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

E-Mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Product Name:     Copper Oxide

Formula:              Cu₂O

CAS Number:       1317-39-1

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Components:  Copper Oxide

Percent (%):                     0-100 

OSHA/PEL:                        1 mg(Cu)/m³ 

ACGIH/TLV:                      1 mg(Cu)/m³

Health Rating:

Health:                              2

Flammability:                   0

Reactivity:                        0

III.   PHYSICAL DATA 

Boiling Point:                   1800 ^oC (decomposes)

Melting Point:                  1235 ^oC

Specific Gravity:             6.0 g/cc                                                 

Solubility in H₂O:             Insoluble

Appearance and Odor:    Cubic red crystals; odorless.

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 dry powder, CO₂.

Special Fire Fighting Procedures:  Wear a self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing to prevent clothing to prevent contact with skin and eyes.

Unusual Fire & Explosion Hazard:  When heated to decomposition, copper oxide may emit toxic fumes.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

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

Copper Compounds:  As the sublimed oxide, copper may be responsible for one form of metal fume fever.  Inhalation of copper dust has caused, in animals, hemolysis of the red blood cells, deposition of hemofuscin in the liver and pancreas, and injury to the lung cells; injection of the dust has caused cirrhosis in the liver & pancreas, a condition resembling hemochromatosis, or brionzed diabetes.  However, considerable trial exposure to copper compounds has not resulted in such disease.

Acute and Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause coughing, sneezing, difficulty breathing and irritation of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract.

Skin:  May cause irritation, itching, inflammation and dermitits.

Eye:  May cause burning sensation, irritation, redness and watering of the eyes if comes in contact.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure:  Respiratory disorders.

Carcinogencity:  None       NTP?  No       IARC Monographs?  No      OSHA Regulated?  No

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

INHALATION:  Remove to fresh air, give oxygen if breathing is difficult and seek medical attention.

INGESTION:  Give 1-2 cups of milk or water and induce vomiting.  Seek medical attention.

SKIN:  Brush off skin, wash area with soap and water and seek medical attention.

EYE:  Flush eyes with lukewarm water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention.

VI.   REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  Heat, flame and incompatible materials.

Incompatibility (Materials to Avoid):  Peroxyformic acid.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Cu, CuO_x fumes.

Hazardous Polymerization:  Will not occur.

VII.   SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES

Steps to Be Taken in Case Material Is Released or Spilled:  Wear a self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing.  Isolate the area where the spill occurred and insure proper ventilation is available.  Vacuum up the spill using a high efficiency unit and place in a container for proper disposal.  Take care not to raise dust.

Waste Disposal Method:  In accordance with Local, State and Federal Waste Disposal Regulations.

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  Wear NIOSH-approved respirator.

Ventilation:  Use local exhaust to maintain exposure below TLV level for Cu.  Special:  handle in dry, controlled atmosphere.

General exhaust is recommended.

Protective Gloves:  Neoprene

Eye Protection:  Safety Glasses

Other Protective Equipment:  Wear protective clothing to prevent contamination of skin and clothes.

IX.   SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage:  Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place.  Wash hands and face throughly after handling and before meals.

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:     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:                  August 1993