ELECTRONIC SPACE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL
1050 Benson Way, Ashland, OR 97520
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E-Mail: sales@espimetals.com
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
I PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION
Trade Name: Beryllium Oxide Chemical Family: Beryllium compound
Synonym: Beryllia ceramic, beryllia, thermalox, super beryllia Formula: BeO
CAS #: 1304-56-9
II HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS
Hazardous Component % OSHA/PEL ACGIH/TLV
Beryllium Oxide 0-100 .002 mg(Be)/m3 .002 mg(Be)
HMIS Ratings: Health: 3 Flammability: 0 Reactivity: 0
III PHYSICAL DATA
Boiling Point: ca 3900 oC Melting Point: 2530 +30 oC
Vapor Density: N/A Vapor Pressure: N/A
% Volatile: None Specific Gravity: 3.01 g/cc
Molecular Weight: 25.01 Solubility in H2O: Insoluble
Appearance and Odor: White powder or pieces, no odor.
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: Firefighters must wear full face, self-contained breathing apparatus with full protective clothing to prevent contact with skin and eyes.
Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards: May emit toxic metal oxide fumes if involved in a fire.
V HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION
Effects of Exposure:
To the best of our knowledge the chemical, physical and toxicological properties of barium oxide have not been thoroughly investigated and recorded.
Acute exposure to beryllium may cause dermatitis, chronic skin ulcers, rhinitis, nasopharyngitis, epistaxis, bronchitis, pneumonitis possibly fatal, fever, rales, dyspnea, and substernal pain. Chronic exposure causes a delayed form of lung disease which may be delayed for five years or more after exposure stops. Symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, weight loss and fatigue. Cyanosis is common with elevated pulse and respiratory rates. This disease may progress to death from cardiac or respiratory failure.
Inhalation: An exposure to airborne beryllium in excess of the occupational standard can occur when sintering, machining, grinding, sanding, abrasive cutting, polishing, laser scribing and trimming, chemical etching, crushing, or otherwise abrading the surface of this material in a manner which generates finely divided particles.
Volatile beryllium hydroxide can be formed when firing solid BeO parts at temperature greater than 900 oC in a moist atmosphere such as in a hydrogen atmosphere sintering furnace.
Machining operations conducted under a flood of liquid coolant usually require complete hooded containment and local exhaust ventilation. Openings into the hood must be baffled to prevent release of fast moving particles. The cycling through a machine of liquid lubricant/coolant containing finely divided beryllium in suspension can result in the concentration building to a point where the particulate may become airborne during use. The coolant reservoir should be enclosed and ventilated. A coolant filtering system is recommended.
The potential for exposure also may occur during repair or maintenance activities on contaminated equipment such as: furnace rebuilding, maintenance or repair of air cleaning equipment, structural renovation, etc.
Ingestion: There are no known cases of illness resulting from ingestion of this material. Ingestion can occur from hand, clothing, food, and drink contact with metal dust, fume or powder during hand to mouth activities such as eating, drinking, smoking, nail biting, etc. This product is not intended for internal consumption. As a standard hygiene practice, hands should be washed before eating or smoking.
Skin: Skin abrasion may cause irritation. Imbedded material may lead to localized granuloma. The beryllium in this material is in an insoluble form and does not pose a potential for an allergic dermal response.
Eyes: Injury can result form particulate irritation or mechanical injury to the eyes by dust or particulate. Exposure may result from direct contact with airborne particulate (chips, dust, or powder) or contact to the eye if contaminated hands or clothing.
Acute and Chronic Effects:
Acute: (immediate or near-term health effects): The beryllium fraction of this product is insoluble and does not cause acute beryllium disease. The beryllium in this product does not pose a potential for allergic dermal response.
Chronic: (long-term health effects): Inhaling dust fumes containing beryllium may cause serious, chronic lung disease called Chronic Beryllium Disease (CBD) in some individuals. Over time lung disease can be fatal. Symptoms may include cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, weight loss, weakness, and fatigue. Long-term effects may include loss of lung function, fibrosis, or subsequent secondary effects on the heart with eventual permanent impairment. Chronic beryllium disease is a hypersensitivity of allergic condition in which tissues of the lungs become inflamed with a cellular nodular reaction. This inflammation, sometimes with accompanying fibrosis, may restrict the exchange of oxygen between the lungs and the bloodstream. This allergic response to beryllium is limited to susceptible studies and animal experimentation, the International Agency for Research on Cancer and the National Toxicology Program lists beryllium as a carcinogen.
Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure: Persons with impaired pulmonary function, airway diseases, or conditions such as asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, etc. may incur further impairment if dust of fume are inhaled. If prior damage or disease to the neurological (nervous), circulatory, hematologic (blood), or urinary (kidney) systems has occurred, proper screening or examinations should be conducted on individuals who may be exposed to further risk where handling and use of this material may cause exposure.
