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MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

I            PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION

Trade Name:                    Copper Telluride                                                           Synonyms:          Dicopper monotelluride

Chemical Family:             Metal telluride                                                              Formula:            Cu₂Te

Molecular Weight:           254.69                                                                           CAS #:                12019-52-2

II           HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Components  OSHA/PEL        ACGIH/TLV      Other       Percent        SEC. 302 (EHS)     SEC. 304 RQ  SEC. 313

Copper Telluride               1 mg/m³1 mg/m³NE         0.0-100  No                       Yes 1 lb.              Yes

Tellurium Compounds       0.1 mg/m³           0.1 mg/m³           NE            0.0-100         No                           Yes 1 lb.          Yes

HMIS Ratings (0-4): Health: 3, Flammability: 0, Reactivity: 0

III         PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                                  NE or NA                                                       Melting Point:                  NE or NA

Physical State:                                Solid                                                               Evaporation Rate:           NA

Specific Gravity (Water=1):          7.27 gm/cc                                                      Vapor Density (Air=1):   NA

Vapor Pressure (mm Hg):             NA                                                                  Solubility in Water:         NE

Appearance and Odor:                  Blue- Black pieces, no odor.                          % Volatile:                       NE or NA

IV         FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point: NE or NA                                                                                          Method Used: Non-flammable

Flammable Limits: LEL: NA UEL: NA

Extinguishing Media: USE: Not applicable. Use suitable extinguishing media for surrounding materials an 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: When heated to decomposition, or on contact with acid or acid fumes, copper telluride may emit toxic fumes.

V           HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Health Hazards (Acute and Chronic):

              To the best of our knowledge the chemical, physical and toxicological properties of copper telluride have not been thoroughly investigated and recorded. Copper compounds: 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).

              Elemental tellurium has relatively low toxicity. It is converted in the body to dimethyl telluride which imparts a garlic- like odor to breath and sweat. Heavy exposures may, in addition, result in headache, drowsiness, metallic taste, loss of appetite, nausea, tremors, convulsion, and respiratory arrest (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, eighth edition).

Routes of Entry: Inhalation, Skin, Eyes, Ingestion

Acute Effects:

Inhalation: DANGER-POISON. May cause a metallic taste in the mouth, congestion of the nasal mucous membranes, dry mouth, irritation to the respiratory tract, nausea, vomiting, garlic odor to the breath, sweat and urine.

Ingestion: DANGER-POISON. May cause a dry mouth, suppression of sweat, garlic odor to breath and urine, and acute copper toxicity.

Skin: May cause irritation.

Eye: May cause irritation to the conjunctiva.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation: May cause ulceration and perforation of the nasal septum, pharyngeal congestion, anorexia, nausea, depression to the central nervous system and somnolence.

Ingestion: May cause irritation to the gastrointestinal tract, anorexia, nausea, depression to the central nervous system, somnolence and chronic copper toxicity. May cause damage to the nervous system, kidneys and enlarge the liver.

Skin: May cause dermatitis.

Eye: No chronic health effects recorded.

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

Carcinogenicity: NTP? No, IARC Monographs? No, OSHA Regulated? No

Signs and Symptoms of Exposure:

Inhalation: May cause a red, dry throat, metallic taste in mouth, garlic-like odor to breath, sweat and urine, loss of appetite, sleepiness, nausea, congestion of the nasal and pharyngeal, sneezing, headache, excitability, dizziness and difficulty breathing.

Ingestion: May cause a dry mouth, garlic-like odor to breath and urine, loss of appetite, sleepiness, and nausea. Acute copper toxicity may cause: fever, tachycardia, hypotension, hemolytic anemia with intravascular hemolysis, oliguria, uremia, coma and dizziness, general debility, jaundice, and green stools, saliva and vomitus.

Skin: May cause redness, itching, and swelling.

Eye: May cause redness, itching, burning and watering.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure: Pre-existing respiratory, gastric disorders, and an increased risk for individuals with Wilson's disease.

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 symptoms persist.

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

VI         REACTIVITY DATA

Stability: Stable

Conditions to Avoid (Instability): None

Incompatibility- Materials to Avoid: Acids and acid fumes

Hazardous Decomposition or Byproducts: None recorded

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- Special Protection Information. 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 regulations.

VIII      SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection (Specify Type): NIOSH approved dust, mist, vapor cartridge respirator.

Ventilation: Local: To maintain concentration at or below PEL, TLV                Mechanical (General): Recommended 

Protective Gloves: Rubber                                                                              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 Storing: Store in a cool, dry place in a tightly sealed container. Wash thoroughly after handling.

Work/Hygienic/Maintenance 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.

Prepared by:        S Dierks

Dated:                  December 1994