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:     Thallium Bromide

Formula:              TlBr

CAS Number:       7789-40-4

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Component:  Thallium Bromide

Percent (%):                   0-100

OSHA/PEL:                      0.1 mg(Tl)/m³

ACGIH/TLV:                    0.1 mg(Tl)/m³

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                    815 ^oC

Melting Point:                   460 ^oC

Specific Gravity:              7.5 g/cc

Solubility in H₂O:             Very slightly

Appearance and Odor:    Yellow white crystalline solid, odor not determined

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 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:  May emit toxic metal oxide and hydrogen bromide fumes.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

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

The main symptoms of thallium poisoning are peripheral neuropathy and loss of hair.  Acute poisoning causes paresthesia, ataxia, alopecia, fever, coryza, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.  Symptoms may progress to lethargy, speech disorders, tremors, convulsions, cyanosis, pulmonary edema, bronchopneumonia and death.  Kidney, liver and brain damage can occur.  Thallium poisoning during the first trimester of pregnancy can cause skeletal deformities, alopecia, low birth weight and premature birth.  Chronic thallium poisoning may produce alopecia, salivation and a blue line on the gums.  Damage to the gastrointestinal, endocrine system and kidneys may also occur.

Inorganic bromides may  produce depression, emaciation and in severe cases, psychosis and mental deterioration.  Bromoderma, a bromide rash, often occurs when bromide inhalation or administration is prolonged.  This rash is usually found on the face and resembles acne and furunculosis.

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  Inhalation of thallium compounds can cause respiratory tract irritation, metallic taste and pulmonary edema.  No other available on respiratory effects.  Thallium is readily absorbed into the blood from inhalation.

Ingestion:  Ingestion of thallium compounds can cause fatigue, limb and joint pain, discoloration of and loss of hair, peripheral neuritis, diarrhea, vomiting, severe pain in the calves of legs, albuminuria, eosinophilia, lymphocytosis and optic neuritis followed by atrophy.

Skin:  A severe skin irritant.  Skin sensitization may occur. 

Eye:  A severe eye irritant.

Chronic Effects:  Thallium is extremely toxic and a cumulative poison.  It can be absorbed through the skin.  Acute and chronic effects include fatigue, limb pain, peripheral neuritis, joint pain, loss of hair, CNS effects, diarrhea, vomiting, liver and kidney damage.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure:  No data.

Carcinogenicity:  NTP:  No    IARC:  No    OSHA:  No

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

INHALATION:  Remove victim to fresh air, keep warm and quiet, administer oxygen if required, get immediate medical attention.

INGESTION:  Do not induce vomiting.  Seek immediate, competent medical attention.

SKIN:  Brush off material, wash affected area thoroughly with soap and water, and wash contaminated clothing before reuse.

EYES:  Flush with copious amounts of water, including under eyelids, for at least 15 minutes.  Seek medical attention.

VI.   REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  None

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid):  Strong acids.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Tl 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.  Vacuum using vacuum cleaner equipped with HEPA filter.  Do not raise dust.

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

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection (Specify Type):  Use only NIOSH approved equipment.  Air purifying respirator approved for dusts, mists, fume, and acid gases.

Ventilation:  Use local exhaust to maintain exposure below TLV.  Mechanical exhaust is not recommended

Eye Protection:  Goggles.

Protective Gloves:  Neoprene

Other Protective Equipment:  Prevent skin contact and clothing contamination.

IX.   SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage:  Wash thoroughly after handling, keep container closed, thallium compounds are extremely poisonous, avoid all contact.

Other Precautions:  Very toxic by inhalation and if swallowed.  Danger of cumulative effects.

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.

This product contains thallium and is subject to the reporting requirements of section 313 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act of 1986 and 40CFR372.

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:                  June 2004