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 Telluride                                                        

Formula:              MoTe₂

CAS Number:       12058-20-7

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Component:  Molybdenum Telluride

Percent (%):                  0-100

OSHA/PEL:                     5 mg/m³

ACGIH/TLV:                   5 mg/m³

HMIS Rating:

Health:                          3

Flammability:               0

Reactivity:                    0

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                    N/E or N/A

Melting Point:                   N/E or N/A

Specific Gravity:              N/E or N/A

Solubility in H₂O:             N/E or N/A

Appearance and Odor:    Powder and pieces, no odor

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point (Method used):  N/A

Autoignition Temperature:  N/A

Flammable Limits:  Upper:  N/A       Lower:  N/A

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

Special Fire Fighting Procedures:  Firefighters must wear full face, self-contained breathing apparatus and full-protective clothing to prevent contact with skin and eyes.  Fumes from fire are hazardous.  Isolate runoff to prevent

Unusual Fire & Explosion Hazard:  When heated to decomposition molybdenum telluride may emit toxic fumes of tellurium.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

To the best of our knowledge the chemical, physical and toxicological properties of molybdenum telluride 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 molybdenum in the lungs, spleen, and heart, and showed a decrease of DNA and RNA in the liver, kidneys and spleen.

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:  DANGER-POISON.  May cause irritation to the upper respiratory system, dry mouth, garlic odor to breath and urine.

Ingestion:  DANGER-POISON.  May cause a dry mouth, suppression of sweat, garlic odor to breath and urine and acute molybdenum poisoning.

Skin:  May cause irritation.

Eye:  May cause irritation.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause pneumoconiosis, anorexia, nausea, depression to the central nervous system and somnolence.

Ingestion:  May cause anorexia, nausea, depression to the central nervous system, somnolence and chronic molybdenum poisoning.

Skin:  May cause dermatitis.

Eye:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Routes of Entry:  Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eyes

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

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.  Seek medical attention.

INGESTION:  Give 1-2 glasses of milk or water and induce vomiting.  Seek immediate 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 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:  None

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid):  None recorded

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Fumes of tellurium.

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 the area where the spill occurred and insure that the proper ventilation is available.  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 applicable Federal, State and Local regulations.

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  Wear NIOSH-approved dust-mist-fume cartridge respirator.

Ventilation:  Use local exhaust to maintain concentration at or below the PEL, TLV.  Handle in a controlled, enclosed process.

Protective Gloves:  Rubber gloves

Eye Protection:  Safety Glasses

Other Protective Equipment:  Protective gear suitable to prevent contamination.

IX.   SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken Handling and Storage:  Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place.  Wash hands and face thoroughly after handling and before eating.

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.

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:                   March 2005