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:     Brass

Synonyms:           Copper Alloy C23000, C24000, C26000, C36000

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Components:    Copper                Zinc                           Aluminum

CAS Number:                      7440-50-8            7440-66-6                  7429-90-5

Percent:                              70-95                  5-30                          <2

ACGIH/TLV:                        1 mg/m³             10 mg/m³                  10 mg/m³

OSHA/PEL:                          1 mg/m³             10 mg/m³ (dust),        15 mg/m³ (dust), 

                                                                      5 mg/m³ (resp)          5 mg/m³ (resp)

 * As Zinc Oxide dust

HMIS Ratings:

Health:             1

Flammability:  2

Reactivity:       1

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                     N/E or N/A

Melting Point:                    Approx. 930 ^oC

Specific Gravity:               8.4 - 8.75 g/cc

Solubility in H₂O:               Insoluble

Appearance and Odor:      Copper colored, no odor.

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD DATA

Flash Point:  N/A

Autoignition Temperature:  N/E or N/A

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

Extinguishing Media:  Powder:  Special powder for metal fires.  Do not use water.  Solid:  Use suitable extinguishing media for surrounding material 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.

Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazard:  In case of fire, may release toxic metal oxide fume.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

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

Copper compounds may be irritating to the skin, eyes and respiratory tract.  They may cause metal fume fever, hemolysis of the red blood cells and injury to the liver, lungs, kidneys and pancreas.  Ingestion may also cause vomiting, gastric pain, dizziness, anemia, cramps, convulsions, shock, coma and death.

If exposed to excessively high temperatures, zinc metal fumes 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.

Aluminum may be implicated in Alzheimers disease.  Inhalation of aluminum containing dusts may cause pulmonary disease.  Aluminum metallic powder is an eye and mucous membrane irritant.

Target Organs:  Respiratory system, nasal septum, skin, eyes, gastrointestinal, kidneys, liver, cardiovascular system.

Carcinogenicity:  NTP:  No               IARC:  No             OSHA:  No

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

INHALATION:  Move the exposed person to fresh air at once.  If breathing has stopped, perform artificial respiration.  Keep the affected person warm and at rest.  Get medical attention as soon as possible.

INGESTION:  Emergency treatment - dilute with water or milk.  Remove by gastric lavage (i.e. stomach tube) unless patient is vomiting.  Get medical attention as soon as possible.

SKIN:  Flush contaminated skin with water.  Get medical attention if irritation occurs/persists.

EYE:  Immediately wash the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper eyelids.  Seek medical attention immediately.  Contact lenses should not be worn.

VI.   REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Incompatibility (Materials to Avoid):  Strong alkalies, chlorates, bromates, amines, mineral acids, ammonium salts, potassium nitrate, selenium, sodium peroxide, hydrogen peroxide, sulfur, tellurium, carbon disulfide, chlorine, chlorine trifluoride, chromic anhydride, fluorine, magnesium, iodates, oxides, nitrates, nitrites, chlorides, palladium, manganese, magnesium plus potassium chlorate, sodium carbonate, sulfates, diborane, chlorinated hydrocarbons.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Decomposition may yield hydrogen and noxious copper and zinc compounds.

Hazardous Polymerization:  Will not occur.

VII.   SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES

Steps to Be Taken in Case Material is Released or Spilled:  (Powder) Wear appropriate respiratory and protective equipment specified in section VIII.  Isolate spill area and provide ventilation.  Scoop or 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 State, Federal and Local regulations.

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  (Powder) Use suitable respirator when high concentrations are present.

Ventilation:  (Powder) Use local exhaust to maintain concentration of exposure at low levels.  General exhaust is recommended.

Protective Gloves:  Impervious gloves

Eye Protection:  Safety goggles with side shields.

Other Protective Equipment:  Protective work clothing.

IX.   SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage:  Store in a cool, dry place in tightly closed containers.  Keep ignition sources away.  Protect from electrostatic charges.  Ensure good ventilation at the workplace.  Take care not to raise dust.  Wash thoroughly after handling. 

Other Precautions:  Store away from oxidizing agents.  Do not store together with acids.

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.

Hazard Description (Powder):  Irritant.  Highly Flammable

TSCA Listed:       Yes

DOT Regulations:

Solid Forms:

         Hazard Class:                     None

Powder:

         Hazard Class:                     4.1

         Identification Number:      UN3089

         Packing Group:                  II

         Proper Shipping Name:     Metal powder, flammable, n.o.s. (brass 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 damage resulting from handling or from contact with the above product.

Issued by:                           S. Dierks

Revised/Verified:                  March 2010