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:     Iron Boride

Formula:              FeB

CAS Number:       12006-84-7

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Components:   Iron Boride

Percent (%):                      0-100

OSHA PEL:                          NE

ACGIH TLV:                         NE

Other Limits:                      NE

HMIS Ratings:

Health:                               2

Flammability:                    0

Reactivity:                         1

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                  NE or NA

Melting Point:                 1300-1500 ^oC

Specific Gravity:            7.15gm/cc at 18 ^oC

Solubility in H₂O:            Insoluble

Physical State:               Solid

Appearance and Odor:   Gray powder, no odor.

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  NE or NA

Method Used:  Non-Flammable

Explosive limits:   Lower:  NA      Upper:  NA

Extinguishing Media:  USE:  Not applicable.  Use suitable extinguishing agent 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 and Explosion Hazards:  May slowly react with water to evolve hydrogen gas.  May be a mild explosion hazard.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Health Hazards:

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

Iron compounds have varying toxicity.  Some iron compounds are suspected carcinogens.  In general, ferrous compounds are more toxic than ferric compounds.  Acute exposure to excessive levels of ferrous compounds can cause liver and kidney damage, altered respiratory rates and convulsions (Sax, dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, eighth edition).

Boron compounds are very toxic and therefore considered and industrial poison.  Boron is one of a group of elements, such as Pb, Mn, As, which affects the central nervous system.  Boron poisoning causes depression of the circulation, persistent vomiting and diarrhea, followed by profound shock and coma.  The temperature becomes subnormal and a scarlatina form rash may cover the entire body (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, eighth edition).

Acute Effects:

Inhalation: Inhalation of dust or powder may cause irritation to the respiratory system, boron and possibly acute iron poisoning.  Large amounts or iron may cause iron pneumoconiosis.

Ingestion:  May cause gastrointestinal irritation and boron poisoning.

Skin:  May cause irritation.

Eye:  May cause irritation.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation: Inhalation of finely divided powder may cause pulmonary fibrosis.  May cause chronic iron poisoning and pathological deposition of iron in the body tissue.

Ingestion:  May affect the central nervous system and cause damage to the liver.

Skin:  May cause dermatitis.

Eye:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Routes of Entry:  Inhalation, skin, eyes and ingestion.

Target Organs:  May affect liver and kidney.

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

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.

INGESTION:  Give 1-2 glasses of milk or water and induce vomiting; seek medical attention.  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-Instability:  None

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid):  Water, moisture, strong acids and bases.

Hazardous Decomposition or Byproducts:  Hydrogen gas.

Hazardous Polymerization:  Will not occur.

Conditions to Avoid Hazardous Polymerization:  None

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-control measures.  Isolate spill area, provide ventilation and extinguish sources of ignition.  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.  Use non-sparking tools.

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

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

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storing:  Iron boride may react with water and moisture to for hydrogen gas.  Handle and store in a controlled environment and inert gas such as argon.

Other precautions:  None

VIII.   CONTROL MEASURES

Respiratory Protection (Specify Type):  NIOSH-approves dust-mist-vapor cartridge respirator.

Ventilation:  Local Exhaust:  To maintain concentration at or below the PEL, TLV.

Mechanical (General):  Not recommended.

Special:  Handle in a controlled, enclosed environment.

Other:  None

Protective Gloves:  Rubber gloves

Eye Protection:  Safety glasses

Other Protective Clothing or Equipment:  Protective gear suitable to prevent contamination.

Work/Hygienic/Maintenance Practices:  Implement engineering and work practice controls to reduce and maintain concentration of exposure at low levels.  Use good housekeeping and sanitation practices.  So 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.

IX.   ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Some of the chemicals listed herein are research or experimental substances which may be toxic, as defined by various governmental regulations.  In accordance with Environmental Agency regulations and Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA), these materials should only be handled by, or under the direct supervision of, a "technically qualified individual":, as defined in 40 CFR 710.2(aa).

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

Date:                    March 1990