ELECTRONIC SPACE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL
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MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
I PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION
Trade Name: Antimony Synonym: Stibium
Chemical Nature: Metallic element Formula: Sb
CAS #: 7440-36-0 Molecular Weight: 121.75
II HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS
Hazardous Component % OSHA/PEL ACGIH/TLV SARA Title III Sec. 313
Antimony 0-100 0.5 mg/m3 0.5 mg/m3 Yes
HMIS Ratings: Health: 2 Flammability: 0 Reactivity: 0
III PHYSICAL DATA
Boiling Point: 1750 oC Melting Point: 630.5 oC
Specific Gravity: 6.684 g/cc @ 25 oC Vapor Density: N/A
Vapor Pressure: N/E % Volatiles: N/A
Appearance and Odor: Silver grey metal, no odor. Solubility in H2O: Insoluble
IV FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA
Flash Point: N/A Autoignition Temperature: N/E
Flammable Limits: Upper: N/E Lower: N/E
Extinguishing Media: Do not use halogenated extinguishers or water. Smother flames with dry powdered dolomite or other suitable dry powdered extinguishing agents.
Special Fire Fighting Procedures: Firefighters must wear full face, self-contained breathing apparatus with full protective clothing to prevent contact with skin and eyes.
Unusual Fire & Explosion Hazard: In solid form, antimony is not readily flammable. If ground to a powder, or if vapors are produced, it presents a moderate fire and explosion hazard. In case of fire antimony oxide fume may be released.
V HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION
Effects of Exposure:
To the best of our knowledge the chemical, physical and toxicological properties of antimony have not been thoroughly investigated and recorded.
Antimony and its compounds are irritating to the skin and mucous membranes and are systemic poisons. Effects are reported to include a metallic taste in the mouth, vomiting, colic, loss of appetite and weight, and diarrhea. In addition, dermatitis may result which starts as an inflammation of the hair follicles and can progress through pus formation and sloughing to leave a contracted scar.
Acute Effects:
Inhalation: Inhalation may cause upper respiratory tract irritation and systemic poisoning with symptoms including abdominal pain, nausea, dizziness and dry throat.
Ingestion: May cause severe irritation of lining of stomach and intestines.
Skin: Dermatitis may result from repeated skin contact with antimony compounds.
Eye: May cause severe eye irritation.
Chronic Effects: Liver and kidney abnormalities or pneumonitis may result from chronic antimony exposure. Some animal studies indicate that inhalation of antimony trioxide may pose an increased risk of lung cancer. Chronic inhalation of antimony trioxide is reported to produce a reduction in white blood cells and damage to the liver.
Primary Routes of Entry: Ingestion
Carcinogenicity: IARC classifies Antimony Trioxide as a Group 2B carcinogen (possibly carcinogenic to humans).
Medical Conditions Possibly Aggravated by Exposure: Disease of the lung, kidney, liver and nervous system.
EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:
INHALATION: Remove to fresh air; if required provide artificial respiration, keep patient warm and quiet. Seek immediate medical attention.
INGESTION: Give 1-2 glasses of water and induce vomiting. Never induce vomiting or give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Seek immediate medical attention.
SKIN: Remove contaminated clothing from affected area, brush material off skin. Wash well with mild soap and water. Seek immediate medical advice.
EYE: Flush well with running water to remove particulate. Consult a physician.
VI REACTIVITY DATA
Stability: Stable
Conditions to Avoid: Thermal decomposition
Incompatibility (Material to Avoid): Strong acids, bases, nascent hydrogen or reducing agents, oxidizing agents.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: At temperatures above the melting point, metal oxide fumes may be evolved. Under reducing conditions (i.e. any strong acid or base plus an active metal) or in the presence of nascent hydrogen, highly toxic stibine gas may be evolved. With nitric acid may emit NOx; with other acids may emit toxic antimony hydride or stibine. Use adequate hood facilities.
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. Scoop or 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 State, Federal and Local regulations.
VIII SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION
Respiratory Protection (Specify Type): Where airborne exposures may exceed OSHA/ACGIH permissible air concentrations, the minimum respiratory protection recommended is negative pressure air purifying respirator with cartridges that are NIOSH/MSHA approved against dusts, fumes and mists having a TWA less than 0.05 mg/m3
Ventilation: Local exhaust - melt metal under hood with inert gas cover. Mechanical - use filters to trap oxide smoke generated.
Protective Gloves: Rubber for chemical treatment; high temperature for melting.
Eye/Face Protection: Safety glasses recommended where the possibility of getting dust particles in eyes exists.
Other Clothing and Equipment: Full protective clothing is recommended for exposures that exceed permissible air concentrations. All contaminated clothing should be removed before leaving plant premises.
IX SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
Special Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage: Keep container tightly sealed. Store in cool, dry place in tightly closed containers. Ensure good ventilation at the work place. Keep ignition sources away from finely divided powders. Avoid storage near acids, bases or reducing agents. Do not store together with oxidizing materials.
Other Precautions: Local exhaust ventilation is recommended for dust and/or fume generating operations where airborne exposures may exceed permissible air concentrations. Use of approved respirators is required for applications where adequate ventilation cannot be provided. Activities which generate dust or fume should be avoided. When melted, the temperature should be kept as low as possible.
DOT Regulations: This material is only regulated by the DOT if in a powder form with a particle size <100 microns. The Reportable Quantity(RQ) is 1 pound.
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
Date: December 2004