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

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Product Name:        Calcium Fluoride

Formula:                 CaF₂

CAS Number:           7789-75-5

II.  HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Component:   Calcium Fluoride 

Percent (%):                    0-100

OSHA/PEL:                       2.5 mg(F)/m³ 

TLV/ACGIH:                      2.5 mg(F)/m³ 

HMIS Ratings:  

Health:                              1     

Flammability:                   0   

Reactivity:                        0

III.  PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                  2500 ^oC 

Melting Point:                 1423 ^oC

Specific Gravity:            3.18

Solubility in H₂O:            Insoluble

Appearance and Odor:   White powder or pieces, no odor.

IV.  FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/A 

Autoignition Temperature:  N/A

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

Extinguishing Media:  Use extinguishing media appropriate for surrounding fires.

Special Fire Fighting:  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: When heated to decomposition, calcium fluoride may emit toxic fumes of fluorine.

V.  HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

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

Generally speaking, calcium compounds should be considered toxic only when they contain toxic components or as calcium oxide or hydroxide.  Calcium compounds are common contaminates.

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 ostemalacia.  Large doses may 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.  May cause asthma attacks, excessive salivation, thirst, sweating, vomiting, cholic, diarrhea and lung granulomas.

Ingestion:  Moderately toxic by intravenous route.  May cause gastrointestinal irritation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and cramp-like pain.

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:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Eye:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Primary Routes of Entry:  Inhalation, ingestion, eye contact, skin contact

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

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

Carcinogenicity:  NTP:  No               IARC:  No             OSHA Reg:  No

EMERGENCY FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

INHALATION:  Remove 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, induce vomiting, seek medical attention.  Never give anything by mouth or induce vomiting in an unconscious person.

SKIN:  Remove contaminated clothing, brush material off skin, wash affected area with mild soap and water.  Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

EYE:  Flush eyes with lukewarm water, lifting upper and lower eyelids, for at least 15 minutes.  Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

VI.  REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  None documented

Incompatibility (Materials to Avoid):  Strong acids, oxidizing agents.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Calcium oxides, hydrogen fluoride.

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 Local, State and Federal regulations.

VIII.  SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  NIOSH-approved respirator.

Ventilation:  Use local exhaust to maintain concentration at low exposure levels.  General exhaust is recommended.

Protective Gloves:  Rubber, butyl, neoprene, gloves 

Eye Protection:  Safety glasses.

Laboratory Protective Equipment:  Protective gear suitable to prevent contamination.

IX.  SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage:  Store in cool, dry area.  Keep container tightly closed.  Wash thoroughly after handling.

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.

TSCA Inventory:  Yes

Precautionary Labeling:  WARNING!  CAUSES IRRITATION.  Avoid contact with eyes, skin, clothing.  Keep in tightly closed container.  Wash thoroughly after handling.

DOT Regulations:

Hazard Class:        None

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:                    March 2006