005