ELECTRONIC SPACE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL

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MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

I            PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION

Trade Name:      Barium Selenide                                                                          Chemical Family:             Metal selenide

Formula:            BaSe                                                                                            CAS #:                               1304-39-8

Synonyms:          Barium monoselenide

II           HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

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

Barium Selenide                  0-100      0.2 mg(Se)/m³       0.2 mg(Se)/m³              No                       Yes 1lb                Yes

Barium Compounds            0-100      0.5 mg/m³             0.5 mg/m³                    No                       No                       Yes

HMIS Rating: Health: 3       Flammability: 0       Reactivity: 0      Protection: J: goggles, gloves, apron, dust & vapor respirator

III         PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                   N/A                                                                               Melting Point:                  N/A

Specific Gravity:              5.02 g/cc                                                                       Vapor Density:                 No data

Vapor Pressure:               No data                                                                         %Volatiles:                       N/A

Evaporation Rate:           No data                                                                         Solubility in H₂O:            Decomposes

Appearance and Odor:    White powder and pieces, no odor. Turns red on exposure to air.

IV         FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point: N/A                                                                                                    Autoignition Temperature: No data

Explosive Limits: Upper: N/A     Lower: N/A

Extinguishing Media: Use suitable extinguishing agent for surrounding materials and type of fire.

Special Firefighting 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 Hazard: When heated to decomposition, barium selenide may emit toxic fumes of selenium. Barium selenide decomposes in water to evolve H₂Se.

V           HEALTH HAZARD DATA

Effects of Exposure:

              To the best of our knowledge the chemical, physical and toxicological properties of barium selenide have not been thoroughly investigated and recorded.

              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 dust or fumes can cause serious irritation of the respiratory tract. Inorganic selenium compounds can cause dermatitis. Garlic odor of breath is a common symptom. Pallor, nervousness, depression, digestive disturbances and death have been reported if chronic exposure. (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials).

Acute Effects:

Inhalation: May cause irritation to the respiratory system, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, colic, diarrhea, rapid respiration, high blood pressure, irregular heart action, convulsions, paralysis and acute barium and selenium poisoning.

Ingestion: May cause gastrointestinal disturbances and barium poisoning.

Skin: May cause irritation.

Eye: May cause irritation.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation: May cause chronic barium and selenium poisoning. Continued intoxication may cause loss of nails and hair, hemolytic anemia, and kidney, liver and spleen damage.

Ingestion: May cause chronic barium and selenium poisoning.

Skin: May cause dermatitis.

Eye: May cause visual disturbances, corneal opacity, blurred vision and blindness.

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

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

Carcinogenicity: NTP: No           IARC: No          OSHA: No

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

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

INGESTION: Give victim fluids and do not induce vomiting; seek medical attention.

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 and lower eyelids, for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

VI         REACTIVITY DATA

Stability: Stable

Conditions to Avoid: None

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid): Water, moisture, strong acids and bases.

Hazardous Decomposition Products: H₂Se, SeO₂ and other fumes of 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. 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.

Disposal Procedure: Dispose of in accordance with all applicable Federal, State, and Local Regulations.

VIII      SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection: NIOSH approved respirator.

Ventilation: Use process enclosures, local exhaust ventilation, or other engineering controls to maintain concentration at or below the PEL, TLV. Handle in a controlled environment. Handle in an inert gas such as argon. General exhaust is not recommended.

Protective Gloves: Rubber gloves.

Eye Protection: Safety goggles.

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. Store in a cool, dry area. Wash thoroughly after handling. Store in an inert atmosphere.

Other Precautions: Barium selenide decomposes in water and moisture. Handle and store in a controlled atmosphere and in an inert gas such as argon.

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 or 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.

              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 2004