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:     Cadmium Telluride

Formula:              CdTe

CAS Number:       1306-25-8

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Component:  Cadmium Telluride

Percent (%):                   0-100

OSHA/PEL:                      0.005 mg(Cd)/m³

ACGIH/TLV:                     0.01 mg(Cd)/m³

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                    N/A

Melting Point:                   1041^oC

Specific Gravity:              6.2 g/cc

Solubility in H₂O:             Insoluble

Appearance and Odor:    Black cubic crystalline powder                                                                                             

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/E or N/A

Autoignition Temperature:  N/E or N/A

Flammable Limits in Air:  Lower:  N/E or N/A      Upper:  N/A

Extinguishing Media:  Use suitable extinguishing media for surrounding material and type of fire.

Special Firefighting Procedures:  Firefighters must wear full face, self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing if involved in fire.

Unusual Fire & Explosion Hazard:  Finely divided powder may burn if ignited with evolution of hazardous CdO fume.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

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

Cadmium and cadmium compounds are highly toxic and experimental carcinogens.  Exposure affects the respiratory tract, kidneys, and liver.  Ingestion may cause nausea, salivation, vomiting and diarrhea.  Ingestion or inhalation of cadmium/cadmium compounds may be fatal.

Tellurium is converted in the body to dimethyl telluride which imparts a garlic-like odor to the breath and sweat.  Heavy exposure may result in headache, drowsiness, metallic taste, loss of appetite, nausea, tremors, convulsions, and respiratory arrest.

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  Inhalation of dust of fumes from cadmium or its compounds may cause irritation of the nose and throat.  If high concentrations are inhaled (especially freshly formed fume), a delayed reaction of coughing, chest pain, sweating chills, shortness of breath and weakness may develop.  In severe cases, death may result from pulmonary edema.  Acute exposure to tellurium may cause garlic odor of the breath and perspiration, dry mouth, metallic taste, sleepiness, loss of appetite and nausea.

Ingestion:  Ingestion of cadmium may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramps.  Acute exposure to tellurium may cause garlic odor of the breath and perspiration, dry mouth, metallic taste, sleepiness, loss of appetite and nausea.

Skin:  Irritant to skin and mucous membranes.

Eye:  Irritating effect

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  Inhalation of cadmium and its compounds may pose an increased risk of lung cancer and possibly other forms of cancer.  Long term overexposure may cause lung injury (emphysema) and kidney dysfunction (proteinuria).  Bone lesions characterized by pain in the back and extremities have also been reported.  Chronic overexposure to tellurium may cause garlic odor of breath, perspiration, dry mouth, metallic taste, sleepiness, loss of appetite and nausea.

Ingestion:  Oral administration of tellurium has been reported to produce kidney and nerve damage in experimental animals and teratogenesis in pregnant rats.  Chronic overexposure to tellurium may cause garlic odor of breath, perspiration, dry mouth, metallic taste, sleepiness, loss of appetite and nausea.

Skin:  No data

Eye:  No data

Medical Conditions Possibly Aggravated:  Diseases of the lung and kidney

Carcinogenicity:  IARC classifies cadmium and certain cadmium compounds as Group 2A carcinogens (probably carcinogenic to humans).  NTP classifies these materials as "...substances that may reasonably be anticipated to be carcinogens."

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID MEASURES:

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

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

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

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

VI.   REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  No data

Incompatibility (Material to avoid):  Acids, oxidizing agents.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  At temperature above the melting point, metal oxide fumes may be evolved.

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.  Isolate spill area and provide ventilation.  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:  Disposal must be made in accordance with all Federal, State and Local regulations.

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  NIOSH-approved respirator when concentrations are high

Ventilation:  Use local exhaust to maintain concentration at low exposure levels.  General exhaust is not recommended.

Protective Gloves:  Impervious gloves

Eye Protection:  Safety glasses recommended where the possibility of getting dust particles in eyes exists.

Other Protective Clothing and Equipment:  Full protective clothing is recommended for exposure that exceed permissible air concentrations.  All contaminated clothing should be removed before leaving plant premises.

IX.   SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage:  Keep container tightly sealed.  Store in cool, dry place in tightly closed containers.  Ensure good ventilation at the workplace.  Open and handle container with care.  Prevent formation of dust.  Do not store together with oxidizing and acidic materials.

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.

WARNING:  The State of California has listed cadmium as a known to cause cancer.

TSCA Listed:  Yes

DOT Regulations:

Hazard Class:                    9

Identification Number:     UN3077

Packing Group:                 III

Proper Shipping Name:    Environmentally hazardous substance, solid, n.o.s. (Cadmium Telluride)

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:                  December 2003