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:     Hafnium Oxychloride

Formula:              HfOCl₂*8H₂O

CAS Number:       13759-17-6  

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Components:  Hafnium Oxychloride

Percent (%):                    100         

OSHA/PEL:                        0.5mg (Hf) /m³

ACGIH/TLV:                      0.5mg (Hf) /m³

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                    N/E or N/A                                           

Melting Point:                   N/E or N/A

Specific Gravity:               2.2 gm/cc

Solubility in H₂O:              Soluble

Appearance and Odor:     White powder and pieces, slight hydrochloric acid odor

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/E or N/A (Non-flammable)

Explosive Limits:   Lower:  N/A        Upper:  N/A

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

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 Hazard:  When heated to decomposition, it may emit toxic fumes of Cl-.  At or below 200 ^oC, hafnium oxychloride decomposes to HfO₂ .  Hafnium oxychloride will first lose water upon heating.  Further heating will result in evolution of hydrogen chloride fumes.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Routes of Entry:

Inhalation:  Yes

Ingestion:  Yes  

Skin absorption:  Yes

Skin/Eye Contact:  Yes

Health Hazards (Acute and Chronic):

Hafnium is a poison by unspecified route.  It is poorly soluble in water and thus is not absorbed efficiently by ingestion.  Many hafnium compounds are poisons.

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  Severe Irritant and Corrosive.  Large amounts are corrosive and may cause respiratory failure, pulmonary edema and possible death.

Ingestion: Severe Irritant and Corrosive.  May cause chemical burns to the mouth, gastric irritation, abdominal pain and diarrhea.  Moderately toxic by ingestion.

Skin:  Severe Irritant and Corrosive to moist or wet skin.

Eye:  Severe Irritant and Corrosive.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation: May cause lung edema and laryngeal spasm.

Ingestion: No chronic health effects recorded.

Skin:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Eye:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Target Organs:  May affect the respiratory system, skin and eyes.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure:  Pre-existing respiratory and skin disorders.

Carcinogenicity:   NTP?  No        IARC Monographs?  No       OSHA Regulated?  No

Signs and Symptoms of Exposure:

Inhalation:  May cause coughing, choking, respiratory discomfort, headaches and nausea.

Ingestion:  No signs and symptoms of exposure recorded.

Skin:  May cause redness, itching and chemical burns.

Eye:  May cause redness, itching, watering and chemical burns.

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

EYES:  Flush eyes with lukewarm water, lifting upper and lower eyelids, for at least 15 minutes.  Seek medical attention immediately.

SKIN:  Remove contaminated clothing, brush material off skin, wash affected area with mild soap and water.  Seek medical attention immediately.

INHALATION:  Remove victim to fresh air; keep warm and quiet; give oxygen if breathing is difficult and seek medical attention immediately.

INGESTION:  Do not induce vomiting.  Seek medical attention immediately.

VI.   REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  None 

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid):  None recorded.

Hazardous Decomposition or Byproducts:  Fumes of chlorine, hydrogen chloride, water and hafnium oxide.

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.  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.

Hazard Label Information:  Store in a cool, dry area.  Store in tightly sealed container.  Wash thoroughly after handling.

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  Wear appropriate NIOSH/MSHA approved dust-mist-vapor cartridge respirator.

Protective Clothing:  Protective gear suitable to prevent contamination.  Rubber, neoprene or nitrile gloves.

Eye Protection:  Safety goggles.

Ventilation:  Local exhaust to maintain concentration at or below the PEL, TLV.  Mechanical or general exhaust not recommended.

Additional Protective Measures:   Handle in an enclosed, controlled environment.

IX.   SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to be Taken During Handling and Storage:  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.

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.

Prepared by:          S. Dierks

Dated:                  January 1998