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:    Rubidium

Formula:              Rb

CAS Number:       7440-17-7

II.  HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Component:   Rubidium 

Percent (%):                    0-100 

OSHA/PEL:                       N/E 

ACGIH/TLV:                     N/E

HMIS Ratings:

Health:                             3

Flammability:                   4

Reactivity:                        3

III.  PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                   688 ^oC

Melting Point:                  38.9 ^oC

Specific Gravity:              1.532 g/cc

Solubility in H₂O:             Reacts violently with water.

Appearance and Odor:     Silver-white solid, no odor

IV.  FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/A

Flammability:  Flammable solid

Autoignition Temperature:  N/E

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

Extinguishing Media:  DO NOT USE WATER.  Use Class D metal fire agent, dry salt or sand.

Special Fire Fighting Procedures:  Firefighters must wear NIOSH approved positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus and fully protective impervious suit.

Unusual Fire & Explosion Hazards:  DANGEROUS WHEN WET.  Reacts with water, moisture or steam to form flammable and explosive hydrogen gas.  Dangerous fire and explosion hazard when exposed to heat or flame or by chemical reaction with oxidizing agents.  Ignites on contact with air, oxygen and halogens.  May react with mercury, phosphorous, non-metals, vanadium chloride oxide and acids.  Explodes in contact with liquid bromine.  When heated to decomposition, rubidium metal may emit toxic fumes of Rb₂O.

V.  HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

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

The toxicity of rubidium compounds is generally due to the anion.  Rubidium has been reported to replace potassium in animals studies.  Indications are that overexposure could lead to muscle and red blood cell accumulation with possible neuromuscular effects, hyper irritability and muscle spasms.  No cases of industrial injury have been reported.

Rubidium reacts readily with moisture to form rubidium hydroxide which is severely corrosive to tissue.  Corrosive materials are acutely destructive to the respiratory tract, eyes, skin and digestive tract.  Eye contact may result in permanent damage and complete vision loss.  Inhalation may result in respiratory effects such as inflammation, edema, and chemical pneumonitis.  May cause coughing, wheezing, laryngitis, shortness of breath, headache, nausea, and vomiting.  Ingestion may cause damage to the mouth, throat and esophagus.  May cause skin burns or irritation depending on the severity of the exposure.

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause irritation to the respiratory system.

Ingestion:  Ingestion will cause burns and perforations of the gastrointestinal tract.  May cause ataxia and hyper-irritability.

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:  No data

Carcinogenicity:  NTP:  No            IARC:  No             OSHA:  No

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

INHALATION:  Remove the victim to fresh air and seek medical attention if coughing, shortness of breath or irritation persists.

INGESTION:  Seek medical attention immediately.  Keep the victim calm.  Give the victim water (only if conscious).  Induce vomiting only if directed by medical personnel.

SKIN:  Wash the affected area with soap and water for at least 15 minutes.  Remove contaminated clothing.  Seek medical assistance if irritation persists.

EYES:  In case of contact immediately flush the eyes with water for at least 15 minutes.  A victim may need assistance in keeping their eyelids open.  Get immediate medical attention.

VI.  REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Moisture sensitive, pyrophoric.

Conditions to Avoid:  Contact with water or air.

Incompatibility (Materials to Avoid):  Water/moisture, steam, alcohols, oxidizers, oxygen, carbon dioxide, halogens, halocarbons, acids, liquid bromine, mercury, phosphorus, vanadium chloride oxide.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Flammable hydrogen with moisture, caustic oxide with air.

Hazardous Polymerization:  Will not occur.

VII.  SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES

Steps to be Taken in Case Material is Released or Spilled:  The material will ignite spontaneously in air.  Burning material may release toxic fumes.  Leave the area unless fitted with a self-contained breathing apparatus.  Smother fire with dry powder.  Do not use water.  Ensure adequate ventilation.  Sweep or scoop up and place in a sealed 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:  Wear a NIOSH/MSHA approved respirator.

Ventilation:  Handle under dry protective gas.  Handle in an efficient fume hood.

Protective Gloves:  Rubber gloves

Eye Protection:  Always wear approved chemical splash proof goggles.

Other Protective Equipment:  Protective work clothing.

IX.  SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions To Be Taken in Handling and Storing:  Handle under dry protective gas.  Keep container tightly sealed.  Store in a cool, dry place in tightly closed containers.  Ensure good ventilation at the workplace.  Store away from water/moisture.  Store away from oxidizing agents.  Do not store together with acids.  Store away from halogens.

Other Precautions:  The material will react with air and moisture.  Handle and store the material under an inert atmosphere of nitrogen or argon.  Protect from humidity and water.  Keep ignition sources away.

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 the 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.

DOT Regulations:

Hazard Class:                    4.3

Identification Number:     UN1423

Packing Group:                  I

Proper Shipping Name:     Rubidium

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:         July 2011