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MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

I            PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION

Trade Name:      Copper Selenide                                                                          Molecular Weight:           206.05

Synonym:           Copper II Selenide; Cuprous Selenide                                        Molecular Formula:        Cu₂Se

CAS #:                20405-64-5

II           HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

TLV (Units):      Copper Selenide:             OSHA PEL: 1 mg/m³                    ACGIH TLV: 1 mg/m³

                            Selenium Compounds:    OSHA PEL: 0.2 mg/m³                 ACGIH TLV: 0.2 mg/m³

HMIS Health Rating(0-4): Health: 3        Flammability: 0                             Reactivity: 0

III         PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                   N/E or N/A                                                                   Melting Point:                  1113.0 ^oC

Specific Gravity:              6.75                                                                               Vapor Density:                 N/A

Vapor Pressure:               N/E                                                                               Solubility in H₂O:            Insoluble

Appearance and Odor:    Bark blue to black and odorless                                    Physical States:                Solid

Evaporation Rate:           N/A                                                                               Percent Volatile:              N/E or N/A

IV         FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point (Method used): N/A

Extinguishing Media: N/A, Use suitable extinguishing media for surrounding materials 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. Fumes from fire are hazardous. Isolate runoff to prevent environmental pollution.

Unusual Fire & Explosion: When heated to decomposition, copper selenide may emit toxic fumes of Se.

V           HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Routes of Entry: Inhalation, Skin, Eyes and Ingestion.

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

              Copper Compounds: In animals, inhalation of copper dust has caused hemolysis of the red blood cells, deposition of hemofuscin in the liver and pancreas, and injury to the lung cells, injection of the dust has caused cirrhosis of the liver and pancreas, and a condition closely resembling hemochromatosis or bronzed diabetes.

              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 common symptom. Pallor, nervousness, depression, digestive disturbance and death have been reported in cases of chronic exposure (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, 8th edition).

Inhalation: Acute: Danger-Poison. May cause a metallic taste in the mouth, congestion of nasal mucous membranes, irritation to the respiratory tract and acute selenium poisoning.

Chronic: May cause ulceration and perforation of the nasal septum and pharyngeal congestion, and chronic selenium poisoning. Continued intoxication may cause loss of nails and hair, hemolytic anemia, and kidney, liver and spleen.

Ingestion: Acute: Danger-Poison. May be intraperitoneal route. May cause acute copper toxicity.

Chronic: May cause irritation to the gastrointestinal tract and chronic copper and selenium toxicity. May cause damage to the nervous system, kidneys and enlarge the liver.

Skin: Acute: May cause irritation

Chronic: May cause dermatitis

Eye: Acute: May cause irritation to the conjunctiva

Chronic: No chronic health effects recorded.

Target Organs: May effect the respiratory systems, skin, liver central nervous system, blood and kidneys.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated By Exposure: Pre-existing respiratory, gastric disorders and an increased risk for individuals with Wilson's disease.

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

EYES: Flush eyes with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes. 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.

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

INGESTION: Give 1-2 glasses of milk or water and induce vomiting; seek medical attention immediately. Never induce vomiting or give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.

VI         REACTIVITY DATA

Stability: Stable

Conditions to Avoid: None recorded.

Hazardous Decomposition Products: Selenium fume.

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- 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: In accordance with Local, State and Federal Waste Disposal Regulations.

Hazard Label Information: Store in cool, dry area. Store in tightly sealed container. Wash thoroughly after handling.

VIII      SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection (Specify Type): NIOSH - approved dust-mist-vapor respirator.

Ventilation: Local Exhaust: To maintain concentration at or below the PEL, TLV.

Protective Gloves: Rubber gloves                                                                         Eye Protection: Safety Glasses

Other Protective Equipment: Protective gear suitable to prevent contamination.

Work/Hygienic/Maintenance 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.

IX         SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

              Some of the chemicals listed herein are research or experimental substances which may be toxic, as defined by various governmental regulations. In accordance with Environmental Protection Agency regulations and the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA), these materials should only be handled by, or under the direct supervision of, "technically qualified individual", as defined in 40 CFR 710.2(aa).

Issued By:           S. Dierks

Dated:                  September 1995