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:     Indium Sulfate

Formula:              In₂(SO₄)₃

CAS Number:       13464-82-9

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Components:  Indium Sulfate

Percent (%):                    0-100

OSHA/PEL:                       N/E

ACGIH/TLV:                     0.1 mg/m³

HMIS Ratings:

Health:                            1

Flammability:                 0

Reactivity:                      0

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                   N/E or N/A

Melting Point:                  N/E or N/A

Specific Gravity:             3.44 g/cc

Solubility in H₂O:            Soluble

Appearance and Odor:   White-gray hygroscopic powder and pieces, no odor.

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point (Method Used):  N/A

Autoignition Temperature:  N/A

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

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

Special Fire Fighting 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 & Explosion Hazard:  When heated to decomposition, indium sulfate may emit toxic fumes of SO_x.  May react violently with magnesium and aluminum.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

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

To the best of our knowledge the acute and chronic toxicity of indium is not fully known.  Exposure to indium compounds may cause pain in the joints and bones, tooth decay, nervous and gastrointestinal disorders, heart pain and general debility.  Experiments with animals also indicate that indium may cause reduced food and water consumption with weight loss, pulmonary edema, pneumonia, blood, liver and kidney damage, leg paralysis and damage to the brain, heart, adrenals and spleen.

Sulfates have variable toxicity.  In general the toxic properties of substances containing the sulfate radical is that the materials (cation) with which the sulfate (anion) is combined.   (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, eighth edition).

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause damage to the respiratory system.

Ingestion:  Moderately toxic by ingestion.  May cause irritation to the gastrointestinal tract.

Skin:  May cause irritation.

Eye:  May cause irritation.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause pneumonitis.

Ingestion:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Skin:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Eye:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Routes of Entry:  Inhalation, Ingestion, eye and skin contact.

Target Organs:  May affect the lungs and heart.

Carcinogenicity:  NTP?  No    IARC Monographs?  No    OSHA Regulated?  No

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure:  Pre-existing lung, skin and gastrointestinal disorders.

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 if symptoms persist.

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 eyes 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:  None

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid):  Magnesium and aluminum.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Oxides of sulfur.

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- Special Protection Information.  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:  In accordance with Local, State and Federal regulations.

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection (Specify Type):  NIOSH approved dust respirator.

Ventilation:  Use local exhaust to maintain concentrations below the TLV.  General exhaust is recommended.

Protective Gloves:  Rubber gloves.

Eye Protection:  Safety Goggles

Other Protective Equipment:  Protective gear suitable to prevent contamination.

IX.   SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storing:  Store in tightly sealed container in  dry, cool place.  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.

The above information is accurate to the best of our knowledge.  However, since data, safety standards, and government regulations are subject to change, and the conditions of handling and use or misuse are beyond our control, ESPI makes no warranty, either expressed or implied with respect to the completeness or continuing accuracy of the information contained herein, and disclaims all liability for reliance thereon.  Users should satisfy themselves that they have all current data relevant to their particular use.

Prepared by:          S. Dierks

Dated:                  August 2002