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:     Copper Oxide

Formula:              CuO

CAS Number:       1317-38-0

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Component:   Copper Oxide

Percent (%):                    0-100

OSHA/PEL:                       1 mg/m³

ACGIH/TLV:                      1 mg/m³

HMIS Ratings:

Health:                             2

Flammability:                  0

Reactivity:                       0

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                    1026 ^oC

Melting Point:                   1326 ^oC

Specific Gravity:               6.4 g/cc

Solubility in H₂O:              Insoluble

Appearance and Odor:     Black powder and pieces, 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:  Use suitable extinguishing media for surrounding material 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:  May ignite on contact with dichloromethylsilane, hydrogen sulfide and hydrogen trisulfide.  May react violently with hydrazine, PN₂H, titanium, zirconium.  May have a violent exothermic reaction with boron when heated.  May explode when heated with powdered aluminum, anilinium perchlorate, hydrogen and phthalic anhydride.  May explode at 350 ^oC with cesium acetylene carbide.

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 reported.

In animals, inhalation of copper dust has caused hemolysis of the red blood cells, deposition of hemofuscin in the liver and pancreas, and a condition closely resembling hemochromatosis bronzed diabetes.  (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, eighth edition)

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  Metallic taste, irritation of upper respiratory tract, congestion of the nasal mucous membranes.

Ingestion:  Moderately toxic by ingestion.  May cause acute copper toxicity.

Skin:  May cause irritation.

Eye:  May cause irritation to the conjunctivea.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation: May cause ulceration and perforation of the nasal septum and pharyngeal congestion.

Ingestion:  May cause irritation to the gastrointestinal tract and chronic copper toxicity.  May cause damage to the nervous system, kidneys and enlarge the liver.

Skin:  May cause dermatitis.

Eye:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Target Organs:  May affect the respiratory system, skin, liver, central nervous system, and kidneys.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure:  Pre-existing respiratory, gastric disorders and an increased risk for individuals with Wilson’s disease.

Carcinogenicity:  NTP:  No      IARC:  No      OSHA:  No

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

INHALATION:  Remove to fresh air, keep warm and quiet, give oxygen if breathing is difficult and seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

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

SKIN:  Remove any contaminated clothing, brush material off skin, flush with running water, wash carefully with soap and water.  Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

EYES:  Flush eyes 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):  Cesium acetylene carbide, hydrazine, PN₂H, titanium, zirconium, chloromethylsilane, hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen trisulfide, powdered aluminum, aniline perchlorate, hydrogen magnesium, phthalic anhydride and boron.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  None

Hazardous Polymerization:  Will not occur

VII.   SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES

Steps to Be Taken If Spilled or Released:  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 State, Local, and Federal waste disposal regulations.

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  NIOSH-approved respirator

Ventilation:  Local exhaust ventilation may be necessary to control any air contaminants to within their PEL’s or TLV’s during the use of this product.  Good general ventilation is recommended.

Protective Gloves:  Rubber gloves

Eye Protection:  Safety glasses.

Other Protective Equipment:  Protective gear suitable to prevent contamination.

IX.   SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Other Handling and Storage Conditions:  Store in cool, dry well-ventilated area.  Keep tightly sealed when not in use, read MSDS before using.  Wash thoroughly after use.

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 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:                  October 2003