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:     Nickel Sulfide

Formula:              NiS

CAS Number:       11113-75-0

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Components:  Nickel Sulfide

Percent (%):                    0-100

OSHA/PEL:                       1 mg/m³

ACGIH/TLV:                      1 mg/m³

HMIS Ratings:

Health:                             3 (chronic health hazard)

Flammability:                  0

Reactivity:                       0

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                   N/E or N/A

Melting Point:                  797.0 ^oC

Specific Gravity:             5.3 - 5.65

Solubility in H₂O:            Insoluble

Appearance and Odor:   Black powder, no odor.

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD DATA

Flash Point:  N/E or N/A

Method Used:  Non-flammable

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

Autoignition Temperature:  N/E or N/A

Extinguishing Media:  Use suitable extinguishing media for surrounding materials or 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.  Fumes from fire are hazardous.  Isolate runoff to prevent environmental pollution.

Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards:  When heated to decomposition, nickel sulfide may emit toxic fumes of oxides of sulfur.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

Nickel is a confirmed carcinogen with experimental carcinogenic, neoplastigenic, tumorigenic and teratogenic data.  Poison by ingestion, intratracheal, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous and intravenous routes.  An experimental teratogen.  Hypersensitivity to nickel is common and can cause allergic contact dermatitis, pulmonary asthma, conjunctivitis and inflammatory reactions around nickel containing medical implants and prosthesis.

Sulfides have variable toxicity.  Sulfides of the heavy metals are generally insoluble and hence have little toxic action except through the liberation of hydrogen sulfide.

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause mild poisoning, shortness of breath, congestion of the lungs, irritation to the upper respiratory tract, mucous membranes and nasal cavities.  May cause pulmonary asthma attacks.

Ingestion:  Large doses may cause intestinal disorders, convulsions and asphyxia.

Skin:  May cause irritation.

Eye:  May cause irritation.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  Prolonged or repeated inhalation may cause pneomitis.

Ingestion:  May cause nickel toxicity.

Skin:  May sensitize the skin (nickel itch).  May cause allergic dermatitis, eczematous dermatitis and may be accompanied a week later with superficial skin ulcers, which may discharge and become crusted.

Eye:  May cause conjunctivitis.

Target Organs:  May affect the nasal cavities, respiratory system, lungs, blood and skin.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure:  Pre-existing respiratory disorders, pulmonary functions, asthma and skin disorders.

Carcinogenicity:  NTP:  Yes  IARC:  Yes        OSHA:  Yes

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 any contaminated clothing, brush material off skin, wash affected area with mild soap and water.  Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

EYE:  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 (Materials to Avoid):  Oxidizing agents, strong acids and bases.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Oxides of sulfur.

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 Federal, State and Local regulations.

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  NIOSH approved dust-mist-vapor respirator.

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

Protective Gloves:  Rubber gloves

Eye Protection:  Safety glasses

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 tightly sealed container in a cool, dry area.  Wash thoroughly after handling

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.

Some of the chemicals listed herein are research or experimental substances which may be toxic, as defined by various governmental regulations.  In accordance with Environmental Protection Agency regulations and the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA), these materials should only be handled by, or under the direct supervision of, a “technically qualified individual”, as defined in 40 CFR 710.2(aa).

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

Date:                    November 2002