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: Swallowing beryllium oxide dust can be treated by having the affected person drink large quantities of water and attempting to induce vomiting, if conscious. Obtain medical help.
SKIN: Remove contaminated clothing, brush material off skin, wash affected area with mild soap and water, seek medical attention if symptoms persist.
EYES: Flush eyes with lukewarm water, lifting upper and lower eyelid, for at least 15 minutes. Obtain medical help if irritation persists. Contact lenses should not be worn when working with metal dusts and powders because the contact lens must be removed to provide adequate treatment.
Treatment of Chronic Beryllium Disease: There is no known treatment which will cure chronic beryllium disease. Prednisone or the corticosteroids are the most specific treatment available. They are directed at suppressing the immunological reaction and have been effective in diminishing many signs and symptoms of chronic beryllium disease. In cases where steroid therapy has had only a partial or minimal effectiveness, other immuno-suppressive agents, such as cyclophospharnide, cyclosporine, or methotrexate, have been used. These latter agents remain investigational. Further, in view of the potential side effects of all the immuno-suppressive medications, including steroids such as prednisone, they should be used only under the direct care of a physician. In general, these medications should be reserved for cases with significant symptoms and/or significant loss of lung function. Other symptomatic treatment, such as oxygen, inhaled steroids or bronchodilators, may be used by some physicians and
are effective in selected cases.
The decision about when and with what medication to treat is judgement situation for individual physicians. For the most part, treatment is reserved for those persons with symptoms and measurable loss of lung function. The value of starting oral steroid treatment, before signs or symptoms are evident, remains a medically unresolved issue currently under study. Some physicians are concerned that their patients may develop a resistance to medication if it is started too soon.
The effects of continued low exposure to beryllium are unknown for individuals who are sensitized to beryllium or who have diagnosis of chronic beryllium disease. This uncertainty leads some physicians to advise a reduction or elimination of further exposure to beryllium. However, some individuals have developed CBD or have gradually become worse after removal from further exposure. Others have continued to work in the beryllium industry without any additional, or accelerated, loss of lung function.
VI REACTIVITY DATA
Stability: Stable
Incompatibility (Materials to Avoid): Oxidizing agents
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Toxic metal oxide fume.
Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur
VII SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES
Steps to be Taken in Case Material is Released or Spilled: In solid form this material poses no health or environmental risk. If this material is in powder or dust form, establish a restricted entry zone based on the severity of the spill. Persons entering the restricted zone must wear adequate respiratory protection and protective clothing appropriate for the severity of the spill. Cleanup should be conducted with a vacuum system utilizing a high efficiency particulate air filtration system followed by wet cleaning methods. Special care must be taken when changing filters on HEPA vacuum cleaners when used to clean up potentially toxic materials. Caution should be taken to minimize airborne generation of powder or dust and avoid contamination of air and water. Depending upon the quantity of material released, fine powder or dust spills to the environment may require reporting the National Response Center at (800) 424-8802 as well as the State Emergency Response Commission and Local Emergency Planning Committee.
Waste Disposal Method: Disposal must be in accordance with Federal, State and Local regulations.
VIII SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION
Respiratory Protection: When potential exposures are above the occupational limits shown in this MSDS, approved respirators must be used as specified by an Industrial Hygienist of other qualified professional. Respirator users must be medically evaluated to determine if they are physically capable of wearing a respirator. Quantitative an/or qualitative fit testing and respirator training must be satisfactorily completed by all personnel prior to respirator use. Users of any style respirator training must be clean shaven on those areas of the face where the respirator seal contacts the face. Exposure to unknown concentrations of fumes or dusts requires the wearing of a pressure-demand airline respirator or pressure-demand self-contained breathing apparatus. Pressure-demand airline respirators are recommended when performing jobs with high potential exposures such as changing filters in a bag house air cleaning device.
Ventilation and Engineering Controls: Whenever possible, the use of local exhaust ventilation or other engineering controls is the preferred method of controlling exposure to airborne dust and fume. Where utilized, pickups on flexible ventilation lines should be positioned as close to the source of airborne contamination as possible. Disruption of the airflow in the area of a local exhaust inlet, such as by a main cooling fan, should be avoided.
Other Protective Equipment: No special protective equipment or clothing is required when handling solid forms. Protective over garments or work clothing must be worn by persons who may become contaminated with dusts, fumes, or powders during activities such as machining, furnace rebuilding, air cleaning equipment filter changes, maintenance, etc. Contaminated work clothing and over garments must be managed in such a manner so as to prevent secondary exposure to persons such as laundry operators and to prevent contamination to personal clothing. Never use compressed air to clean work clothing.
Protective Gloves: Wear gloves to prevent cuts and skin abrasions during handling.
Eye Protection: Wear safety glasses, goggles, or face shield when risk of eye injury is present, particularly during machining, grinding, etc.
