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 Telluride

Formula:              CuTe

CAS Number:       12019-23-7

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS 

Hazardous Component:  Copper Telluride

Percent (%):                   0-100

OSHA/PEL:                      0.1 mg(Te)/m³

ACGIH/TLV:                    0.1 mg(Te)/m³

HMIS Ratings:

Health:                           3

Flammability:                0

Reactivity:                     0

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                    N/E or N/A

Melting Point:                   N/E or N/A

Specific Gravity:              N/E

Solubility in H₂O:              N/E

Appearance and Odor:     Greyish-black powder and pieces, no odor.

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  NE or NA

Flammable Limits:  LEL:  NA       UEL:  NA

Extinguishing Media:  Not applicable.  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 & Explosion Hazards:  When heated to decomposition, or on contact with acid or acid fumes, copper telluride 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 telluride have not been thoroughly investigated and recorded.

Copper compounds:  In animals, inhalation of copper dust has caused 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 of the liver and pancreas, and a condition closely resembling hemochromatosis or bronzed diabetes (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, eighth edition).

Elemental tellurium has relatively low toxicity.  It is converted in the body to dimethyl telluride which imparts a garlic- like odor to breath and sweat.  Heavy exposures may, in addition, result in headache, drowsiness, metallic taste, loss of appetite, nausea, tremors, convulsion, and respiratory arrest (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, eighth edition).

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:   DANGER-POISON.  May cause a metallic taste in the mouth, congestion of the nasal mucous membranes, dry mouth, irritation to the respiratory tract, nausea, vomiting, garlic odor to the breath, sweat and urine.

Ingestion:   DANGER-POISON.  May cause a dry mouth, suppression of sweat, garlic odor to breath and urine, and acute copper toxicity.

Skin:  May cause irritation.

Eye: May cause irritation to the conjunctiva.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause ulceration and perforation of the nasal septum, pharyngeal congestion, anorexia, nausea, depression to the central nervous system and somnolence.

Ingestion:  May cause irritation to the gastrointestinal tract, anorexia, nausea, depression to the central nervous system, somnolence 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 Monographs? No      OSHA Regulated? 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 immediately.

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 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- Materials to Avoid:  Acids and acid fumes

Hazardous Decomposition or Byproducts:  None recorded

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- Special Protection Information.  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 concentration at or below the PEL, TLV.  General exhaust is recommended.

Protective Gloves:  Rubber

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 Storage:  Store in a cool, dry place in a 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.

Food in work area.  Wash thoroughly before eating and smoking.  Do not blow dust off clothing or skin with compressed air.

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:                  June 1998