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

Formula:              Tl

CAS Number:        7440-28-0

II.  HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Component:   Thallium 

Percent (%):                   0-100

OSHA/PEL:                       0.1 mg/m³ 

ACGIH/TLV:                     0.1 mg/m³ 

HMIS Ratings:

Health:                             3

Flammability:                  0

Reactivity:                       1

III.  PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                  1457 ^oC   " 10 ^oC

Melting Point:                  303.5 ^oC

Specific Gravity:             11.85 g/cc at 20 ^oC

Vapor Pressure:              1 mm at 825 ^oC

Solubility in H₂O:            Insoluble

Appearance and Odor:   Blue-white pieces, no odor.

IV.  FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/A

Autoignition Temperature:  N/E

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 and Explosion Hazards:  When heated to decomposition, thallium may emit toxic fumes of thallium.  Flammable in the form of dust when exposed to heat or flame.  May have a violent reaction with F₂.  Reacts slowly with moisture.  Reacts with some acids.

V.  HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

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

Thallium compounds are extremely toxic.  Effects are cumulative and with continuous exposure toxicity occurs at much lower levels.  Effects are on the nervous system, skin, and cardiovascular tract.  The peripheral nervous system can be severely affected with dying-back of the longest sensory and motor fibers.  Reproductive organs and the fetus are highly susceptible.  (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials)

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  DANGER - POISON.  May cause irritation  to the mucous membrane, running nose, headache and pulmonary edema.

Ingestion:  DANGER - POISON.  May cause discoloration and loss of hair, joint pain, loss of appetite, fatigue, severe pain in the calves of the legs, albuminuria, eosinophilia, lymphocytosis and optic neuritis followed by atrophy.  Large doses may cause gastrointestinal hemorrhage, gastroenteritis, metallic taste, salivation, nausea and vomiting. 

Skin:  May cause irritation.

Eye:  May cause irritation.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause neurologic symptoms, delirium, hallucinations, convulsions, tingling pain in the extremities, muscular weakness, coma and respiratory failure.

Ingestion:  May cause alopecia, cardiac and renal disorders, endocrine disorders, psychoses, encephalitis and paralysis of the extremities.

Skin:  No data

Eye:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Target Organs:  May affect the central nervous system, skin, eyes, cardiovascular tract, lungs, gastrointestinal tract and body hair.

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:  Give 1-2 glasses of milk or water and induce vomiting; seek medical attention immediately.  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 irritation if irritation persists.

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

VI.  REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  None

Incompatibility (Materials to Avoid):  Oxidizing agents, acids, halogens and antimony sulfide.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Fumes of thallium.

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 Local, State and Federal Waste Disposal Regulations.

VIII.  SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection (Specify Type):  NIOSH approved dust respirator.

Ventilation:  Handle under protective gas.  Use local exhaust to maintain concentration at or below PEL, TLV.  General exhaust is recommended.       

Protective Gloves:  Neoprene, PVC, butyl 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, well-ventilated area.  Handle and store under water or protective gas.  Protect from air and oxidizing agents.  Wash thoroughly after use.

Precautionary Labeling:  DANGER!  HIGHLY TOXIC!  May be fatal if swallowed or inhaled.  Avoid contact with skin and eyes.  Wash very thoroughly after handling.  Keep container tightly closed when not in use.

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.

DOT Regulations:

Hazard Class:                    6.1

Identification Number:     UN1707

Packing Group:                  II

Proper Shipping Name:     Thallium compounds, n.o.s., (thallium)

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:                  May 2006