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

E-Mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Product Name:     Mercury Telluride

Formula:              HgTe

CAS Number:       12068-90-5

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Components:   Mercury Telluride

Percent (%):                     0-100

OSHA/PEL:                         0.1 mg(Te)/m³

ACGIH/TLV:                       0.1 mg(Te)/m³

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                   N/E

Melting Point:                  N/E

Specific Gravity:             8.085 g/cc

Solubility in H₂O:            Insoluble

Appearance and Odor:   Black powdered solid.  No odor.

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/A

Autoignition Temperature:  N/E

Explosion Limits:  Lower:  N/A         Upper:  N/A

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

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:  When heated to decomposition, mercury 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 mercury telluride have not been thoroughly investigated and recorded.

Elemental mercury, liquid and vapor, is toxic due to its liquid solubility, lack of charge, and membrane permeability.  Inhaled vapors (80%) diffuse rapidly through alveolar membranes into the blood and are systemically transported to body tissues, including the brain.  Exposure to high concentrations (>1.2 mg/m³) of vapors for brief periods can cause pneumonitis, chest pains, dyspnea, coughing.  Later, stomatitis, gingivitis, and salivation occur.  Mercury can be absorbed slowly through the skin.  Chronic symptoms involve the central nervous system, with tremors and various neuropsychiatric disturbances.  The TLV would be exceeded if the contents of a small mercury clinical thermometer were dispersed in a closed 100' × 100' × 15' room.  Gastrointestinal uptake of mercury is low (<5%).

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

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  Inhalation of a high concentration of mercury vapor can cause almost immediate dyspnea, cough, fever, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, stomatitis, salivation and metallic taste.  Symptoms may resolve or may progress to necrotizing bronchiolitis, pneumonitis, pulmonary edema, and pneumothorax.  Inhalation of tellurium may cause irritation to the respiratory  system, a dry mouth, metallic taste, gingivitis, garlic odor to breath, sweat and urine.

Ingestion:  When ingested, necrosis begins immediately in the mouth, throat, esophagus and stomach.  Within a few minutes, violent pain, profuse vomiting, and severe purging may occur.  Patient may die within a few minutes from fluid/electrolyte losses and peripheral vascular collapse, but death (from uremia) is usually delayed 5 to 12 days.  Ingestion of tellurium may cause a dry mouth, suppression of sweat, malaise, albuminuria, diarrhea, skin reactions, stomatitis, diarrhea, headache, fever, rheumatic pain, black line on gums,  garlic odor to breath and urine.

Skin:  May cause redness and irritation.  Substance may be absorbed through intact skin causing anuria.

Eye:  May cause irritation.  Solutions are corrosive and may cause corneal injury or burns.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  Inhalation of mercury vapor or dusts over a long period causes mercurialism.  Findings extremely variable and include tremors, salivation, stomatitis, loosening of teeth, blue lines on gums, pain and numbness in extremities, nephritis, diarrhea, anxiety, headache, weight loss, anorexia, mental depression, insomnia, irritability and instability, hallucinations and evidence of mental deterioration.  Inhalation of tellurium may cause anorexia, nausea, depression, somnolence and affect the function of the liver and kidneys.

Ingestion:  May cause anorexia, anemia, black line on gums,  ulcerative stomatitis, nausea, depression and somnolence.  May affect the function of the liver and kidneys

Skin:  May cause dermatitis.

Eye:  Mercury may be deposited in the lens of the eye, causing visual disturbances.

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

EYES:  Flush with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.

SKIN:  Flush with soap and water.

INHALATION:  Remove to fresh air.  Get medical attention.

INGESTION:  Induce vomiting. Seek medical attention.

VI.   REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  No data

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid):  No data

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Hg and Te fume upon heating to decomposition.

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 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 State, Federal and Local regulations.

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  Wear a NIOSH-approved dust, mist, vapor cartridge respirator

Ventilation:  Use local exhaust to maintain concentration at or below PEL, TLV.

Protective Gloves:  Neoprene

Eye Protection:  Safety Glasses

Other Protective Equipment:  Protective clothing to prevent skin contact or clothing contamination.

IX.   SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to be Taken in Handling and Storing:  Wash thoroughly after handling.  Do not get in eyes, on skin or clothing.  Do not breathe dust, vapor, mist, or gas.  Keep container closed.  Store in tightly closed containers.  Empty container may contain hazardous waste residues.  Poison.

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:                     All components are listed

DOT Regulations:

Hazard Class:                   6.1

Identification Number:    UN2025

Packing Group:                II

Proper Shipping Name:   Mercury compound, solid, n.o.s., (mercury telluride)

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:                  April 2008