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:     Cadmium Chloride

Formula:               CdCl₂ ⋅ 2.5H₂O    

CAS Number:        7790-78-5

II.   HAZARDOUS COMPONENTS

Hazardous Component:  Cadmium Chloride

Percent (%):                   0-100

OSHA PEL:                       0.005 mg(Cd)/m³

ACGIH/TLV:                     0.01 mg(Cd)/m³

HMIS Ratings:

Health:                            3

Flammability:                 0

Reactivity:                      1

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                  N/E or N/A

Melting Point:                 Transition point 34 ^oC

Specific Gravity:            3.327 g/cc

Solubility in H₂O:            Soluble

Appearance and Odor:   Colorless or white granules, no odor.

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/A                                

Autoignition Temperature:  N/A

Flammable Limits:  Lower:  N/E       Upper:  N/E

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

Special Firefighting Procedures:  Firefighters should wear proper protective equipment and self-contained breathing apparatus with full facepiece operated in positive pressure mode.  Move containers form fire area if it can be done without risk.  Use water to keep fire-exposed containers cool.

Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards:  Closed containers exposed to heat may explode.  May emit toxic fumes of cadmium, cadmium oxide and hydrogen chloride when heated to decomposition.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD DATA

Effects of Exposure:

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

Cadmium and cadmium compounds are highly toxic and experimental carcinogens.  Exposure affects the respiratory tract, kidneys and liver.  Ingestion may cause nausea, salivation, vomiting and diarrhea.  Ingestion or inhalation of cadmium/cadmium compounds may be fatal.

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  Highly toxic (symptoms may be delayed for several hours).  May cause irritation of the upper respiratory system, vertigo, constriction of the throat, metallic taste in the mouth and cough, dyspnea, cyanosis, chest pain, flu-like symptoms (weakness, nausea, vomiting, headache, fever, chills, shivering, profuse sweating, muscular pain in the back and limbs) and pulmonary edema.  More severe exposure may cause pulmonary fibrosis/hypertrophy of bronchial vessels and renal necrosis and/or liver damage.

Ingestion:  May cause irritation of the mouth and throat, increased salivation, burning sensation and cramps in the stomach, nausea, headache and vomiting, weakness, dizziness, diarrhea, shock, convulsions, coma and death.

Skin:  Direct contact may result in irritation.

Eye:  Direct contact may cause irritation, redness, pain and smarting.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  May case irreversible lung injury, pulmonary fibrosis, damage to the olfactory nerve.  All routes of entry may cause kidney damage, osteomalacia, osteoporosis, and spontaneous fractures, hemolytic and iron-deficiency anemia, weight loss, and irritability, renal tubular necrosis, cardiovascular effects, liver damage and prostatic and respiratory cancers.  It is determined to be mutagenic, and an experimental teratogen, neoplastic, tumorigen and carcinogen.

Ingestion:  May cause irreversible renal tubular dysfunction, functional changes in the liver, pancreas and adrenal glands.

Skin:  Repeated or prolonged exposure may result in dermatitis.

Eye:  Repeated or prolonged exposure may cause conjunctivitis. 

Target Organs:  Respiratory system, lungs, kidneys, prostrate, blood

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure:  Kidney or respiratory dysfunction, blood or bone disorders.

Carcinogenicity:  NTP:  Yes              IARC:  Yes            Z List:  No             OSHA Reg:  No

This substance is listed as a NTP anticipated human carcinogen and an IARC probable human carcinogen (Groups 2A and 2B).

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

INHALATION:  If inhaled, remove to fresh air.  If not breathing, give artificial respiration.  If breathing is difficult, give oxygen.  Prompt actions essential.

INGESTION:  CALL A PHYSICIAN.  Do not induce vomiting.  Seek immediate medical attention.

SKIN CONTACT:  In case of contact, immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes.  Wash clothing before re-use.

EYE CONTACT:  In case of eye contact, immediately flush with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.

VI.   REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  Heat, water/moisture

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid):  Oxidizing agents, interhalogens, alkali metals, water/moisture.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Cadmium fumes, hydrogen chloride

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.  With clean shovel, carefully place material into clean, dry container and cover; remove from area.  Flush spill area with water.

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

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  Respiratory protection required if airborne concentration exceeds TLV.  At concentrations up to 1 ppm, a high-efficiency particulate respirator is recommended.  Above this level, a self-contained breathing apparatus is advised.

Ventilation:  Use local exhaust ventilation to meet TLV requirements.  Handle in an enclosed process under dry protective gas.

Protective Gloves:  Rubber gloves are recommended.

Eye Protection:  Safety goggles 

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

IX.   SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage:  Keep container tightly closed.  Store in secure poison area.  Handle and store under dry protective gas.

Other Precautions:  This product is hygroscopic.  Store under dry, inert gas.  Protect from humidity and water.  Store away from oxidizing agents.  Store away from water/moisture.  Store under lock and key with access restricted to technical experts or their assistants only.

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.

Labeling Requirements:

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1027 (m)(3)(ii) minimum requirement for cadmium warning labels: “Danger, contains cadmium, Cancer hazard, Avoid creating dust, Can cause lung and kidney disease”

TSCA Listed:  Yes

DOT Regulations:

Hazard Class:                    6.1

Identification Number:     UN2570

Packing Group:                  II

Proper Shipping Name:     Cadmium compound (Cadmium Chloride)

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 2005