ELECTRONIC SPACE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL
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MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
I PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION
Trade Name: Beryllium Carbide Formula: Be2C
CAS #: 506-66-1 Chemical Family: Metal Carbide
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: 3 Reactivity: 2
III PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Boiling Point (oC): N/E or N/A Melting Point: 2100 oC
Solubility in H2O: Decomposes with the evolution of methane gas Vapor Density: N/A
Specific Gravity: 1.90 at 15 oC Vapor Pressure: N/A
Appearance and Odor: Yellow, hexagonal powder, no odor % Volatiles: N/A
IV FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA
Flash Point (Method used): N/A (flammable solid) Autoignition Temperature: N/E or N/A
Explosive Limits: Lower: N/A Upper: N/A
Extinguishing Media: Use Class D or other metal extinguishing agent. DO NOT USE WATER OR CARBON DIOXIDE EXTINGUISHER.
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: Dangerous when wet, evolves highly toxic fumes of oxides of beryllium and flammable methane gas.
V HEALTH HAZARD DATA
Effects of Exposure:
To the best of our knowledge the chemical, physical and toxicological properties of beryllium carbide 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 granulomatous tumors (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, eighth edition) .
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: Considered to have low toxicity by ingestion. Poison by intravenous route.
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 chronic skin ulcers.
Eye: May cause visual impairment.
Routes of Entry: Inhalation, Ingestion, Skin, and Eyes
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, seek immediate medical attention.
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
Conditions to Avoid: None
Incompatibility (Materials to Avoid): Water
Hazardous Decomposition or Byproducts: Methane gas and oxides of beryllium.
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. Use non-sparking tools.
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: Handle in a controlled atmosphere. Handle in an inert gas such as argon. Use local exhaust to maintain concentration at or below the PEL, TLV. 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
Dated: August 2005