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

E-Mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Product Name:     Zinc

Formula:              Zn

CAS Number:       7440-66-6

II.  HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Component:     Zinc 

Percent (%):                     0-100 

OSHA/PEL:                         N/A 

ACGIH/TLV:                        N/A 

HMIS Ratings (Powder):

Health:                               0

Flammability:                    2

Reactivity:                         2

HMIS Ratings (Solid):

Health:                               0                                                                                              

Flammability:                    0

Reactivity:                         0

III.  PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                     907 ^oC

Melting Point:                    419.58 ^oC

Specific Gravity:               7.14 g/cc at 20 ^oC

Solubility in H₂O:              Insoluble

Appearance and Odor:     Bluish White Metal, Odorless.

IV.  FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point (Method used):  N/A

Autoignition Temperature:  N/A

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

Extinguishing Media:  Special powder for metal fires, limestone powder, dry sand.  DO NOT USE WATER.

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

Unusual Fire & Explosion Hazard:  Not normally flammable, moderate hazard in form of dust when exposed to heat or flame.  Contact of water with hot metal or powder may liberate explosive hydrogen.  Dust may form explosive mixture with air.  Reacts with most acids to produce hydrogen gas, which can form an explosive  mixture with air.

Toxic Gases Produced:  Zinc fumes, hydrogen

V.  HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Over Exposure:

To the best of our knowledge the acute and chronic toxicity of this substance is not fully known.  Zinc is generally of low toxicity.  Heated metal may evolve zinc fume and oxide causing "Zinc Shakes".  Zinc fumes may cause metal fume fever.  Effects include dry throat, metallic taste, chest pain, dyspnea, rales and dry cough.  Several hours later, chills may occur with lassitude, malaise, fatigue, headache, back pain, muscle cramps, blurred vision, nausea, fever, perspiration, vomiting and leukocytosis.

Acute and Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  Irritation of upper respiratory tract, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chills, fever, aching muscles.

Ingestion:  Headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, gastrointestinal irritation. 

Skin:  Prolonged contact may cause dermatitis.

Eye:  Powder  is irritating to eyes.

Target Organs:  Respiratory system, lungs, pulmonary system, skin.

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

Carcinogenicity:  EPA:  No            IARC:  No             NTP:  No               OSHA:  No                ACGIH:  No

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

INHALATION:  Supply fresh air.  If required, provide artificial respiration.  Keep patient warm, seek immediate medical advice.

INGESTION:  Seek medical treatment.

SKIN:  Immediately wash with soap and water and rinse thoroughly.  Seek immediate medical advice.

EYE:  Rinse opened eye for several minutes under running water.  Then consult a doctor.

VI.  REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  Moisture, dusting

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid):  Ammines, water/moisture, acids, oxidizing agents, bases, acid chlorides.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Contact with acids may liberate H₂ or NOx.

Hazardous Polymerization:  Will not occur.

VII.  SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES

Steps to be Taken in Case Material is Released or Spilled:  Wear suitable protective clothing.  Keep unprotected persons away.  Ensure adequate ventilation.  Carefully sweep up and remove.

Waste Disposal Method:  In accordance with Local, State and Federal Waste Disposal Regulations.

VIII.  SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection (Specify Type):  Particulate respirator if dust or fume is generated.

Ventilation:  Use chemical fume hood when working with powder or under dusting conditions.

Protective Gloves:  Proper gloves are recommended.

Eye Protection:  Safety goggles.

Other Protective Equipment:  Normal labwear

IX.  SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage:  Keep container tightly closed.  Suitable for any general chemical storage area, but keep powdered zinc dry and away from strong oxidizing materials and other incompatibilities.

Other Precautions:  Avoid creating dust.

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 and 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 Listed:       Yes

DOT Regulations:

Solid Forms:

          Hazard Class:                  None

Powders:

          Hazard Class:                   4.3

          Identification Number:    UN1436

          Packing Group:                 III

          Proper Shipping Name:    Zinc powder

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 damages resulting from handling or from contact with the above product.

Issued by:             Steve Dierks

Date:                    August 2007