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 Nitrate

Formula:             CsNO₃

CAS Number:       7789-18-6

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Component:   Cesium Nitrate

Percent (%):                    0-100

OSHA/PEL:                        N/E

ACGIH/TLV:                      N/E

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                    Decomposes

Melting Point:                   414 ^oC

Specific Gravity:              3.685

Solubility in H₂O:              Soluble

Appearance and Odor:     White crystalline powder, no odor.

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/A

Autoignition Temp:  N/A

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

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

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

Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards:  Inorganic nitrates act as oxygen carriers which may cause a fire or explosion if in contact with reducing agents or inorganic matter.  May emit toxic fumes when heated to decomposition.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

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

Cesium compounds may cause hyper-irritability, including spasms, dizziness, abdominal cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions and collapse.  Chronic ingestion of cesium has been fatal to laboratory animals, possibly due to the replacement of potassium.  Chronic exposure also can have blood and neuromuscular effects

Large amounts of nitrates taken by mouth may have serious or even fatal effects.  The symptoms are dizziness, abdominal cramps, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, weakness, convulsions, and collapse.  Small, repeated doses may lead to weakness, general depression, headache and mental impairment.  Also there is some implication of increased cancer incidence among those exposed.

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause irritation to the upper respiratory system and mucous membrane.

Ingestion:  Moderately toxic by ingestion.

Skin:  May cause irritation.

Eye:  May cause irritation.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Ingestion:  May cause cesium poisoning.

Skin:  May cause dermatitis.

Eye:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Target Organs:  May affect the respiratory system and skin.

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

Carcinogenicity:  NTP:  No IARC:  No             OSHA:  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.

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:  Remove contaminated clothing, brush material off skin, wash affected area with mild soap and water.  Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

EYES:  Flush with lukewarm water, lifting upper and lower eyelids, for at least 15 minutes.  Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

VI.   REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Incompatibility Conditions or Materials to Avoid:  Reducing agents, flammable substances.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  NOx, metal oxide fume.

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

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

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection: NIOSH approved respirator.

Ventilation:  Use local exhaust to maintain concentration at or below the PEL, TLV.  General exhaust is recommended.

Eye Protection:  Safety glasses.

Protective Gloves:  Rubber gloves.

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 a cool, dry, well-ventilated area.  Wash thoroughly after use.

Other Precautions:  This substance is an oxidizer and its heat of reaction with reducing agents or combustibles may cause ignition.

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.

TSCA Listed:  Yes

DOT Regulations:

Hazard Class:                     5.1

Identification Number:      UN1451

Packing Group:                  III

Proper Shipping Name:     Cesium Nitrate

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 2008