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:     Zinc Arsenide

Formula:              ZnAs₂

CAS Number:       12044-55-2

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Components:   Zinc Arsenide

Percent (%):                     0-100

OSHA/PEL:                        0.1 mg/m³

ACGIH/TLV:                       0.2 mg/m³

HMIS Ratings:

Health:                              4

Flammability:                   0

Reactivity:                        0

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                    N/E or N/A

Melting Point:                   N/E or N/A

Specific Gravity:              5.08 gm/cc

Solubility in H₂O:             Insoluble

Appearance and Odor:    Grey metallic solid, may have a garlic-like odor.

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/E or N/A

Method Used:  Non-flammable.

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

Autoignition Temperature:  N/A

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

Special Firefighting Procedures:  Firefighters must wear a 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 environmental pollution.

Unusual Fire & Explosion Hazard:  When heated to decomposition, zinc arsenide may emit toxic fumes of arsenic, oxides of zinc and arsenic.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

Zinc has variable toxicity, but generally is considered of low toxicity.  Zinc is not inherently a toxic element.  However, when heated, it evolves a fume of zinc oxide which, when inhaled fresh, can cause a disease known as ‘brass founders ague’ or ‘brass chills’.  There is no data for the inhalation of zinc fumes.

Inorganic arsenic compounds are confirmed human carcinogens producing tumors of the mouth, esophagus, larynx, bladder, and para nasal sinus.  A recognized carcinogen of the skin, lungs, and liver.  Poisoning from arsenic compounds may be acute or chronic.  Acute poisoning usually results from swallowing arsenic compounds; chronic poisoning from either swallowing or inhaling.  (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, eighth edition.)

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  DANGER-POISON.  May cause irritation to the respiratory system.

Ingestion:  DANGER-POISON.  May cause systemic gastrointestinal and skin effects and acute arsenic poisoning.

Skin:  May cause irritation and skin abnormalities.

Eye:  May cause irritation.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  DANGER-POISON.  May cause chronic arsenic poisoning, gastrointestinal disturbances, liver damage and cancer/disease of the blood, kidneys and nervous system.

Ingestion:  DANGER-POISON.  May cause chronic arsenic poisoning, gastrointestinal disturbances, liver damage and cancer/disease of the blood, kidneys and nervous system.

Skin:  May cause irritation, occasional ulceration, spotty pigmentation, dermatitis, skin cancer and keratosis (especially on soles and palms).

Eye:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Target Organs:  May affect the liver, kidneys, skin, lungs and lymphatic system.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure:  Pre-existing respiratory disorders.

Carcinogenicity:  NTP:  Yes       IARC:  Yes      OSHA:  Yes

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

INHALATION:  Remove to fresh air, keep warm and quiet, give oxygen if breathing is difficult.  Seek medical attention immediately.

INGESTION:  If conscious, give 1-2 cups of milk or water and induce vomiting.  Seek medical attention immediately.

SKIN:  Remove contaminated clothing from affected area, brush material off skin, wash affected area with mild 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

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Arsenic, AsH₃ and oxides of arsenic and zinc.

Hazardous Polymerization:  Will not occur.

VII.   SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES

Steps to Be Taken in Case Material Is Released or Spilled:  Wear a self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing.  Isolate spill area and provide proper ventilation.  Vacuum up the spill using high efficiency particulate absolute (HEPA) unit and place in a 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 (Specify Type):  Wear NIOSH-approved full mask air purifying respirator.

Ventilation:  Handle in a controlled atmosphere.  Use local exhaust to maintain concentration at or below PEL, TLV.  General exhaust is not recommended.

Protective Gloves:  Rubber

Eye Protection:  Safety goggles or face shield

Other Protective Equipment:  Protective gear suitable to prevent contamination.

IX.   SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage:  Store in tightly closed containers away from acids and other incompatible materials.  Wash hands and face throughly after handling and before eating.  Arsenic is a poison.  Use with wet methods if possible.

Other Precautions:  Minimum requirements for warning labels according to OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1018 (p)(3) is as follows:  Danger; Contains inorganic arsenic; Cancer hazard; Harmful if inhaled or swallowed; Use only with adequate ventilation or respiratory protection.

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.

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:                    September 1994