ELECTRONIC SPACE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL

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MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

I            PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION

Trade Name:                    Magnesium Fluoride                                                     Chemical Family:             Metal halide

Formula:                           MgF₂                                                                             CAS #:                               7783-40-6

Molecular Weight:           62.31

II           HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

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

Magnesium Fluoride               0-100      2.5 mg(F)/m³              2.5 mg(F)/m³                     No                       No                       No

HMIS Ratings: Health: 2             Flammability: 0               Reactivity: 0

III         PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                   2239 ^oC                                                                         Melting Point:                  1261 ^oC

Specific Gravity:              2.9 - 3.2 g/cc                                                                 Vapor Pressure:               N/A

Solubility in H₂O:            Soluble                                                                          % Volatiles:                      N/E or N/A          

Appearance and Odor:    Clear to white powder or pieces, no odor.

IV         FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point (Method used): N/A                                                                          Autoignition Temperature: N/A

Flammable Limits: Lower: N/A  Upper: N/A

Extinguishing Media: Use suitable extinguishing media for surrounding materials and type of fire.

Special Firefighting 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 & Explosion: When heated to decomposition magnesium fluoride may emit toxic fumes of fluorine and magnesium oxide.

V           HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

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

              Magnesium compounds have variable toxicity. There is no evidence that magnesium produces true systemic poisoning. Particles of metallic magnesium or magnesium alloy which perforate the skin or gain entry through cuts and scratches ma produce a severe local lesion characterized by the evolution of gas and acute inflammatory reaction, frequently with necrosis.

              Inorganic fluorides are generally highly irritating and toxic. Chronic fluorine poisoning, or “fluorosis,” occurs among miners of cryolite, and consists of sclerosis of the bones, caused by fixation of the calcium by fluorine. There may also be some calcification of the ligaments., The teeth are mottled, and there is osteosclerosis and osteomalacia. Large doses can cause very severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, aggravate attacks of asthma and severe bone changes, making normal movements painful. Some signs of pulmonary fibrosis are noted. Some enzyme system effects are reported. Irritants to the eyes, skin and mucous membranes. Loss of weight, anorexia, anemia, wasting and cachexia and dental defects are among the common findings in chronic fluorine poisoning. There may be an eosinophilia and impairment of growth in young workers. Symptoms of intoxication include gastric, intestinal, circulatory, respiratory and nervous complaints and rashes. (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials)

Acute Effects: 

Inhalation: May cause irritation to the respiratory tract and mucous membranes, asthma attacks, excessive salivation, thirst, sweating, vomiting, colic, diarrhea and lung granulomas.

Ingestion: Moderately toxic by ingestion. May cause gastrointestinal irritation, severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration and thirst, muscle weakness, lethargy, cramp-like pains and central nervous system depression.

Skin: May cause irritation, rashes and skin granulomas.

Eye: May cause irritation.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation: May cause fluorosis, pulmonary fibrosis and severe bone changes.

Ingestion: May affect the circulatory, enzyme and nervous system.

Skin: May cause dermatitis.

Eye: No chronic health effects recorded.

Target Organs: May affect the skeleton, kidneys, central nervous system, respiratory system, eyes and skin.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure: May cause or aggravate attacks of asthma.

Carcinogenicity: NTP: No           IARC: No          OSHA: No

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

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. Never induce vomiting or give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.

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

EYE: Flush with plenty of water, lifting upper and lower eyelids, for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.

VI         REACTIVITY DATA

Stability: Stable

Conditions to Avoid: None

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid): Strong acids.

Hazardous Decomposition Products: Fumes of fluorine and magnesium oxide.

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 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: Dispose of in accordance with all Federal, State and Local regulations.

VIII      SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection: NIOSH-approved dust, mist, fume respirator.

Ventilation: Use local exhaust to maintain concentration at or below PEL, TLV. General exhaust is recommended.

Protective Gloves: Neoprene

Eye/Face Protection: Safety glasses

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

IX         SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage: Store in a cool, dry area. Store in a tightly sealed container. Wash thoroughly after handling. Prevent skin contact. May cause burns if moisture is present.

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:                  August 2004