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 Fluoride

Formula:               BiF₃

CAS Number:        7787-61-3

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Component:  Bismuth Fluoride

Percent (%):                   0-100

OSHA/PEL:                      2.5 mg (F)/m³

ACGIH/TLV:                     2.5 mg (F)/m³

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                  No Data

Melting Point:                 727 ^oC

Specific Gravity:            5.32 g/cc

Solubility in H₂O:            Decomposes

Appearance and Odor:   Gray, crystalline powder, no odor.

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/A

Autoignition Temperature:  N/A

Flammable Limits:  Lower:  N/A      Upper:  N/A

Extinguishing Media:  Use carbon dioxide, dry powder extinguishing agents, dry sand, or dry ground dolomite.

Special Firefighting Procedures:  No special firefighting procedures needed, use normal procedures which include wearing NIOSH/MSHA approved self-contained breathing apparatus, flame and chemical resistant protective clothing; hats, boots, and gloves.  If without risk remove material from fire area.  Cool containers with water from maximum distance.

Unusual Fire & Explosion Hazard:  May emit toxic fumes of fluoride upon decomposition.  Reacts with water or moisture to form toxic fumes.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

Inhalation:  SEVERE IRRITANT CORROSIVE!  May cause asthma attacks, excessive salivation, thirst, foul breath, metallic taste,

gingivitis, sweating, vomiting, coli, diarrhea, and lung granulomas.

Ingestion:  SEVERE IRRITANT & CORROSIVE!  May cause gastrointestinal irritation, malaise, skin reactions, rheumatic pain, black lines on gums and cramp-like pains.  Chronic:  May effect function of liver and kidneys, and nervous system.

Skin:  SEVERE IRRITANT & CORROSIVE!  May cause skin rashes.

Eyes:  SEVERE IRRITANT & CORROSIVE!

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

INHALATION:  Remove victim to fresh air, give oxygen if there is breathing difficulty. Seek competent medical attention if necessary.

INGESTION:  Do not induce vomiting.  Seek immediate medical attention.

SKIN:  Remove contaminated clothing.  Flush with copious amounts of water for at least 15 minutes.  If redness or irritation persists, seek medical attention if necessary.

EYES:  Flush with copious amounts of water (lukewarm) for at least 15 minutes.  Seek  competent medical attention immediately.

VI.   REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  None 

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid):  Strong bases, water, moisture.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Fluorine fumes.

Hazardous Polymerization:  Will not occur.

VII.   SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES 

Steps to Be Taken in Case Material Is Released or Spilled:  Wearing full protective clothing and respiratory protection, eliminate all sources of ignition.  Cover spill with dry sand or dry vermiculite, mix well, and carefully transfer to a well-marked container.  Close container tightly.  Submit or retain for disposal.

Waste Disposal Method:  In accordance with Local, State and Federal Waste Disposal Regulations.

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  MSHA/NIOSH approved high efficiency particle respirator.

Ventilation:  Handle in a controlled environment.  Handle in inert gas such as argon.

Protective Gloves:  Rubber, butyl, neoprene.

Eye Protection:  ANSI approved safety goggles, full face shield.

Other Protective Clothing or Equipment:  Suitable protection to prevent contamination.

IX.   SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage:  CORROSIVE MATERIAL!  WATER AND MOISTURE REACTIVE!  Highly irritating to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes.  Handle in a controlled environment.  Handle in an inert gas such as argon.  Keep container tightly closed when not in use.

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 safety drench shower, eyewash capable of sustained flushing and facilities for washing.

TSCA Listed:                        Yes

DOT Regulations:

Hazard Class:                     8

Identification Number:      UN3260

Packing Group:                   III

Proper Shipping Name:      Corrosive solid, acidic, inorganic, n.o.s., (Bismuth 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.

Issued by:                           S. Dierks

Revised/Verified:                  January 2003