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:      Hafnium Fluoride

Formula:               HfF₄

CAS Number:        13709-52-9

II.  HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Component:     Hafnium Fluoride 

Percent (%):                      0-100 

OSHA PEL:                          0.5 mg Hf/m³ 

ACGIH TLV:                         0.5 mg Hf/m³

HMIS Ratings:   

Health:                               3   

Flammability:                    0     

Reactivity:                         3       

III.  PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                    N/E

Melting Point:                   N/E

Specific Gravity:              N/E

Solubility in H₂O:              N/E

Appearance and Odor:     White lump, odor not determined

IV.  FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/A

Autoignition Temperature:  No data

Explosive Limits:  Lower:  N/E          Upper:  N/E

Extinguishing Media:  Use suitable extinguishing agent 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 and Explosion Hazards:  When heated to decomposition hafnium fluoride may emit toxic fumes of hydrogen fluoride and metal oxide fumes.

V.  HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

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

Hafnium and hafnium compounds may be irritating to the skin and eyes.  There are reports of liver damage from hafnium exposure.

Fluorides may cause salivation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain, followed by weakness, tremors, shallow respiration, convulsions and coma.  May cause brain and kidney damage.  Chronic fluoride poisoning can cause severe bone changes, loss of weight, anorexia, anemia and dental defects.

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. 

Eye:  SEVERE IRRITANT AND CORROSIVE.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause fluorosis, pulmonary fibrosis and severe bone changes.

Ingestion:  May affect the liver, circulatory, enzyme and nervous system.

Skin:  Severe irritant and corrosive.

Eye:  Severe irritant and corrosive.

Carcinogenicity:  NTP?  No         IARC Monographs?  No        OSHA Regulated?  No

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure:  Pre-existing respiratory and skin disorders.

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 affected area with mild soap and water; seek medical attention immediately.

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

VI.  REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid (Instability):  None

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid):  Acids, water/moisture

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Hydrogen fluoride, 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-Control Measures.  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 to raise dust.

Waste Disposal Method:  Dispose of in accordance with Local, State and Federal regulations

VIII.  SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection (Specify Type):  NIOSH approved dust-mist-vapor cartridge respirator.

Ventilation:  Use local exhaust to maintain concentration at or below the PEL, TLV.  Mechanical (general) exhaust is not recommended.  Special:  Handle in an enclosed, controlled environment.  Other:  Handle in an inert gas such as argon.

Protective Gloves:  Rubber, neoprene or nitrile gloves

Eye Protection:  Safety goggles

Other Protective Clothing or Equipment:  Protective gear suitable to prevent contamination.

IX.  SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storing:  Protect from humidity and water.  Keep container tightly sealed.  Store in cool, dry conditions in well sealed containers.  Do not store together with acids.  Handle and store in a controlled environment and in an inert gas such as argon.

Work Practices:  Implement engineering and work practice to reduce and maintain concentration 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.

DOT Regulations:

Hazard Class:                    6.1

Identification Number:     UN3290

Packing Group:                 II

Proper Shipping Name:    Toxic solid, corrosive, inorganic, n.o.s., (hafnium fluoride)

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.

Prepared by:          S. Dierks

Dated:                   March 2005