Recommended Monitoring Procedures:
Environmental Surveillance: Exposure to airborne materials should be determined by having air samples taken in the employee breathing zone, work area, and department. The frequency and type of air sampling should be as specified by an Industrial Hygienist or other qualified professional. Air sample results should be make available to employees.
Medical Surveillance: Persons exposed to airborne concentrations of this material should be included in a periodic medical surveillance program. The program should include examination of the skin and respiratory systems. Non-specific findings of skin rash, skin granulomata, or respiratory signs or symptoms may indicate a reaction to this material. A minimum medical surveillance program should include (1) skin examination, (2) respiratory history, (3) auscultation of the lungs, (4) spirometry (FVC and FEV), and (5) periodic chest x-ray. In addition, a specialized, specific, immunological blood test, the beryllium blood lymphocyte proliferation test (BLPT), is available ( on a limited basis to assist in the diagnosis) to screen beryllium-exposed persons for beryllium reactions. Note: It should be recognized that BLPT has limited sensitivity for chronic beryllium disease. Individuals who have an abnormal BLPT are normally referred to a lung specialist for additional specific tests to determine if chronic beryllium disease is present.
IX SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage: Wear gloves when handling to prevent cuts and skin abrasions. Store in a dry area.
ESPI recommends the following good industrial hygiene practice which includes reducing airborne exposures to the lowest feasible level for all constituents in this product. A leading scientific body recommending occupational standards is the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). The ACGIH recommends standards for all listed substances. The ACGIH defines a threshold limit value (standards) as follows: “Threshold Limit Values refer to airborne concentrations of substances and represent conditions under which it is believed that nearly all workers may be repeatedly exposed day after day without adverse health effects.”
Because of wide variation in individual susceptibility, however, a small percentage of workers may experience discomfort from some substances at concentrations at or below the threshold limit; a smaller percentage may be affected more seriously by aggravation of a pre-existing condition or by development of an occupational illness. “Individuals may also be hyper-susceptible or otherwise unusually responsive to some industrial chemicals because of genetic factors, age, personal habits (smoking, alcohol, or other drugs), medication, or previous exposures. Such workers may not be adequately protected from adverse health effects from certain chemicals at concentrations at or below the threshold limits.”
Transport Information: There are nor U.S. Department of Transportation hazardous material regulations which apply to the packaging and labeling of this product as shipped by ESPI. Hazard Communication regulations of the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration require that this material be labeled.
Housekeeping: Vacuum and wet cleaning methods are recommended for dust removal. Be certain to de-energize electrical systems, as necessary, before beginning wet cleaning. Vacuum cleaners with high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are the recommended type. The use of compressed air or brooms to remove dusts should be avoided as such an activity can result in unnecessary short-term elevated exposures to airborne dusts.
Maintenance: During repair or maintenance activities the potential exists for exposures in excess of the occupational standard. Under these circumstances, protecting workers can require the use of specific work practices or procedures involving the combined use of ventilation, wet methods, respiratory protection, decontamination, special protection clothing, and when necessary, restricted work zones.
Regulatory Information: OSHA Hazard Communications Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1200: Beryllium is considered a hazardous ingredient.
Ambient Air Emissions: Beryllium-containing materials are subject to the National Emission Standard for Beryllium as promulgated by EPA (40 CFR 61, Subpart (C). The National Emission Standard for beryllium is 0.01 micrograms per cubic meter (30 day average) in ambient air for those production facilities which have been qualified to be regulated through ambient air monitoring. Other facilities must meet a 10 gram per 24-hour total site emission limit. Most process air emission sources will require an air permit from a local and/or state air pollution control agency. The use of air cleaning equipment may be necessary to achieve a permissible emission. Tempered makeup air should be provided to prevent excessive negative pressure in a building. Direct recycling of cleaned process exhaust air is not recommended. Plant exhausts should be located so as not to re-enter the plant through makeup air or other inlets. Regular maintenance and inspection of air cleaning equipment and monitoring of operating parameters is recommended to ensure adequate efficiency is maintained.
Wastewater: Wastewater regulations can vary considerably. Contact your local and state governments to determine their requirements.
Toxic Substances Control Act: Beryllium is listed on the TSCA Chemical Substance Inventory of Existing Chemical Substances.
Sara Title III Reporting Requirements: On February 16, 1988 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final rule that implements the requirements of the Superfund Amendments and Re-authorization Act (SARA) Title III, Section 313 (53) Federal Register 4525. Title III is the portion of SARA concerning reporting on specific chemicals which are manufactured, processed or used at certain U.S. Industrial facilities.
Beryllium is reportable under Section 313. The Chemical Abstracts Services number is provided in this MSDS. SARA Title Hotline 1-800-535-0202 or 202-555-1411
This MSDS has been revised following the guidelines outlined in the American National Standard for Hazardous Chemicals Z400.1-1993 "Material Safety Data Sheets-Preparation."
Prepared by: S. Dierks
Dated: August 2005