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:      Bismuth Bromide

Formula:               BiBr₃

CAS Number:        7787-58-8

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS 

Hazardous Components:   Bismuth Bromide

Percent (%):                     0-100

OSHA/PEL:                         N/E

ACGIH/TLV:                       N/E

HMIS Ratings:

Health:                              4

Flammability:                   0

Reactivity:                        2

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                    453 ^oC

Melting Point:                   218 ^oC

Specific Gravity:              5.72 gm/cc

Solubility in H₂O:             Decomposes

Appearance and Odor:    Yellow, crystalline, deliquescent powder with a hydrogen bromide odor.

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point: N/E or N/A

Method Used:  Non-flammable

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

Special Fire Fighting Procedures:  Wear a self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing to prevent contact with skin and eyes.

Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards:  When strongly heated, bismuth bromide may emit highly toxic fumes of bromine.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

To the best of our knowledge, the chemical, physical and toxicological properties of bismuth bromide have not been thoroughly investigated and reported.

Bismuth and its salts can cause kidney damage, although the degree of such damage is usually mild.  Large doses can be fatal.  Industrially it is considered one of the less toxic heavy metals.  Serious and sometimes fatal poisoning may occur from the injection of large doses into closed cavities and from extensive application to burns.  It is stated that the administration of bismuth should be stopped when gingivitis appears, for otherwise serious ulceration stomatitis is likely to result.  Other toxic results may develop, such as a vague feeling of bodily discomfort, presence of albumin or other protein substance in the urine, diarrhea, skin reactions and sometimes serious exodermatitis (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, eighth edition).

The inorganic bromides produce depression, emaciation, and, in severe cases, psychosis and mental deterioration.  Bromide rashes (bromoderma), especially of the face and resembling acne and furunculosis, often occur when bromide inhalation or administration is prolonged (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, eighth edition).

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  SEVERE IRRITANT AND CORROSIVE.  May cause sneezing, coughing, difficulty breathing, irritation of the mucous membranes, depression, emaciation, altered respiratory rates, convulsions and in severe cases, psychosis and mental deterioration.

Ingestion:  SEVERE IRRITANT AND CORROSIVE.  May cause abdominal pain, irritability, confusion, tremors, memory loss, slurred speech, anorexia, malaise, albuminuria, diarrhea, skin reactions, stomatitis, headache, fever, rheumatic pain, a black line on the gums in the mouth.

Skin:  SEVERE IRRITANT AND CORROSIVE.  May cause irritation, skin lesions, acne-form eruptions and measle-like eruptions.

Eye:  SEVERE IRRITANT AND CORROSIVE.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  Chronic exposure to bromine is similar to the therapeutic ingestion of excessive bromides.  Prolonged inhalation may cause pulmonary edema, bronchitis and skin eruptions.

Ingestion:  Large doses may cause central nervous system depression, anemia, a black line on gums, ulcerative stomatitis and may affect the function of the liver and kidneys.

Skin:  Prolonged contact with moist skin may produce severe irritation or chemical burns.

Eye:  May cause permanent eye injuries.

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

Carcinogenicity:  NTP?:  No     IARC Monographs?:  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 immediately.

INGESTION:  Give 1-2 glasses of milk or water, 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.

V.   REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  None 

Incompatibility- Material to Avoid:  Water, acids, oxidizing agents, sodium and potassium.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Fumes of bromine

Hazardous Polymerization:  Will not occur

VII.   SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES

Steps to Be Taken in Case Material Is Released or Spilled:  Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing.  Isolate the area where the spill occurred and insure proper ventilation is available.  Vacuum up spill using a high efficiency unit (HEPA) and place in a container for proper disposal.  Take care not to raise dust.

Waste Disposal Method:  Dispose of in accordance with applicable Federal, State and Local regulations.

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

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

Ventilation:  Handle in a controlled atmosphere.  Handle in an inert gas such as argon.  Use local exhaust to maintain adequate ventilation.  General exhaust is not recommended.

Protective Gloves:  Neoprene

Eye Protection:  Safety Glasses

Other Protective Clothing or Equipment:  Wear protective clothing to prevent contamination of skin and clothes.

IX.   SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage:  Bismuth bromide decomposes in water and moisture.  Handle and store in a controlled environment and inert gas such as argon.

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:                  September 2002