MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
I. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION
Manufacturer/Supplier:
ESPI Metals
1050 Benson Way, Ashland, OR 97520
Toll Free (800) 638-2581 * Fax (541) 488-8313
E-Mail: sales@espimetals.com
Trade Name: Niobium Fluoride
Formula: NbF5
Synonyms: Niobium pentafluoride, niobium (V) fluoride
CAS #: 7783-68-8
II. HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS
Hazardous Component: Niobium Fluoride
%: 0-100
OSHA/PEL: 2.5 mg(F)/m3
ACGIH/TLV: 2.5 mg(F)/m3
HMIS Ratings: Health: 4 Flammability: 0 Reactivity: 2 Personal Protection: J: goggles, gloves, apron, respirator
III. PHYSICAL DATA
Boiling Point: 236 oC
Melting Point: 72-73 oC
Specific Gravity: 3.293 g/cc
Vapor Density: N/A
Vapor Pressure: N/A
Solubility in H2O: Decomposes
Appearance and Odor: Colorless, hygroscopic powder, pieces, no odor
% Volatiles: N/E or N/A
IV. FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA
Flash Point (Method Used): N/A
Autoignition Temperature: N/A
Flammable Limits: Upper: N/A Lower: 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 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: When heated to decomposition, niobium fluoride may emit toxic fumes of fluorine. Contact with acids or water may produce hydrogen fluoride.
V. HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION
Effects of Exposure:
To the best of our knowledge the physical, chemical and toxicological properties of niobium fluoride have not been thoroughly investigated and recorded.
Niobium compounds have caused liver damage in animal studies. Niobium metal has caused kidney damage in laboratory animals via intravenous route and fibrogenic effects in laboratory animals via intratracheal route.
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 cause 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: SEVERE IRRITANT AND CORROSIVE to the respiratory tract and mucous membranes. May cause asthma attacks, excessive salivation, thirst, sweating, vomiting, colic, diarrhea and lung granulomas.
Ingestion: SEVERE IRRITANT AND CORROSIVE. May cause gastrointestinal irritation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and cramp-like pains.
Skin: SEVERE IRRITANT AND CORROSIVE. May cause rashes and skin granulomas.
Eyes: SEVERE IRRITANT AND CORROSIVE.
Chronic Effects:
Inhalation: May cause damage to the kidneys, fluorosis, pulmonary fibrosis and severe bone changes.
Ingestion: May affect the circulatory, enzyme and nervous system.
Skin: Severe irritant and corrosive.
Eye: Severe irritant and corrosive.
Target Organs: May affect the skeleton, kidneys, central nervous system, respiratory system, eyes and skin.
Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure: Can 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 immediately.
INGESTION: Do not induce vomiting. Seek medical attention immediately.
SKIN: Remove contaminated clothing, brush material off skin, wash with soap and water, seek medical attention immediately.
EYES: Flush eyes with lukewarm water, including under eyelids, for at least 15 minutes, seek medical attention immediately.
VI. REACTIVITY DATA
Stability: Stable
Conditions to Avoid: Water/moisture
Incompatibility (Material to Avoid): Strong acids, oxidizing agents, water and moisture.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Metal oxide fumes, fumes of fluorine and hydrofluoric acid.
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. 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.
VIII. SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION
Respiratory Protection: NIOSH approved dust-mist-vapor cartridge respirator.
Ventilation: Handle in an enclosed, controlled process. Handle in an inert gas such as argon. Use local exhaust to maintain concentration at low exposure levels. General exhaust is not recommended
Protective Gloves: Rubber, butyl, neoprene gloves
Eye Protection: Safety goggles.
Other Protective Gear: Protective gear suitable to prevent contamination.
IX. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage: Store in tightly sealed container. Store in cool, dry area. Wash thoroughly after handling.
Other Precautions: Niobium fluoride decomposes in water and moisture. Handle and store in a controlled atmosphere 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 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.
DOT Regulations:
Hazard Class: 8
Identification Number: UN2923
Packing Group: II
Proper Shipping Name: Corrosive solid, toxic, n.o.s. (Niobium Pentafluoride)
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: November 2006