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 Arsenide

Formula:             Cd₃As₂

CAS Number:      12006-15-4

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS 

Hazardous Component:     Cadmium Arsenide

Percent (%):                      0-100

OSHA/PEL:                          0.01 mg(As)/m³

ACGIH/TLV:                        0.01 mg (As)/m³

HMIS Ratings:

Health:                                4

Flammability:                     0

Reactivity:                          1

III.   PHYSICAL DATA 

Boiling Point:                       N/E        

Melting Point:                      N/E

Specific Gravity:                 3.031 g/cc

Solubility in H₂O:                Decomposes

Appearance and Odor:       Dark gray powder or pieces, no odor.

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA 

Flash Point:  N/A

Autoignition Temperature:  N/A

Explosive Limits:  Lower:  N/A       Upper:  N/A

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

Special Firefighting Procedures:  Firefighters must wear full face, self-contained breathing apparatus with full protective clothing to prevent contact with skin and eyes.  Fumes from a fire are hazardous.  Isolate runoff to prevent environmental pollution.

Unusual Fire & Explosion Hazards:  When heated to high temperatures cadmium arsenide may emit toxic fumes of cadmium and arsenic.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION 

Effects of Exposure:

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

Cadmium compounds are confirmed carcinogens producing lung tumors.  Poison by ingestion.  Inhalation of fumes or dusts affects the respiratory tract and the kidneys.  Brief exposure to high concentrations may result in pulmonary edema and death.  Fatal concentrations may be breathed without sufficient discomfort to warn a worker to leave the exposure.  Cadmium oxide fumes can cause metal fume fever (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials).

Inorganic arsenic compounds are confirmed human carcinogens producing tumors of the mouth, esophagus, larynx, bladder, and para nasal sinus.  A recognized carcinogen of the skin, lungs, and liver.  (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials)

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  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 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 mouth and throat, increased salivation, burning sensation and cramps in stomach, nausea, headache, vomiting, weakness, dizziness, diarrhea, shock, convulsions, and acute arsenic toxicity.

Skin:  Direct contact may cause irritation.

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

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause 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.  May cause chronic arsenic poisoning.

Ingestion:  May cause irreversible renal tubular dysfunctional, functional changes in the liver, pancreas, adrenal glands and chronic arsenic poisoning.

Skin:  Repeated or prolonged exposure may result in dermatitis, change in pigmentation and cancerous changes.

Eye:  Repeated or prolonged exposure may cause conjunctivitis.

Target Organs:  May affect the respiratory system, kidneys, liver, prostate, blood and skin.

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

Carcinogenicity:  NTP:  Yes              IARC:  Yes            OSHA:  Yes

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

INHALATION:  Remove victim to fresh air; if conscious, encourage victim to blow nose, cough up, then spit out mucous and saliva, keep warm and quiet, give oxygen if breathing is difficult and seek medical attention immediately.

INGESTION:  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.

EYES:  Flush 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 and acid fumes.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Airborne cadmium and arsenic fumes, cadmium oxide and hydrogen gas.

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.  Scoop or vacuum up spill using a high efficiency particle absolute (HEPA) air filter and place in a closed container for proper disposal.  Take care not to raise dust.

Waste Disposal Method:  Disposal must be made in accordance with Federal, State and Local regulations.

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION 

Respiratory Protection:  Select according to OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1027(g)(2)(i) Table 2

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

Protective Gloves:  Rubber, butyl, PVC

Eye Protection:  Vented goggles and/or face shield

Other Protective Clothing or Equipment:  Protective gear suitable to prevent contamination by cadmium or arsenic dust.

IX.   SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS 

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage:  Store in a cool, dry area, in tightly sealed containers.  Handle in a controlled, inert atmosphere.  Store away from incompatible material.  Wash hands thoroughly after handling and before eating or smoking.

Work Practices:  Implement engineering and work practice controls to reduce and maintain concentration of exposure to cadmium at or below PEL.  Handle in a controlled, inert atmosphere.  Minimize exposure of cadmium by local exhaust and enclosing process if/when possible.  Use good housekeeping and sanitation practices.  Do not use tobacco or food in work area.  Wash throughly before eating or smoking. Shower and change clothes at the end of workshift (DO NOT wear contaminated clothing home).  Do not blow dust off clothing or skin with compressed air.

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”

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1018 (p)(3) minimum requirement for inorganic arsenic warning labels: “Danger, contains inorganic arsenic, Cancer hazard, Harmful if inhaled or swallowed, Use only with adequate ventilation or respiratory protection”

TSCA Listed:                      Yes

DOT Regulations:

Hazard Class:                    6.1

Identification Number:      UN1557

Packing Group:                  II

Proper Shipping Name:     Arsenic compound, solid, n.o.s., (Cadmium 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 handling or from contact with the above product.

Issued by:                           S. Dierks

Revised/Verified:                  April 2008