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:     Gold III Nitrate

Formula:              HAu(NO₃)₄ A 3H₂O

CAS Number:        N/E

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Component:  Gold III Nitrate

Percent (%):                  0-100

OSHA/PEL:                      N/E

ACGIH/TLV:                    N/E

HMIS Ratings:

Health:                            3

Flammability:                 1

Reactivity:                      2

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                  N/A

Melting Point:                 72 ^oC (decomposes)

Specific Gravity:             2.84 g/cc

Solubility in H₂O:            Decomposes

Appearance and Odor:   Brown crystalline powder, odor of nitric acid

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flammability:  Contact with combustible material may cause fire

Flash Point:  N/A

Flammable Limits in Air:  Lower:  N/E      Upper: N/E

Autoignition Temperature:  N/E

Extinguishing Media:  Use water, carbon dioxide, dry powder extinguishing agents, dry sand, or dry ground dolomite.

Special Firefighting Procedures:  Firefighters must wear full face, self-contained breathing apparatus with full protective clothing to prevent contact with skin and eyes.

Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards:  Gold nitrate is an oxidizer and its heat of reaction with reducing agents or combustibles may cause ignition.  May emit toxic fumes on decomposition.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD DATA

Effects of Exposure:

To the best of our knowledge the chemical, physical and toxicological properties of gold III nitrate have not been thoroughly investigated and recorded.

Gold poisoning is rare.  The few recorded cases of fatalities are the result of therapeutic overdose.  Human systemic effects are similar to those of arsenic exposure and include: violent diarrhea, gastritis, colitis, dermatitis, blood disorders, leukopenia, agranulocytosis and aplastic anemia.  The therapeutic use of gold compounds has been associated with serious effects to the kidney, liver and other organs.  Generally gold compounds are poorly absorbed when ingested.  (Sax, Dangerous Materials of Industrial Materials)

Small doses of nitrates may cause weakness, general depression, headache and mental impairment.  Larger doses may cause dizziness, abdominal cramps, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, convulsions and collapse.

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause irritation to mucous membranes.

Ingestion:  May cause gastrointestinal tract irritation.  Large amounts taken by mouth may cause dizziness, abdominal cramps, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, weakness, convulsions and collapse.

Skin:  May cause irritation and allergic reaction.

Eye:  May cause irritation.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  Long exposure time may cause dyspnea, hyperventilation on exertion, cough, sputum and chronic bronchitis.  Small, repeated doses may lead to weakness, general depression, headache and mental impairment.

Ingestion:  Small, repeated doses of nitrates may lead to weakness, general depression, headache and mental impairment.  There is also some implication of increased cancer incidence among those exposed.

Skin:  May cause dermatitis.

Eye:  May cause conjunctivitis.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure:  None known

Most Likely Routes of Entry:  Skin and inhalation.

Carcinogenicity:  NTP:  No     IARC:  No      OSHA:  No     EPA:  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.

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:  Extreme heat.

Incompatibility (Materials to Avoid):  Reducing agents, easily oxidized materials, flammable materials, organic solvents, water.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  NO_x 

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 with HEPA filter or scoop the material into a container for reclamation or disposal.  Take care not to raise dust.

Waste Disposal:  Ship to precious metal refiner.  Dispose of in accordance with Local, State and Federal regulations.

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  NIOSH approved respirator.

Ventilation:  Use local exhaust to maintain concentration of exposure at low levels.  Handle in a dry, controlled atmosphere.  Handle in an inert gas such as argon.  General exhaust is not 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 Storage:  Keep container tightly closed.  Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area.  Wash thoroughly after use.

Other Precautions:  Protect from humidity and water.  Store away from flammable substances, reducing agents, and water/moisture.  Can reduce the ignition temperature of flammable substances.  Gold III Nitrate is an oxidizer and its heat of reaction with reducing agents or combustibles may cause ignition.

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.

Caution:                              Dust may be irritating to eyes and lungs

TSCA Listed:                        Yes

DOT Regulations:

Hazard Class:                      5.1

Identification Number:       UN1477

Packing Group:                   II

Proper Shipping Name:      Nitrates, Inorganic, n.o.s., (hydrogen tetranitratoaurate)

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 damages resulting from handling or from contact with the above product.

Issued by:                            S. Dierks

Revised/Verified:                  January 2009