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:     Cesium Iodide

Formula:              CsI

CAS Number:       7789-17-5

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Components:   Cesium Iodide

Percent (%):                     0-100

OSHA/PEL:                         N/E

ACGIH/TLV:                       N/E

HMIS Ratings:

Health:                               2

Flammability:                    0

Reactivity:                         0

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                       1280 ^oC

Melting Point:                      626 ^oC

Specific Gravity:                 4.510 at 25 ^oC

Solubility in H₂O:                Soluble 

Appearance and Odor:       White 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:  Noncombustible.  Use extinguishing media appropriate to surrounding fire conditions.

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 fire are hazardous.  Isolate runoff to prevent environmental pollution.

Unusual Fire & Explosion Hazards:  When heated to decomposition, cesium iodide may emit toxic fumes of cesium and iodine.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

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

Cesium is quite similar to potassium in its elemental state.  It has been shown, however, to have pronounced physiological action in experimentation with animals.  Hyper-irritability, including marked spasms, has been shown to follow the administration of cesium in amounts equal to the potassium content of the diet.  It has been found that replacing potassium in the diet of rats with cesium caused death after 10-17 days.

Iodides are similar in toxicity to bromides.  Prolonged absorption of iodides may produce “iodism” which is manifested by skin rash, running nose, headache and irritation of mucous membranes.  In severe cases, the skin may show pimples, boils, redness, black and blue spots, hives, and blisters.  Weakness, anemia, loss of weight and general depression may occur.  Generally very soluble in water and easily absorbed into the body.

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause irritation to the upper respiratory system and iodism.  High concentrations are extremely destructive to tissues of the mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract.

Ingestion:  Moderately toxic by ingestion.

Skin:  May cause irritation.  High concentrations are extremely destructive to eyes and skin.

Eye:  May cause irritation.  High concentrations are extremely destructive to eyes and skin.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause iodism.

Ingestion:  May cause cesium poisoning.

Skin:  May cause dermatitis.

Eye:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Target Organs:  May affect the respiratory system, thyroid and skin.

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

Carcinogenicity:  NTP:  No      IARC:  No       OSHA:  No

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

INHALATION:  Remove to fresh air.  If not breathing give artificial respiration.  If breathing is difficult, give oxygen.  Seek medical attention.

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

SKIN:  In case of contact, immediately flush skin with copious amounts of water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes.  Call a physician immediately.  Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.  Discard contaminated shoes.

EYES:  In case of contact, immediately flush eyes with copious amounts of water for at least 15 minutes.  Assure adequate flushing of the eyes by separating the eyelids with fingers.  Call a physician immediately.

VI.   REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  Protect from moisture. 

Incompatibles:  Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids and bases.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Toxic fumes of hydrogen iodide.  Cesium and iodine.

Hazardous Polymerization:  Will not occur.

VII.   SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES

Steps to Be Taken in Case Material is Released or Spilled:  Evacuate area, wear self-contained breathing apparatus, rubber boots and heavy rubber gloves.  Wear disposable coveralls and discard them after use.  Sweep up, place in a bag and hold for waste disposal.  Avoid raising dust.  Ventilate area and wash spill site after material pickup is complete.

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

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  Wear appropriate NIOSH/MSHA-approved respirator.

Ventilation:  Use only in a chemical fume hood.  General exhaust is recommended.

Protective Gloves:  Chemical-resistant gloves.

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:  Do not breathe dust, do not get into eyes, on skin, or on clothing.  Avoid prolonged or repeated exposure.  Wash thoroughly after handling.  Keep tightly closed, and store in a cool dry place.

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:                  October 1996