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 Sulfide

Formula:              MoS₂

CAS Number:       1317-33-5

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Components:  Molybdenum Sulfide

Percent (%):                    0-100

OSHA/PEL:                        5 mg/m³ (as Mo)  

ACGIH/TLV:                      5 mg/m³ (as Mo)

HMIS Rating:

Health:                              3

Flammability:                   1

Reactivity:                        2

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                   Decomposes in air (sublimes at 450 ^oC)

Melting Point:                  1185 ^oC

Specific Gravity:              4.80 g/cc at 14 ^oC

Solubility in H₂O:             Insoluble

Reaction with Water:       May form H₂S

Appearance and Odor:    Black lustrous powder, rotten-egg-like odor.

Other Comments:            Soluble in hot water, aqua regia, HNO₃; Insoluble in dilute acid, concentrated H₂SO₄.

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point (Method Used):  N/A

Autoignition Temperature:  N/A

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

Extinguishing Media:  DO NOT USE WATER!!  Use dry powder, CO₂.

Special Firefighting Procedures:  Wear a self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing to prevent contact with skin and eyes.

Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards:  Material may emit toxic fumes of SO_x & H₂S if involved in a fire or on contact with acids or acidic fumes.  Sulfides are moderate fire hazards when exposed to flame or by spontaneous chemical reaction.  Many sulfides ignite easily in air and at room temperature.  Others require a higher temperature or the presence of an oxidizer.  Upon contact with moisture or acids, H₂S is evolved.  Many powerful oxidizers on contact with sulfides ignite vigorously.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

Molybdenum and its compounds are highly toxic based upon chemical experimentations.  But in spite of their considerable use in the industry, human industrial poisoning by molybdenum inhalation has yet to be reported.  Some studies have been made of its effects, and it is suggested that suitable precautions should be taken against human inhalation of significant amounts of the more soluble molybdenum compounds.  Molybdenum is not stored in the body to any extent because it is rapidly excreted..  All molybdenum compounds can be referred to molybdenum or to more toxic anions if present.  Molybdenum is a common air contaminant.

The sulfides have variable toxicity.  They cause softening and irritation of the skin.  If taken by mouth they are corrosive and irritating through the liberation of H₂S and free alkali.  H₂S is especially toxic.  Sulfides of the heavy metals are generally insoluble and hence have little toxicity action except through the liberation of H₂S.

Acute and Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  A respiratory irritant.  Coughing, sneezing, difficulty breathing and pulmonary edema possible.  May cause irritation of the mucous membranes of the nose and throat.

Skin:  Inhalation, inflamation and redness possible.  May cause dermatitis.

Eye:  Irritation, inflammation, watering and redness possible.  Risk of serious injury.

Routes of Entry:  Inhalation, skin, ingestion

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure:  Respiratory disorders.

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

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

INHALATION:  Remove to fresh air; give oxygen if breathing is difficult and seek medical attention.

INGESTION:  Give 1-2 glasses of milk or water.  Seek medical attention immediately.

SKIN:  Brush off skin, wash area with soap and water and seek medical attention.

EYES:  Flush eyes with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes.  Seek medical attention.

VI.   REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  Heat, excessive moisture/water, incompatible materials.

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid):  Potassium nitrate, violent reaction with H₂O₂.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Mo, MoO_x, SO_x, S, H₂S

Hazardous Polymerization:  Will not occur

VII.   SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES

Steps to Be Taken in Case Material Is Released or Spilled:  Wear a self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing.  Isolate the area where the spill occurred, insure proper ventilation is available and that water/moisture are kept out of the area.  Vacuum up the spill using a high efficiency particulate absolute (HEPA) unit and place in a container for proper disposal.

Waste Disposal Method:  Dispose of in accordance with all Local, State, and Federal regulations.

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection (Specify Type):  Wear NIOSH-approved dust-mist-fume cartridge respirator.

Ventilation:  Handle in dry, controlled atmosphere.  Use local exhaust to maintain exposure below TLV.  Mechanical (general) exhaust is recommended.

Protective Gloves:  Neoprene

Eye Protection:  Safety Glasses

Other Protective Equipment:  Wear protective clothing to prevent contamination of skin and clothes.

IX.   SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Other Handling and Storage Conditions:  Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place.  Wash hands and face thoroughly after handling and before meals.

Precautionary Labeling:  Wash thoroughly after handling.  Do not get in eyes, on skin or clothing.  Do not breath dust, vapor, mist, or gas.  Keep container closed.  Store in tightly closed containers.  Empty container may contain hazardous waste residues.  Poison.

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

Dated:                  February 2003