ELECTRONIC SPACE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL
1050 Benson Way, Ashland, OR 97520
Toll Free (800) 638-2581 * Fax (541) 488-8313
E-Mail: sales@espimetals.com
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
I PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION
Trade Name: Chromium Carbide Chemical Family: Metal Carbide
Formula: Cr3C2 CAS #: 12012-35-0
II HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS
Hazardous Component % OSHA/PEL ACGIH/TLV
Chromium Carbide 0-100 1 mg/m3 0.5 mg/m3
HMIS Ratings: Health: 1 Flammability: 2 Reactivity: 1
III PHYSICAL DATA
Boiling Point: 3800 oC Melting Point: 1980 oC
Solubility in H2O: Insoluble Specific Gravity: 6.68 g/cc
Appearance and Odor: Gray powder, no odor. % Volatiles: N/A or N/E
IV FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS
Flash Point: N/E or N/A Method Used: Flammable solid
Explosive Limits: Lower: N/E Upper: N/E
Extinguishing Media: DO NOT USE WATER! Use class D or other suitable extinguishing agent for metal fires.
Special Fire Fighting Procedures: Firefighters must wear full face, self-contained breathing apparatus and 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: May evolve methane gas on contact with moisture. Material may also generate toxic metal oxide fume or flammable gases/vapors if involved in a fire.
V HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION
Routes of Entry: Inhalation
Effects of Exposure:
To the best of our knowledge the chemical, physical and toxicological properties of chromium carbide have not been thoroughly investigated and reported.
Chromium is a confirmed human carcinogen with experimental tumorigenic data. Human poison by ingestion with gastrointestinal effects. (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, eighth edition).
Acute Effects:
Inhalation: May cause irritation.
Ingestion: May cause gastrointestinal disorders.
Skin: May cause irritation.
Eye: May cause irritation.
Chronic Effects:
Inhalation: May cause pneumoconisis, histologic fibrosis of lungs, nasal and/or lung cancer.
Ingestion: No chronic health effects recorded.
Skin: No chronic health effects recorded.
Eye: May cause conjunctivitis.
Target Organs: May affect the respiratory system.
Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure: Pre-existing respiratory disorders, pulmonary functions and asthma.
Carcinogenicity: NTP: Yes IARC: Yes OSHA: Yes
EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:
INHALATION: Remove victim to fresh air, keep warm and quiet, give oxygen if breathing is difficult. Seek immediate medical attention.
INGESTION: Give 1-2 glasses of milk or water and induce vomiting. Seek immediate medical assistance. Never give anything by mouth or induce vomiting in an unconscious person.
SKIN: Remove contaminated clothing, brush material off skin, wash affected area with soap and water. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.
EYES: Flush eyes with lukewarm water, lifting upper and lower eyelids, for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.
VI REACTIVITY DATA
Stability: Stable
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, moisture, incompatible materials.
Incompatibility (Materials to Avoid): Moisture, strong acids, strong bases, strong oxidizing agents.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Methane gas, Cr, 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: Wear a self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing. Isolate the area where the spill occurred and insure that proper ventilation is available and that water/moisture are kept out of the area. Vacuum up using a high efficiency unit and place in a container for proper disposal. Take care not to raise dust.
Waste Disposal Method: Dispose of in accordance with Federal, State or Local authorities for proper disposal procedures.
IX SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION
Respiratory Protection: Wear NIOSH-approved dusts-mists-fume cartridge respirator.
Ventilation: Use local exhaust to maintain exposure below TLV. General exhaust is not recommended. Handle in a controlled, inert atmosphere.
Protective Gloves: Rubber gloves
Eye Protection: Safety glasses
Other Protective Equipment: Wear protective clothing to prevent contamination of skin and clothes.
IX SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage: Handle under dry, protective gas. Keep container tightly closed. Store in a cool, dry place. Store away from water/moisture. Chromium carbide reacts with moisture to form methane gas. Do not store together with acids. Keep ignition sources away. Protect against electrostatic charges. Fumes can combine with air to form an explosive mixture. Protect from humidity and water.
Other Precautions: Handle and store in a controlled environment and 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 hands and face thoroughly after handling and 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
Dated: December 2003