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:     Gallium Telluride

Formula:              Ga₂Te₃

CAS Number:       12024-27-0

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Component:   Gallium Telluride

Percent (%):                    0-100

OSHA/PEL:                       0.1 mg(Te)/m³

ACGIH/TLV:                     0.1 mg(Te)/m³

HMIS Ratings:

Health:                            4

Flammability:                 0

Reactivity:                      0

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                   N/E or N/A

Melting Point:                  788 ^oC to 792 ^oC

Specific Gravity:             5.57 gm/cc at 25 ^oC

Solubility in H₂O:            N/E

Appearance and Odor:   Black, brittle pieces, no odor.

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/A

Explosive Limits:  Lower:  N/A     Upper:  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.  Fumes from fire are hazardous.  Isolate runoff to prevent environmental pollution.

Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazard:  When heated to decomposition, gallium telluride emits toxic fumes of tellurium.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

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

Gallium and gallium compounds may cause metallic taste, skin rashes and depression of bone marrow function as well as anorexia, nausea and vomiting.  Large doses may cause hemorrhagic nephritis.

Elemental tellurium has relatively low toxicity.  It is converted in the body to dimethyl telluride which imparts a garlic-like odor to the breath and sweat.  Heavy exposures may, in addition, result in headache, drowsiness, metallic taste, loss of appetite, nausea, tremors, convulsions, and respiratory arrest.

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  SEVERE IRRITANT AND CORROSIVE.  May cause irritation to the respiratory system, a dry mouth, garlic odor to breath, sweat and urine.

Ingestion:  SEVERE IRRITANT AND CORROSIVE.  May cause a dry mouth, suppression of sweat, garlic odor to breath and urine.

Skin:  SEVERE IRRITANT AND CORROSIVE.  May cause irritation and itching.

Eye:  SEVERE IRRITANT AND CORROSIVE.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause depression of bone marrow function, anorexia, nausea, depression, somnolence and pulmonary fibrosis.

Ingestion:  May cause anorexia, nausea, depression and somnolence.

Skin:  May cause dermatitis and depression of bone marrow function.

Eye:  No chronic health effects recorded.

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

Target Organs:  May affect the skin and central nervous system.

Carcinogenicity:  NTP:  No      IARC:  No      OSHA:  No

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

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

INGESTION:  Give 1-2 glasses of milk or water and induce vomiting.  Seek medical attention immediately.  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 immediately.

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

VI.   REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  None

Incompatibility (Materials to Avoid):  None

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Fumes of tellurium.

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 the area where the spill occurred and insure that proper ventilation is available.  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 applicable Federal, State and Local Regulations.

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  Wear NIOSH-approved dust-mist-fume cartridge respirator.

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

Protective Gloves:  Rubber gloves

Eye Protection:  Safety goggles

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

IX.   SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage:  Store in tightly sealed container.  Store in a cool, dry area.  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 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.

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 damage resulting from handling or from contact with the above product.

Issued by:                           S. Dierks

Revised/Verified:                  December 2004