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:      Cobalt Oxide

Formula:               CoO

CAS Number:        1307-96-6

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Components:  Cobalt Oxide

Percent (%):                    0-100 

OSHA/PEL:                        0.1 mg/m³ 

ACGIH/TLV:                      0.05 mg/m³

HMIS Ratings:

Health:                              2

Flammability:                   0

Reactivity:                        0

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                     N/E or N/A

Melting Point:                    1795 +/-20 ^oC

Specific Gravity:               6.45 g/cc

Solubility:                         Insoluble

Appearance and Odor:     Green-brown powder and pieces, no odor.

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Poin:  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 Fire Fighting Procedures:  Wear NIOSH/MSHA approved self-contained breathing apparatus, flame and chemical resistant clothing; hats, boots and gloves.  If without risk, remove material from fire area.  Cool container with water from maximum distance.

Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards:  May emit toxic fumes if involved in a fire.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

Cobalt has low toxicity by ingestion.  Ingestion of soluble salts produces nausea and vomiting by local irritation.  In animals, administration of cobalt salts produces an increase in the total red cell mass of the blood.  In humans, a single case of poisoning with liver and kidney damage has been attributed to cobalt.  Locally, cobalt has been shown to produce dermatitis and investigators have been able to demonstrate a hypersensitivity of the skin to cobalt.  There have been reports of hematologic, digestive and pulmonary changes in humans.  (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, eighth edition)

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause irritation to the upper respiratory tract.

Ingestion:  Poison by ingestion.  May cause acute cobalt poisoning.

Skin:  May cause irritation.

Eye:  May cause irritation.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause permanent respiratory disease, occupational asthma and interstitial fibrosis.

Ingestion:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Skin:  May cause allergic sensitization and dermatitis.

Eye:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Target Organs:  May affect the respiratory tract and skin.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure:  Pre-existing respiratory or skin disorders.

Carcinogenicity:  Cobalt oxide has not been classified as a known or suspected carcinogen by NTP or OSHA.  The IARC states that cobalt and compounds are possible carcinogens to humans - Group 2B (Monograph 52). 

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

INHALATION:  Remove victim to fresh air, keep warm and quiet, give oxygen if breathing is difficult and seek medical attention.

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

SKIN:  Remove contaminated clothing, brush material off skin, wash affected area with mild soap and water, seek medical attention.

EYE:  Flush eyes with lukewarm water, lifting upper and lower eyelids, for at least 15 minutes.  Seek medical attention.

VI.   REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  None

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid):  Strong oxidizing agents.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Metal oxide fumes

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.  Scoop up 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:  Consult State, Local, and Federal regulations for proper disposal.

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  NIOSH/MSHA approved respirator.

Ventilation:  Use local exhaust to maintain concentration at or below PEL, TLV.  General exhaust is not recommended.

Protective Gloves:  Rubber gloves

Eye/Protection:  Chemical safety glasses.

Other Protective Clothing or Equipment:  Protective gear suitable to prevent contamination.

IX.   SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Other Handling and Storage Conditions:  Store in cool, dry well-ventilated area.  Keep tightly sealed when not in use, read MSDS. before using. Wash thoroughly after use.

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 food or tobacco 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 hygienic facilities for washing.

TSCA Listed:         Yes

DOT Regulations:

Hazard Class:       None

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:                           S. Dierks

Revised/Verified:                  October 2003