ELECTRONIC SPACE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL

1050 Benson Way, Ashland, OR 97520

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E-Mail: sales@espimetals.com

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

I            PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION

Trade Name:      Copper Arsenide                                                                         Formula:            Cu₃As

CAS #:                12005-75-3

II           HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Components                %                        OSHA/PEL                       ACGIH/TLV

Copper Arsenide                              0-100                   0.5 (As) mg/m³                  0.01 (As) mg/m³ 

III         PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                   N/E or N/A                                                                   Melting Point:                  N/E or N/A

Vapor Density:                 N/E or N/A                                                                   Specific Gravity:              7.56 g/cc

Vapor Pressure:               N/E or N/A                                                                   Solubility in H₂O:            N/E or N/A

Appearance and Odor:    Dark gray or black cubic crystals, garlic odor              % Volatiles:                      N/E or N/A

IV         FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point: N/A                                                                                                    Autoignition Temp: N/E or N/A

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

Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, CO₂ or graphite. DO NOT USE WATER OR WATER SPRAY.

Fire Fighting Procedures: Wear NIOSH/MSHA approved self-contained breathing apparatus, flame and chemical resistant clothing, hats, boots, and gloves.

Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards: Can React with Steam, Heat, Acid and Acid Fumes to Evolve Deadly Poisonous Arsine.

V           HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

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

              Acute arsenic poisoning (from ingestion) results in marked irritation of the stomach and intestines with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. In severe cases the vomitus and stools are bloody and the patient goes into collapse and shock with weak, rapid pulse, cold sweats, coma and death. Chronic arsenic poisoning, whether through ingestion or inhalation, may manifest itself in many different ways. There may be disturbances of the digestive system such as loss of appetite, cramps, nausea, constipation or diarrhea. Liver damage may occur, resulting in jaundice. Disturbances of the blood, kidneys and nervous system are not infrequent. Arsenic can cause a variety of skin abnormalities including itching, pigmentation and even cancerous changes. A characteristic of arsenic poisoning is the great variety of symptoms that can be produced. A recognized carcinogen of the skin, lungs, liver. An experimental carcinogen of the mouth, esophagus, larynx, bladder and para nasal sinus. (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials)

              In animals, inhalation of copper dust has caused hemolysis of the red blood cells, deposition of hemofuscin in the liver and pancreas, and injury to the lung cells; injection of the dust has caused cirrhosis of the liver and pancreas, and a condition closely resembling hemochromatosis or bronzed diabetes (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, eighth edition).

              Copper compounds may be irritatin to the skin, eyes and repiratory tract. They may cause metal fume fever, hemolysis of the red blood cells and injury to the liver, lungs, kidneys and pancreas. Ingestion may also cause vomiting, gastric pain, dizziness, anemia, cramps, convulsions, shock, coma and death. Copper solutions may cause sensitization reactions.

Acute Effects:

Inhalation: Causes irritation of mucous membranes and respiratory tract, metallic taste, pharyngitis, bloody nose, perforation of the nasal septum.

Ingestion: May cause vomiting, diarrhea and nausea.

Skin: Causes moderate irritation, skin sensitization.

Eye: Causes moderate irritation.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation: May cause cancer (skin and lung).

Ingestion: May cause cancer (skin and lung).

Skin: Can cause eczematous dermatitis, pigmentation, hyperkeratosis.

Eye: None known

Carcinogenicity: NTP: Yes          IARC: Yes         ACGIH: Yes      OSHA: Yes

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

INHALATION: Remove to fresh air; give oxygen if breathing is difficult. Seek immediate medical attention.

INGESTION: Give 2 cups of milk or water and induce vomiting. Seek immediate medical attention.

SKIN: Brush off skin, wash area with soap and water. Seek medical attention.

EYES: Immediately flush eyes, including under eyelids with large amounts of water. Call a physician.

VI         REACTIVITY DATA

Stability: Stable

Conditions to Avoid: Water/moisture

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid): Steam, heat, acids, acid fumes.

Hazardous Decomposition Products: Highly toxic fumes of arsenic. Contact with acids releases toxic gases.

Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur

VII        SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES

Steps to Be Taken in Case Material Is Released or Spilled: Wear full protective equipment, cover spill with dry sand or vermiculite. Mix well and carefully transfer to a container.

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

VIII      SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection (Specify Type): Wear a NIOSH-approved dust-mist-fume cartridge respirator.

Ventilation: Handle under dry protective gas. Handle in a controlled environment. Use local exhaust to maintain below TLV level for Arsenic.

Eye Protection: ANSI approved safety goggles, or glasses.

Protective Gloves: Neoprene, Rubber          

Other Protective Equipment: Wear protective clothing to prevent contamination of skin and clothes.

IX         SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage: Handle under dry protective gas. Protect from humidity and water. Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place. Wash hands and face thoroughly after handling and before meals.

Work Practices: Implement engineering and work practice controls to reduce and maintain concentration of exposure. Handle in a controlled, inert atmosphere. Minimize exposure by using local exhaust and an enclosing process if/when possible. Use good housekeeping and sanitation practices. Do not blow dust off clothing or skin with compressed air. 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:                    October 2002