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:     Bronze

Synonyms:           Copper Alloy C22000, Commercial Bronze

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Components:    Copper              Zinc                Lead                  Iron

CAS Number:                       7440-50-8         7440-66-6       7439-92-1          7439-89-6

Percent (%):                       89-91                8.9-10.9          0-0.05               0-0.05

OSHA/PEL:                          0.1 mg/m³         5 mg/m³        0.05 mg/m³       10 mg/m³

ACGIH/TLV:                         1 mg/m³           5 mg/m³         0.15 mg/m³       5 mg/m³

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                    Approx 1400 ^oC

Melting Point:                   1045 ^oC

Specific Gravity:              8.80 g/cc

Solubility in H₂O:             Insoluble

Appearance and Odor:    Pale golden color, no odor.

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD DATA

Flash Point (Method used):  N/A

Autoignition Temperature:  N/A

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

Extinguishing Media:  Use suitable extinguishing media 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.

Unusual Fire & Explosion Hazard:  Dust may form explosive mixture with air.  Fire may release toxic metal oxide fume.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

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

Copper dusts and mists are eye and mucous membrane irritants, primary skin irritants and skin sensitizers.  Acute exposure may cause metallic taste and nasal ulceration and perforation.  Prolonged skin contact may produce sensitization dermatitis.  Exposure may result in irritation and metal-fume fever, metallic taste, and discoloration of the skin and hair.  Ingestion of copper compounds may cause vomiting and collapse.  Acute poisoning is characterized by hemolysis, jaundice, anuria, hypotension, and convulsions.

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 Effects:

Inhalation:  No exposure under normal conditions.  Exposure to dust or fumes may cause respiratory tract irritation.

Ingestion:  No exposure under normal conditions.  Slightly toxic if powdered material is ingested.

Skin:  Slightly to moderately irritating.

Eye:  Slightly to moderately irritating if contacted with powdered material.  Abrasive action from dust or splinters may cause damage to the outer surface of the eye.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  Repeated or prolonged exposure to respirable dust or fume may cause mixed pneumoconiosis and “metal fume fever”.

Ingestion:  No data

Skin:  Repeated or prolonged skin contact may cause reddening, itching, and inflammation.  May cause allergic reactions in some individuals.

Eye:  No data

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

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:  If victim is conscious, give 1-3 glasses of water or milk and induce vomiting.  Get medical attention as soon as possible.  Never induce vomiting or give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.

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 if irritation persists.  Contact lenses should not be worn.

VI.   REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Incompatibility (Materials to Avoid):  Contact with acids and strong alkali hydroxides results in evolution of hydrogen.

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:  Wear suitable protective clothing and 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..

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

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  Wear NIOSH approved dust respirator under dusting conditions.

Ventilation:  Sufficient ventilation, in volume and pattern, should be provided to keep air contamination below current applicable OSHA permissible limits.

Protective Gloves:  Required for those with extreme sensitivity.

Eye Protection:  Safety goggles with side shields.

IX.   SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage:  Take care not to raise dust.  Wash thoroughly after handling.

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 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.

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:                  May 2004