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 Selenide

Formula:               CrSe

CAS Number:        12053-13-3

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Component:   Chromium Selenide

Percent (%):                    0-100

OSHA/PEL:                       0.5 mg(Cr)/m³

ACGIH/TLV:                      0.5 mg(Cr)/m³

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                   N/E or N/A

Melting Point:                  N/E or N/A

Specific Gravity:             6.74 g/cc

Solubility in H₂O:             Insoluble

Appearance and Odor:    Black metallic powder and pieces, no odor.

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/A

Autoignition Temperature:  N/A

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

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

Special Fire Fighting 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 and Explosion Hazards:  When heated to decomposition, chromium selenide may emit toxic fumes of selenium.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

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

Chromium is a confirmed human carcinogen with experimental tumorigenic data.  Human poison by ingestion with gastrointestinal effects.  (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, eighth edition).

Selenium compounds are poison by inhalation and intravenous routes.  Some selenium compounds are experimental carcinogens.  Long-term exposure may be a cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in humans, just as it may cause "blind staggers" in cattle.  Elemental selenium has low acute systemic toxicity, but dust or fumes can cause serious irritation of the respiratory tract.  Inorganic selenium compounds can cause dermatitis.  Garlic odor of breath is a common symptom.  Pallor, nervousness, depression, digestive disturbances and death have been reported in cases if chronic exposure (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, eighth edition).

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  DANGER-POISON.  May cause a red, dry throat and garlic odor of breath.

Ingestion:  May cause gastrointestinal disorders.

Skin:  May cause irritation.

Eye:  May cause irritation.

Chronic Effects:

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

Ingestion:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Skin:  May cause dermatitis.

Eye:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Target Organs:  May affect the respiratory system.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated By Exposure:  Pre-existing respiratory and skin 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.  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 persists.

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

VI.   REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  None

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid):  None recorded.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Fumes of selenium

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.  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 local, state and federal regulations.

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  NIOSH - approved dust, mist, vapor cartridge respirator

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

Protective Gloves:  Rubber Gloves

Eye Protection:  Safety Glasses

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

IX.   SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storing: 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 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:                     6.1

Identification Number:       UN3283

Packing Group:                   II

Proper Shipping Name:      Selenium compound, solid, n.o.s., (Chromium Selenide)

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:                  December 2002