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:     Molybdenum Carbide

Formula:              MoC

CAS Number:       12011-97-1

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Components:  Molybdenum Carbide

Percent (%):                    0-100

OSHA/PEL:                        5 mg(Mo)/m³

ACGIH/TLV:                      5 mg(Mo)/m³

HMIS Ratings:

Health:                             1

Flammability:                  1

Reactivity:                       0

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                   N/E

Melting Point:                  2692 ^oC

Specific Gravity:             8.2 g/cc

Solubility in H₂O:            Insoluble

Appearance and Odor:   Black powder, no odor.

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/A

Autoignition Temperature:  N/E

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

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 and full protective clothing to prevent contact with skin and eyes.

Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards: May emit toxic metal oxide fumes under fire conditions.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

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

Molybdenum compounds are poison by subcutaneous and intraperitoneal routes.  Molybdenum and its compounds are highly toxic based upon animal experiments.  Symptoms of acute poisoning include severe gastrointestinal irritation with diarrhea, coma and deaths from heart failure.  Experimental animals exposed to high levels accumulated Mo in the lungs, spleen and heart, and showed a decrease of DNA and RNA in the liver, kidneys and spleen.  (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, eighth edition.)

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause irritation to the upper respiratory system.

Ingestion:  May cause acute molybdenum poisoning.

Skin:  May cause irritation.

Eye:  May cause irritation.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause pneumoconiosis and hard metal lung disease.

Ingestion:  May cause chronic molybdenum poisoning.

Skin:  No chronic effects recorded.

Eye:  No chronic effects recorded.

Target Organs:  May affect the lungs, heart, spleen and bones. 

Medical Conditions Possibly Aggravated by Exposure: Pre-existing lung disease.

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 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.

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

V.   REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  None

Incompatibility Materials: Acids

Hazardous Decomposition Products: Metal oxide fume

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:  Dispose of in accordance with Federal, State and Local regulations.

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection: NIOSH approved dust respirator.

Ventilation:  Use local exhaust to maintain concentration at or below the PEL, TLV.  General exhaust is recommended.

Eye Protection: Safety glasses.

Protective Gloves:  Rubber gloves.

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

IX.   SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage:  Store in a cool, dry place in tightly sealed containers.  Ensure good ventilation at the workplace.  Open and handle container with care.  Do not store together with acids.  Keep container tightly sealed.

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:                  June 2010