ELECTRONIC SPACE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL

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MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

I            PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION

Trade Name:      Beryllium Boride                                                                        Formula:                           BeB₂

CAS #:                12228-40-9                                                                                  Chemical Family:             Metal boride

II           HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

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

Beryllium Boride                        0-100          .002 mg/m³         .002 mg/m³                        No                       Yes 1 lb               Yes

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

III         PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Boiling Point (^oC):           N/E or N/A                                                                   Melting Point:                  N/E or N/A

Vapor Density:                 N/A                                                                               Specific Gravity:              N/E

Solubility in H₂O:            N/E, may decompose to BeO and H₃B                         Vapor Pressure:               N/A

Appearance and Odor:    Brown to black powder, no odor                                  % Volatiles:                      N/A

IV         FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point: N/A                                                                                                    Autoignition Temperature: N/A

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

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

Special Fire Fighting Procedures: Wear full face, and 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: Beryllium boride may emit toxic fumes if involved in a fire.

V           HEALTH HAZARD DATA

Effects of Exposure:

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

              Exposure to beryllium compounds is by inhalation or locally on the skin. Exposure may cause dermatitis, chronic skin ulcers, rhinitis, nasopharyngitis, epistaxis, bronchitis, and in severe cases the development of acute pneumonitis with cough, scanty sputum, low grade fever, rales, dyspnea, and substernal pain. There may be radiographic changes of the lungs which typically show a diffuse haziness. May cause pulmonary edema and fatal pneumonitis. A delayed form of lung disease, characterized by granulomatous areas in the lung tissue, has been caused by industrial exposure. Symptoms can appear immediately or up to five years after exposure, and include shortness of breath, loss of appetite, loss of weight, fatigue, cyanosis, and increased cardiac or respiratory failure. Accidental subcutaneous exposure can cause granviormatous tumor.

              Boron compounds are very toxic and therefore considered an industrial poison. Boron is one of a group of elements, such as Pb, Mn, As, which effects the central nervous system. Boron poisoning causes depression of the circulation, persistent vomiting and diarrhea, followed by profound shock and comma. The temperature becomes subnormal and a scarlatina form rash may cover the entire body (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, eighth ed.).

Acute Effects:

Inhalation: May cause irritation to the upper respiratory tract, pneumonitis, nasopharyngitis, lung fibrosis, dyspnea, weight loss, inflammation and edema of the larynx and bronchi.

Ingestion: May cause boron poisoning.

Skin: May cause irritation, contact dermatitis and non-healing ulcerations at the site of injury.

Eye: May cause irritation, conjunctivitis and corneal burns.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation: May cause pulmonary granulomas and berylliosis.

Ingestion: No chronic health effects recorded.

Skin: May cause dermatitis and chronic skin ulcers.

Eye: May cause visual impairment.

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

Target Organs: May affect the lungs, thorax, respiration, liver, mucous membranes, skin and eyes.

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

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

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

INGESTION: If conscious, give 1-2 glasses of milk or water and induce vomiting, seek medical attention. Never give anything by mouth or induce vomiting on an unconscious person.

SKIN: Remove contaminated clothing, 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 eyelids, for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention immediately.

VI         REACTIVITY DATA

Stability: Stable

Incompatibilities: Water, strong acids and bases.

Conditions to Avoid: None

Hazardous Decomposition or Byproducts: Beryllium oxide and H₃B.

Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur

VII        PRECAUTIONS FOR SAFE HANDLING AND USE

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: Observe all Federal, State & Local regulations.

VIII      SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

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

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

Protective Gloves: Rubber gloves.

Eye Protection: Safety glasses

Other Protective Equipment/Clothing: Protective gear suitable to prevent contamination.

IX         ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage: Store in cool, dry area. Store in tightly sealed container. Wash thoroughly after handling.

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.

              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:                    August 2005