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:     Iron

Formula:              Fe

CAS Number:       7439-89-6

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Components:   Iron

Percent (%):                     0-100

OSHA/PEL:                         N/E

ACGIH/TLV:                       N/E

HMIS Ratings (Solid):

Health:                              0

Flammability:                   0

Reactivity:                        0

HMIS Ratings (Powder):

Health:                             2

Flammability:                  3

Reactivity:                       1

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                    2750 ^oC

Melting Point:                   1535 ^oC

Specific Gravity:              7.86 g/cc

Solubility in H₂O:             Insoluble

Appearance and Odor:    Silver-white solid, grey-black powder, no odor.

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/A

Flammability:  Powder is highly flammable

Explosive Limits:  Lower:  N/A      Upper:  N/A

Extinguishing Media:  For powder, granule, and very thin foils, do not use water, use special powder for metal fires.  For larger solid forms of the metal use extinguishing media appropriate for surrounding 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 & Explosion Hazard:  Iron becomes more reactive as it is more finely divided.  May have an explosive or violent reaction with ammonium nitrate + heat, ammonium peroxodisulfate, chloric acid, chlorine trifluoride, chloroformadinium nitrate.  Reduced iron reacts with water to produce explosive hydrogen gas.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

Iron compounds have varying toxicity.  Some iron compounds are suspected carcinogens.  In general, ferrous compounds are more toxic than ferric compounds.  Acute exposure to excessive levels of ferrous compounds can cause liver and kidney damage, altered respiratory rates and convulsions.  (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, eighth edition)

Iron compounds may cause vomiting, diarrhea, pink urine, black stool, and liver damage.  Iron compounds may also cause damage to the kidneys.  Irritating to the respiratory tract, iron compounds may cause pulmonary fibrosis if dusts are inhaled.

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  Inhalation of dust or powder may cause irritation to the respiratory system and possibly acute iron poisoning.  Large amounts of iron may cause iron pneumoconiosis.

Ingestion:  No acute health effects recorded.

Skin:  May cause irritation.

Eye:  May cause irritation.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  Inhalation of finely divided powder may cause pulmonary fibrosis.  May cause chronic iron poisoning and pathological deposition of iron in the body tissue.

Ingestion:  May cause damage to the liver.

Skin:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Eye:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Target Organs:  May affect the liver and kidney.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure:  Pre-existing respiratory 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, seek medical attention.

INGESTION:  Give 1-2 glasses of water or milk and induce vomiting, seek medical attention.  Never induce vomiting or give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.

SKIN:  Flush with water and wash with mild soap and water.  Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

EYE:  Flush with water, including under upper and lower eyelid, for at least 15 minutes.  Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

VI.   REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  Water/moisture

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid):  Acids, halogens, oxidizing agents, air, water/moisture.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Metal oxide fume, hydrogen gas.

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.  Provide adequate ventilation.  Carefully vacuum up using a high efficiency particulate absolute (HEPA) air filter and place in a closed container for proper disposal.  Take care not to raise dust.  Keep away from ignition sources.

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