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:     Copper II Sulfide

Formula:              CuS

CAS Number:        1317-40-4

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Components:  Copper Sulfide

Percent (%):                     0-100 

OSHA/PEL:                        1 mg(Cu)/m³ 

ACGIH/TLV:                      1 mg(Cu)/m³ 

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                   Decomposes @ 220

Melting Point:                  Transition @ 103

Specific Gravity:              4.6

Solubility in H₂O:             Insoluble                                                              

Appearance and Odor:    Black powder

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/E

Autoignition Temperature:  No Data

Extinguishing Media:  DO NOT USE WATER.  Use dry powder extinguishing agents, dry sand, dry ground dolomite, carbon dioxide.

Special Fire Fighting:  Wear NIOSH/MSHA approved self-contained breathing apparatus, flame and chemical resistant protective clothing, hat, gloves and boots.  If without risk move material out of fire area.

Unusual Fire & Explosion:  Fire hazard when exposed to flame or by spontaneous chemical reaction.  Reacts with water, steam or acids to produce toxic and flammable vapors of hydrogen sulfide.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

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

Copper Compounds:  As the sublimed oxide, copper may be responsible for one form of metal fume fever.  Inhalation of copper dust has caused, in animals, hemolysis of the red blood cells, deposition of hemofuscin in the liver and pancreas, and injury to the lung cells; injection of the dust has caused cirrhosis in the liver & pancreas, a condition resembling hemochromatosis, or brionzed diabetes.  However, considerable trial exposure to copper compounds has not resulted in such disease.

Toxic by ingestion via the liberation of hydrogen sulfide, symptoms include vomiting, gastric pain and dizziness.  Can cause skin and eye irritation.  Inhalation can cause irritation to the respiratory tract.

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 if symptoms persist.

EYES:  Flush with lukewarm water, lifting upper and lower eyelids, for at least 15 minutes.  Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

VI.   REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  Heating to decomposition emits toxic fumes of SOx.  Avoid contact with water, steam or acids which will cause the production of toxic and flammable vapors of hydrogen sulfide.

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid):  Cadmium chlorate, chlorates, chloric acid, hydrogen peroxide, magnesium, ammonium nitrate, potassium chlorate and water, zinc chlorate, powerful oxidizers.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Hydrogen sulfide, copper I sulfate

Hazardous Polymerization:  Will not occur.

VII.   SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES 

Steps to Be Taken in Case Material Is Released or Spilled:  Wearing respiratory protection and protective clothing (see Section VIII), eliminate all sources of ignition, cover spill with vermiculite or sodium bicarbonate, collect into a plastic bag or wide mouthed glass container, close tightly and submit or retain for disposal.

Waste Disposal Method:  In accordance with Local, State and Federal Regulations for proper disposal of inorganic sulfides.

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  Wear NIOSH-approved respirator.

Ventilation:  Use local exhaust to maintain exposure below TLV level for Cu.  Special:  handle in dry, controlled atmosphere. General exhaust is recommended.

Protective Gloves:  Neoprene

Eye Protection:  Safety Glasses

Other Protective Equipment:  Wear protective clothing to prevent contamination of skin and clothes.

IX.   SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage:  Store in cool dry place away from sources of moisture and powerful oxidizers.  Wash thoroughly after handling.  Keep container tightly closed.  Use adequate ventilation.

Other Precautions:  DANGER!  TOXIC!  Do not ingest.  WARNING!  IRRITANT!  Do not inhale.  Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing.  FLAMMABLE!  Keep away from heat, sparks and open flame.

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.

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:                  November 1995