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MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

I            PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION

Trade Name:      Germanium Oxide                                                                                     Formula:            GeO₂

Synonyms:          Germania, germanic acid, germanium dioxide, germanium (VI) oxide    CAS #:                1310-53-8

II           HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Components       %            OSHA/PEL        ACGIH/TLV             Sec. 302               Sec. 304               Sec. 313

Germanium Oxide                  0-100      N/E                      N/E                             No                       No                       No

HMIS Ratings (0-4): Health: 2    Flammability: 0 Reactivity: 0   Protective Equipment: E: glasses, gloves, dust respirator

III         PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                   N/E or N/A                                                                   Melting Point:                  N/E or N/A

Solubility in H₂O:            Both insoluble and soluble forms                                 Specific Gravity:              4.70 gm/cc at 18 ^oC

Appearance and Odor:    White crystalline powder or pieces, no odor.               % Volatile:                       N/E or N/A

IV         FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point: N/E or N/A                                                                                        Method Used: Non-flammable

Explosive Limits: Lower: N/A     Upper: N/A

Extinguishing Media: Use extinguishing method appropriate for surrounding fire.

Special Fire Fighting Procedures: Wear a NIOSH/MSHA approved self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing to prevent contact with skin and eyes.

Unusual Fire & Explosion Hazard: When heated to decomposition, germanium oxide may emit acrid smoke and irritating fumes.

V           HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

              Germanium compounds are considered to be of a low order of toxicity, but rare instances of poisoning have been reported in the literature. Experimental LD50 values are typically about 100-1000 mg/kg for parenteral route and 500-5000 mg/kg for ingestion. The animals suffer from hypothermia, diarrhea, and respiratory, and cardiac failure. (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, eighth edition.)

Acute Effects:

Inhalation: Inhaled dust is rapidly absorbed. May cause irritation to the respiratory tract and acute germanium toxicity.

Ingestion: No acute health effects recorded.

Skin: Moderately toxic by subcutaneous route. May cause irritation.

Eye: May cause irritation.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation: May cause chronic germanium toxicity.

Other: No other chronic effects recorded.

Target Organs: No target organs recorded.

Carcinogenicity: NTP: No           IARC: No          OSHA: No

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

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

INHALATION: Remove to fresh air, if not breathing give artificial respiration, if breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

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

SKIN: Immediately wash skin with soap and copious amounts of water. Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.

EYES: Immediately flush eyes with copious amounts of water for at least 15 minutes.

VI         REACTIVITY DATA

Stability: Stable

Conditions to Avoid: None

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid): Strong oxidizing agents.

Hazardous Decomposition Products: Nature of decomposition products not known.

Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur.

VII        SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES

Steps to Be Taken in Case Material Is Released or Spilled: Wear respirator, chemical safety goggles, rubber boots and heavy rubber gloves. Sweep or vacuum up using a high efficiency particulate absolute (HEPA) air filter and place in a bag and hold for waste disposal. Avoid raising dust. Ventilate area and wash spill site after material pickup is complete.

Waste Disposal Method: Observe all Federal, State and Local Environmental regulations.

VIII      SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection (Specify Type): Use a NIOSH/MSHA approved dust mask under dusting conditions.

Ventilation: Provide adequate exhaust to maintain concentration at low levels.

Protective Gloves: Rubber gloves

Eye Protection: Safety glasses.

Other Protective Equipment: Protective gear suitable to prevent contamination.

IX         SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage: Provide adequate ventilation. Store in tightly sealed container. Wash thoroughly after handling.

Hazard Labels: Harmful. Harmful if swallowed. Irritating to eyes.

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 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 damages resulting from handling or from contact with the above product.

Issued by:            S. Dierks

Date:                    July 2004