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:     Tungsten Sulfide

Formula:              WS₂

CAS Number:       12138-09-9

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Components:  Tungsten Sulfide

Percent (%):                    0-100

OSHA/PEL:                        N/E

ACGIH/TLV:                      5 mg(W)/m³

HMIS Ratings:

Health:                             3

Flammability:                  0

Reactivity:                       3

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                  N/E or N/A

Melting Point:                 1250 ^oC

Specific Gravity:            7.5 gm/cc at 20 ^oC

Solubility in H₂O:            Insoluble

Appearance and Odor:   Black powder, rotten egg odor.

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/E or N/A

Method Used:  Non-flammable

Autoignition Temperature:  N/A

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

Extinguishing Media:  Carbon dioxide, extinguishing powder or water spray.  Fight larger fires with water spray or alcohol resistant foam.

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, tungsten sulfide may emit toxic fumes of hydrogen sulfide, metal oxide and sulfur oxides.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

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

Industrially tungsten compounds do not constitute an important health hazard.  Heavy exposure to the dust or the ingestion of large amounts of the soluble compounds produces changes in body weight, behavior, blood cells, choline esterase activity and sperm in experimental animals.

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

Hydrogen sulfide is a human poison by inhalation.  A severe irritant to the eyes and mucous membranes.  An asphyxiant.  The irritant action has been explained on the basis that hydrogen sulfide combines with alkali present in moist surface tissues to form sodium sulfide, a caustic.  Hydrogen sulfide does not combine with the hemoglobin of the blood; it's asphyxiation is due to paralysis of the respiratory center.  It is an insidious poison since sense of smell may be fatigued.  The odor and irritation effects do not offer a dependable warning to workers who may be exposed to gradually increasing amounts and therefore become used to it.  (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, eight edition)

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause irritation to the respiratory system, rapid breathing, headache, fatigue, confusion, nausea, vomiting, giddiness, exhaustion, coughing, sneezing, pulmonary edema and anesthesia.

Ingestion:  May cause nausea, vomiting, sweet smell to breath, confusion, drowsiness and a headache.

Skin:  May dry skin and cause irritation.

Eye:  May cause irritation and blurred vision.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause transient or permanent lung damage.

Ingestion:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Skin:  May cause dermatitis.

Eye:  No chronic health effects recorded.

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

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 and seek medical attention immediately. 

INGESTION:  If conscious, give 1-2 glasses of milk or water and DO NOT induce vomiting, seek medical attention immediately. 

SKIN:  Remove any contaminated clothing, brush material off of skin, flush with running water, wash carefully with soap and water.  Seek medical attention immediately.

EYE:  Flush eyes with lukewarm water, lifting upper and lower eyelids, for at least 15 minutes.  Seek medical attention immediately.

VI.   REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  None

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid):  Acids, oxidizing agents, halogens, alkali metals.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Hydrogen sulfide, metal oxide fume, sulfur oxides (SO_x).

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 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 (Specify Type):  NIOSH-approved dust-mist-fume respirator.

Ventilation:  Handle in a laboratory fume hood.  Use local exhaust to maintain concentration at low exposure levels.  General exhaust is not recommended.

Eye Protection:  Safety glasses

Protective Gloves:  Impervious gloves

Other Protective Equipment:  Protective gear suitable to prevent contamination.

IX.   SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage:  Store in a cool, dry area.  Store away from incompatible material.  Store in tightly sealed container.  Wash thoroughly after handling.

Work Practices:  Maintain good housekeeping procedures and implement engineering and work practice controls to reduce and maintain concentration of exposure at low levels.  Do not use tobacco or food in work area.  Wash thoroughly after handling and before eating or smoking and at the end of the work shift.  Do not shake clothing or other items to remove dust.  Use a vacuum.  Do not blow dust off clothing or skin with compressed air.  Avoid dust inhalation and direct skin contact.  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.

Issued by:             S. Dierks

Date:                    May 2000