ELECTRONIC SPACE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL

1050 Benson Way, Ashland, OR 97520

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MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

I            PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION

Trade Name:                    Arsenic Selenide                                                           Formula:                           As₂Se₃

Molecular Weight:           386.72                                                                           CAS Number:                   1303-36-2 

II           HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Component           %                 OSHA/PEL        ACGIH/TLV                    Sec.302                Sec.304                Sec.313

Arsenic Selenide                       0-100            0.2 mg(Se)/m³     0.01 mg(As)/m³                 No                       Yes, 1 lb              Yes

HMIS Rating: Health: 4       Flammability: 1       Reactivity: 1

III         PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                   N/A                                                                               Melting Point:                  360 ^oC

Vapor Density:                 N/A                                                                               Specific gravity:               4.75 g/cc

Solubility in H₂O:            Insoluble                                                                       % Volatiles:                      N/A

Appearance and Odor:    Brown powder/pieces, odorless

IV         FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point: N/A                                                                                                    Method Used: Non-flammable

Explosive Limits: Lower: No data             Upper: No data

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

Special Firefighting Procedures: Fire fighters must wear full face, self-contained breathing apparatus will 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, it may emit toxic fumes of arsenic and selenium.

V           HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

              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 from either swallowing or inhaling (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, eighth edition).

              Selenium compounds are poison by inhalation and intravenous routes. Some selenium compounds are experimental carcinogens. Long-term exposure may be a cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in humans, just as it may cause “blind staggers” in cattle. Elemental selenium has low acute systemic toxicity but dusts or fumes can cause serious irritation of the respiratory tract (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, eighth edition).

Acute Effects:

Inhalation: DANGER-POISON. May cause irritation to the respiratory system, garlic odor of the breath, pallor, nervousness and depression.

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 bronchitis, chronic arsenic poisoning, ulceration of the nasal septum, 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: May cause disturbances, such as blurred vision.

Primary Routes of Entry: Inhalation and Ingestion.

Target Organs: may effect the upper respiratory system, eyes, skin, blood, liver, kidneys, skin, lungs and lymphatic system.

Carcinogenicity: NTP: Yes          IARC Monographs: Yes               OSHA Regulated: Yes

Medical Conditions Possibly Aggravated: Pre-existing skin and respiratory disorders.

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

INHALATION: Remove from exposure, keep warm and quiet, give oxygen if breathing is difficult, seek immediate medical attention.

INGESTION: If conscious, give 1-2 glasses of milk or water and induce vomiting, call a physician immediately. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.

SKIN: Remove contaminated clothing from affected area, brush material off skin, wash affected area with mild soap and water, seek medical attention immediately.

EYES: Flush eyes with lukewarm water, lifting upper and lower lids, for at least 15 minutes, and seek immediate medical attention.

VI         REACTIVITY DATA

Stability: Stable

Conditions to Avoid: No data

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid): Acids, oxidizing agents

Hazardous Decomposition Products: Fumes of arsenic and selenium.

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 proper 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: Use suitable respirator when high concentrations are present. Select according to OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1018(h)(2)(i) Table 1 and 2.

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

Eye Protection: Safety goggles or face shield

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 cool, dry place in tightly closed containers. Wash thoroughly after handling. Store in a tightly sealed container. Open and handle container with care. Ensure good ventilation at the workplace.

Other Precautions: Toxic by inhalation and if swallowed. Very toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment. In case of accident or if you feel unwell, seek medical advice immediately. This material and its container must be disposed of as hazardous waste. Avoid release to the environment.

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 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:                    June 2004