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:     Magnesium Oxide

Formula:              MgO

CAS Number:       1309-48-4

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Component:  Magnesium Oxide

Percent (%):                   0-100

OSHA/PEL:                      15 mg/m³

ACGIH/TLV:                    10 mg/m³

HMIS Rating (Powder):

Health:                           1

Flammability:                0

Reactivity:                     0

HMIS Rating (Solid):

Health:                           0

Flammability:                0

Reactivity:                     0

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                   3600 ^oC

Melting Point:                  2852 ^oC

Specific Gravity:             3.58 g/cc

Solubility in H₂O:            Slightly soluble

Appearance and Odor:   Colorless to white solid or powder, no odor.

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/A

Autoignition Temperature:  N/A

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

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

Special Fire Fighting Procedures:  Firefighters must wear full face, self-contained breathing apparatus with full protective clothing.

Unusual Fire & Explosion Hazard:  None known

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

To the best of our knowledge the chemical, physical and toxicological properties of magnesium oxide have not been thoroughly investigated and reported.  Inhalation of magnesium oxide may cause metal fume fever.  Magnesium oxide is an experimental tumorigen.

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  Dust may cause irritation to the nasal passages and respiratory tract.  Inhalation of fumes may cause metal fume fever.  Symptoms include headache, fever, chills, muscle aches, thirst, nausea, vomiting, chest soreness, fatigue, gastrointestinal pain, weakness and tiredness.

Ingestion:  Magnesium oxide is slowly absorbed.  Ingestion of large quantities may cause diarrhea.

Skin:  May cause irritation.

Eye:  May cause irritation.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause rhinitis.

Ingestion:  No chronic effects recorded.

Skin:  May cause dry, chapped skin.

Eye:  No chronic effects recorded.

Target Organs:  Respiratory system, mucous membranes, eyes

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

Carcinogenicity:  NTP:  No     IARC:  No    OSHA:  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 to dilute, do not 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.

EYES:  Flush 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:  Air, water/moisture.

Incompatibility (Materials to Avoid):   Acids, interhalogens, phosphorus pentachloride, chlorine trifluoride

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Magnesium hydroxide

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.  Scoop up or 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:  In accordance with Local, State and Federal Waste Disposal Regulations.

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  For dusty conditions use a NIOSH-approved dust respirator or a self-contained breathing apparatus if a respirator does not provide adequate protection.

Ventilation:  Use general or local exhaust ventilation to meet TLV requirements.

Protective Gloves:  Impervious gloves

Eye Protection:  Safety goggles

Other Protective Clothing or Equipment:  Normal Lab Wear

IX.   SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage:  Store in a cool, dry place in tightly sealed containers.  Wash thoroughly after handling.  Keep container tightly closed.

Other Precautions:  Absorbs carbon dioxide and moisture from the air.  Handle and store under dry, protective gas.  Exothermic reaction when dissolved in water.  Store away from water/moisture.  Do not get in eyes, on skin or clothing.  Do not breathe dust, vapor, mist, or gas.  Do not store together with acids.

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.

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:                  April 2010