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MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

I            PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION

Trade Name:      Gallium Sulfide                                                                           Chemical Family:             Metal Sulfide

Synonyms:          Gallium sesquisulfide, gallium (III) sulfide                                Formula:                           Ga₂S₃

CAS #:                12024-22-5

II           HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

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

Gallium Sulfide                        0-100            N/E                     N/E                                       No                       No                       No

HMIS Rating: Health: 3 Flammability: 4 Reactivity: 2 Personal Protection: J: goggles, gloves, apron, dust & vapor resp.

III         PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                   N/A                                                                               Melting Point:                  1255 ^oC + 10

Specific Gravity:              3.65 g/cc @ 25 ^oC                                                         % Volatiles:                      N/A

Vapor Pressure:               No data                                                                         Solubility in H₂O:            Decomposes

Appearance and Odor:    Yellow-white pieces, rotten egg odor.

IV         FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point: N/A                                                                                                    Method Used: Flammable solid

Explosive Limits: Upper: N/E     Lower: N/E                                                   Autoignition Point: No data

Extinguishing Media: DO NOT USE WATER. Use class D or other suitable metal extinguishing agent.

Special Firefighting 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 Hazard: DANGEROUS WHEN WET. When heated to decomposition, gallium sulfide may emit toxic fumes of SO_x. Many sulfides ignite easily in air at room temperature. Others require a higher temperature or presence of an oxidizing agent. May react with water, moisture, steam or acids to produce toxic and flammable vapors or hydrogen sulfide.

V           HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

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

              Sulfides of the heavy metals are generally insoluble and hence have little toxic action except through the liberation of hydrogen sulfide.

              Hydrogen sulfide is a human poison by inhalation. a severe irritant to the eyes and mucous membranes. An asphyxiant. the irritant action has been explained on the basis that hydrogen sulfide combines with the alkali present in moist surface tissues to form sodium sulfide, a caustic. Hydrogen sulfide does not combine with the hemoglobin of the blood; its asphyxiation is due to paralysis of the respiratory center. It is an insidious poison since sense of smell may be fatigued. The odor and irritating effects do not offer a dependable warning to workers who may be exposed to gradually increasing amounts and therefore become used to it.

              Metallic gallium as well as the nitrate produced no skin injury and subcutaneous injection of relatively large amounts could be tolerated both by rabbits and rats without evidence of injury. It has, however, been demonstrated that gallium remains in the tissues for long periods. (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials)

Acute Effects:

Inhalation: May cause irritation to the nose, throat and mucous membranes.

Ingestion: May cause gastrointestinal irritation.

Skin: May cause severe irritation to moist skin due to the liberation of hydrogen sulfide.

Eye: May cause severe irritation.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation: May cause depression of bone marrow. Prolonged or repeated exposure may cause pneumoconiosis, coma and pulmonary edema.

Ingestion: No chronic health effects recorded.

Skin: May cause dermatitis and depression of bone marrow function.

Eye: No chronic health effects recorded.

Target Organs: May affect the eyes, skin and respiratory system.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure: Pre-existing respiratory disorders.

Carcinogenicity: NTP: No           IARC: No                        OSHA: No

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

INHALATION: Remove to fresh air, keep warm and quiet, give oxygen if breathing is difficult. Seek medical attention.

INGESTION: Give 1-2 glasses of milk or water and induce vomiting, seek medical attention. Never give anything by mouth or induce vomiting in a unconscious person.

SKIN: Remove contaminated clothing, brush material off skin, wash area with soap and water, seek medical attention.

EYE: Flush eyes with lukewarm water, lifting upper and lower eyelids, for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention.

VI         REACTIVITY DATA

Stability: Stable

Conditions to Avoid: None

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid): Water, moisture, steam, acids and oxidizing agents.

Hazardous Decomposition Products: Oxides of sulfur and hydrogen sulfide.

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. Isolate spill area and provide ventilation. Vacuum up the spill using a high efficiency particulate absolute (HEPA) filter and place in a closed container for proper disposal. Take care not to raise dust.

Waste Disposal Method: Dispose of in accordance with applicable Federal, State and Local regulations.

VIII      SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection: Wear NIOSH-approved dust-mist-vapor cartridge respirator.

Ventilation: Use process enclosures, local exhaust ventilation, or other engineering controls to control airborne levels to low exposure levels. Handle in an enclosed, controlled environment. General exhaust is not recommended. Handle in an inert gas such as argon.

Protective Gloves: Butyl or polycarbonate gloves

Eye Protection: Safety goggles

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

IX         SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

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

Other Precautions: Gallium sulfide decomposes to hydrogen sulfide in moist air. Handle and store in a controlled environment and in an 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 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:                  April 2005