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:    Chromium Boride

Formula:             CrB₂

CAS Number:       12007-16-8

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Component:   Chromium Boride

Percent (%):                    0-100

OSHA/PEL:                       0.5 mg(Cr)/m³

ACGIH/TLV:                      0.5 mg(Cr)/m³

HMIS Rating:

Health:                             1

Flammability:                  0

Reactivity:                       0

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                    No data

Melting Point:                   1850 ^oC

Specific Gravity:              5.15

Solubility:                         Insoluble

Appearance and Odor:     Dark grey powder, pieces; no odor.

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS

Flash Point:  N/A

Autoignition Temperature:  No data

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

Extinguishing Media:  Agents for metal fires such as dry graphite, MET-L-X, TEC.

Special Firefighting 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 Hazard:  May emit toxic fumes if involved in a fire.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

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

Chromium is a confirmed human carcinogen with experimental tumorigenic data.  Also a human poison by ingestion with gastrointestinal effects.  Insoluble chromium compounds exhibit very low oral toxicity.  No specific signs of chromium toxicity have been reported.

Boron affects the central nervous system.  Boron poisoning causes depression of the circulation, persistent vomiting and diarrhea, followed by profound shock and coma.  The temperature may become subnormal and a scarlatina rash may form over the entire body.

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause a irritation to the mucous membrane and boron poisoning.

Ingestion:  May cause irritation to the gastrointestinal tract and boron poisoning.

Skin:  May cause mild irritation.

Eye:  May cause mild irritation.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause histologic fibrosis of lungs, nasal and/or lung cancer.

Ingestion:  May affect the central nervous system.

Skin:  May cause dermatitis.

Eye:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure: Pre-existing lung disorders.

Carcinogenicity:  NTP:  Yes              IARC:  Yes            OSHA:  Yes

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 immediately.  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.

EYE:  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

Conditions to Avoid:  None

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid):  None recorded.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  No data

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 for dusts and mists.

Ventilation:  Use local exhaust to maintain concentration at or below PEL, TLV levels.

Protective Gloves:  Rubber gloves

Eye Protection:  Safety glasses

Other Protective Equipment:  Protective gear suitable to prevent contamination.

IX.  SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage:  Store in cool, dry area.  Store in tightly sealed container.  Wash thoroughly after handling.

Work Practices:  Implement engineering and work practice controls to reduce and maintain concentration of exposure.  Use good housekeeping and sanitation practices.  Do not use tobacco or food in work area.  Wash thoroughly before eating or 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:      None

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 1994