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: Cesium
Formula: Cs
CAS Number: 7440-46-2
Chemical Family: Alkali Metal
II. HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS
Hazardous Component: Cesium
%: 0-100
OSHA/PEL: N/E
ACGIH/TLV: N/E
HMIS Ratings: Health: 3 Flammability: 4 Reactivity: 3
III. PHYSICAL DATA
Boiling Point: 669.3 oC
Melting Point: 28.4 oC
Specific Gravity: 1.88 g/cc
Vapor Pressure: 1 mm at 279 oC
Solubility in H2O: Reacts violently
% Volatiles: N/A
Appearance and Odor: Silver-colored metal, no odor
IV. FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA
Flash Point: N/A
Autoignition Temperature: N/E
Explosive Limits: Lower: N/E Upper: N/A
Extinguishing Media: DO NOT USE WATER. Use class D metal fire agent, dry salt or sand.
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.
Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards: DANGEROUS WHEN WET. If involved in a fire, burning metal may produce severely corrosive fumes of cesium oxide and hydroxide. Cesium reacts violently with water, liberating and igniting hydrogen, perhaps explosively. Cesium may ignite spontaneously on contact with air. Pyrophoric metal.
V. HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION
Effects of Exposure:
To the best of our knowledge the chemical, physical and toxicological properties of cesium have not been thoroughly investigated and recorded.
Cesium is highly reactive, especially with moisture. Extremely corrosive to tissue. If cesium ignites, it will cause thermal burns. The metal rapidly forms caustic and highly corrosive alkali hydroxide with evolution of heat. Severe thermal and chemical burns will result at every point of human contact. Cesium compounds may cause hyper-irritability, including spasms, dizziness, abdominal cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions and collapse. Chronic ingestion of cesium has been fatal to laboratory animals, possibly due to the replacement of potassium. Chronic exposure also can have blood and neuromuscular effects.
Acute Effects:
Inhalation: May cause irritation to the upper respiratory system.
Ingestion: Ingestion will cause burns and perforations of the gastrointestinal tract.
Skin: Severe thermal burns, corrosion and ulceration of the skin may occur on direct contact.
Eye: Severe thermal burns, corrosion and ulceration of the eyes may occur on direct contact.
Chronic Effects:
Inhalation: No chronic health effects recorded.
Ingestion: May cause cesium poisoning.
Skin: May cause dermatitis.
Eye: No chronic health effects recorded.
Target Organs: May affect the respiratory system and skin.
Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure: Pre-existing respiratory and skin disorders.
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 immediate medical attention.
INGESTION: Seek medical attention immediately.
SKIN: Immediately shake or brush any material from skin, remove any contaminated clothing, then flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Wash clothing and thoroughly clean shoes before reuse. CALL A PHYSICIAN IN ALL CASES.
EYE: Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, holding eyes open. Get immediate medical attention.
VI. REACTIVITY DATA
Stability: Stable
Conditions to Avoid: Contact with water or air.
Incompatibility (Materials to Avoid): Water, alcohols, oxidizers, halogens, oxygen, carbon dioxide, halogenated halocarbons, sulfur, phosphorus, and mineral acids.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Hydrogen, cesium 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. Keep unprotected persons away. Ensure adequate ventilation. Keep away from ignition sources. Pick up mechanically or vacuum up spill using a high efficiency particulate absolute (HEPA) air filter and place in a closed container for disposal. Do not flush with water or aqueous cleansing agents.
Waste Disposal Method: Material should be disposed of in accordance with local, state and federal regulations.
VIII. SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION
Respiratory Protection: NIOSH approved dust respirator.
Ventilation: Handle in a controlled, enclosed environment. 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 gloves
Eye Protection: Chemical splash proof goggles
Other Protective Clothing or Equipment: Protective gear suitable to prevent contamination.
IX. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage: Cesium metal may have a violent reaction with water, moisture and steam. Handle and store in an enclosed environment. Handle and store in a tightly sealed container under an inert atmosphere of argon. Protect from humidity and water. Keep ignition sources away.
Other Precautions: Keep away from air, water, and incompatible materials. Handle under vacuum or inert gas atmosphere in dry equipment. Keep container tightly closed. Dispose of all reaction residues immediately. Extinguisher should be readily available.
Engineering Controls: A dry metal pan of sufficient size to contain the amount of metal being used should be positioned to catch any spill during handling. Provide a steel pan or steel curbing and flooring under equipment used to handle cesium. No sprinkler system should be installed in area and floor drains should be covered and not trapped. An exhaust fan is recommended to remove fumes in case of fire.
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: 4.3
Identification Number: UN1407
Packing Group: I
Proper Shipping Name: Cesium
Warnings: CORROSIVE. HIGHLY FLAMMABLE
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: April 2006