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:       Chromium Oxide

Formula:                Cr₂O₃

CAS Number:          1308-38-9

II.  HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Components:    Chromium Oxide 

Percent (%):                       0-100

OSHA PEL:                           0.5 mg(Cr)/m³ 

ACGIH/TLV:                         0.5 mg(Cr)/m³

HMIS Ratings:   

Health:                                 2

Flammability:                      0    

Reactivity:                            1

III.  PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                        4000 ^oC

Melting Point:                       2266 +/-25 ^oC

Specific Gravity:                   5.21 g/cc

Solubility in H₂O:                  Insoluble

Appearance and Odor:         Green powder and 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 material and type of fire.

Special Fire Fighting Procedures:  Firefighters must wear full face, self-contained breathing apparatus with full protective clothing ot prevent contact with skin and eyes.

Unusual Fire & Explosion Hazard:  When heated to decomposition this material may emit toxic metal oxide fumes.  Chromium oxide is a powerful oxidizer.  May have a violent reaction with ClF₃.  May have an explosive reaction with glycerol.

V.  HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure

To the best of our knowledge the chemical, physical, and toxicological properties of chromium oxide have not been thoroughly investigated and reported.

Chromium powder, chromium (II), and chromium (III) compounds may cause nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, skin and eye irritation and pneumoconiosis.  Although less likely than chromium (VI) compounds, the NTP considers all chromium to be potentially carcinogenic.

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  Toxic by inhalation and severe irritant to the mucous membranes.

Ingestion:  Toxic by ingestion, may cause gastrointestinal disorders.

Skin:  Severe skin irritant.

Eye:  Severe eye irritant.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause chronic bronchitis and pneumoconiosis.

Ingestion:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Skin:  May cause sensitization.

Eye:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Target Organs:  May affect the respiratory system.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure:  Pre-existing respiratory disorders, pulmonary functions and asthma.

Carcinogenicity:  Not classifiable as to carcinogenicity in humans.

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:  Give 1-2 glasses of milk or water and induce vomiting.  Seek immediate medical advice.  Never induce vomiting or give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.

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

EYES:  Flush eyes with plenty of 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:  Dusting.

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid):  Lithium, glycerol, oxidizing agents, acids, interhalogens, bases.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Toxic metal oxide fume.

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 applicable Federal, State and Local regulations.

VIII.  SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  Respiratory protection required if airborne concentration exceeds TLV.  At concentrations up to 1 ppm, a dust/mist respirator is recommended.  Above this level, a self-contained breathing apparatus is advised.

Ventilation:  Handle in a controlled, enclosed environement.  Use local exhaust ventilation to meet PEL’s and TLV’s.  General exhaust is not recommended.

Protective Gloves:  Impervious gloves

Face Protection:  Safety goggles

Other Protective Equipment:  Protective gear suitable to prevent contamination.

IX.  SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage:  Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place.  Do not store together with oxidizing and acidic materials.  Wash thoroughly after handling.

Other Precautions:  WARNING! Harmful If Swallowed or Inhaled.  May cause sensitization by skin contact.  Read material safety data sheet before using.  Avoid contact with eyes, skin, clothing.  Avoid breathing dust.  Keep in tightly closed container.  Use with adequate ventilation.  Wash throughly 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.

EINECS Listed:  Yes

TSCA Listed:  Yes

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

Revised/Verified:       December 2011