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:        Tellurium Copper

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS   

Hazardous Components:    Copper                   Tellurium

CAS Number:                      7440-50-8              13494-80-9

Percent (%):                      0-100                     0-100

OSHA/PEL:                         1 mg/m³(dust)        0.1 mg/m³

ACGIH/TLV:                       1 mg/m³(dust)         0.1 mg/m³

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                    N/A

Melting Point:                   approx. 1080 ^oC

Specific Gravity:              approx 8.9 g/cc

Solubility in H₂O:              Insoluble

Appearance and Odor:     Rose-colored metal, no odor.

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/A

Autoignition Temperature:  N/A

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

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

Special Fire Fighting 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 & Explosion Hazards:  Moderate fire and explosion hazard when in the form of dust and exposed to heat, flames, chemical reaction, or in contact with powerful oxidizers.  Molten metal may react violently with water.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

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

Melting, grinding, cutting of copper may produce fumes or dust exposure and breathing these fumes or dust may present potentially significant health hazards.  Fumes of copper may cause metal fume fever with flu-like symptoms and skin and hair discoloration.  While industrial dermatitis has not been reported, keratinization of hands and the soles of the feet has been reported.  Systemically as well, copper dust and fume cause irritation of the upper respiratory tract, metallic taste in the mouth, and nausea.

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

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause irritation to the respiratory tract, metal fume fever, allergic reaction, high temperature, metallic taste, nausea, coughing, general weakness, muscle aches, exhaustion, skin discoloration, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, stomach and intestine ulceration, jaundice, kidney and liver damage.

Ingestion:  May cause acute copper toxicity.

Skin:  May cause irritation.

Eye:  May cause irritation to the conjunctivae.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause degeneration of mucous membrane, discoloration of the skin and hair, respiratory disease, ulceration and perforation of the nasal septum and pharyngeal congestion.

Ingestion:  May cause irritation to the gastrointestinal tract and chronic copper toxicity.  May cause damage to the nervous system, kidneys, and enlarge the liver.

Skin:  May cause dermatitis.

Eye:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Target Organs:  May affect the respiratory system, skin, liver, central nervous system, and kidneys.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure:  Pre-existing respiratory, gastric disorders, and an increased risk for individuals with Wilson's 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.

VI.   REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  Stable under normal conditions of transport and storage.  Molten metal may react violently with water.

Incompatibility (Materials to Avoid):  Acids, bases and oxidizers.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Metal fume.

Hazardous Polymerization:  Will not occur

VII.   SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES

Steps to Be Taken in Case Material Is Released or Spilled:  No special precautions are necessary for spills of bulk material.  If large quantities of dust are spilled, remove by vacuuming or wet sweeping to prevent heavy concentration of airborne dust.  If liquids (acids or bases) containing solubilized metal are spilled, evacuate unprotected personnel from area.  Absorb liquid by means of vermiculite, dry sand or similar material.

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

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection: NIOSH approved 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 material away from incompatible materials and keep dust from other sources of ignition.

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 form handling or from contact with the above product.

Issued by:                           S. Dierks

Revised/Verified:                  March 2010