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:     IOTA® Quartz

Formula:              SiO₂

CAS Number:       14808-60-7

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Component:  Silicon Dioxide   

Percent (%):                   0-100

OSHA/PEL:                      10 mg/m³/% respirable SiO₂⁺²

ACGIH/TLV:                     0.05 mg/m³ res

HMIS Ratings:

Health:                            1

Flammability:                 0

Reactivity:                      0

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                   2230 ^oC

Melting Point:                  1610 ^oC

Solubility in H₂O:             Negligible

Specific Gravity:             2.65 g/cc

Appearance and Odor:   White crystals, no odor.

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  Fully oxidized, will not burn.

Autoignition Temperature:  Will not burn

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

Extinguishing Media:  Use suitable extinguishing media for surrounding materials 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.

Unusual Fire & Explosion Hazard:  None recorded.

V.    HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

This product is a chemically inert, non-combustible mineral.  A single exposure will not result in serious adverse effects.  Excessive inhalation of dust may cause lung disease, silicosis, with symptoms of shortness of breath and reduced pulmonary function.  There is some evidence that breathing respirable crystalline silica or the disease silicosis is associated with an increased incidence of significant disease endpoints such as scleroderma (an immune system disorder manifested by fibrosis of the lungs, skin and other internal organs) and kidney disease.

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  Inhalation of dust may cause irritation of the nose, throat and respiratory passages.

Ingestion:  No adverse effects expected for normal, incidental ingestion.

Skin:  May cause abrasive irritation.

Eye:  May cause abrasive irritation.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation: Breathing silica dust may not cause noticeable injury or illness even though permanent lung damage may be occurring.  Inhalation of dust may have the following serious chronic health effects:

Silicosis:  Excessive inhalation of respirable crystalline silica dust may cause a progressive, disabling and sometimes fatal lung disease called silicosis.  Symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, non-specific chest illness and reduced pulmonary function.  This disease is exacerbated by smoking,  Individuals with silicosis are predisposed to develop tuberculosis.  Inhalation of air with a very high concentration of respirable silica dust can cause the most serious forms of silicosis in a matter of months or a few years.

Other:  No other chronic health effects recorded.

Routes of Entry:  Inhalation.

Target Organs:  May affect the respiratory system.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure:  Individuals with respiratory disease, including but not limited to, asthma and bronchitis, or subject to eye irritation should not be exposed to respirable quartz dust.

Carcinogenicity:  NTP:  No       IARC:  No      OSHA:  Yes

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

INHALATION:  Gross Inhalation:  Remove victim to fresh air.  If breathing has stopped, perform artificial respiration.  If breathing is difficult have qualified personnel administer oxygen.  Get prompt medical attention.

INGESTION:  If large amounts are swallowed, get immediate medical attention.

SKIN:  No first aid should be needed since this product does not affect the skin.  Wash exposed skin with soap and water before breaks and at the end of the shift.

EYES:  Flush the yes immediately with large amounts of running water, lifting the upper and lower lids occasionally.  If irritation persists or for imbedded foreign body, get immediately medical attention.

VI.   REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  None

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid):  Powerful oxidizing agents such as fluorine, chlorine trifluoride, manganese trioxide, etc.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Silica will dissolve in hydrofluoric acid producing a corrosive gas, silicon tetrafluoride.

Hazardous Polymerization:  Will not occur

VII.   SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES

Steps to Be Taken in Case Material Is Released or Spilled:  Wear appropriate protective equipment.  If uncontaminated, collect using dustless method (HEPA vacuum or wet method) and place in appropriate container for use.  If contaminated: a) use appropriate method for the nature of contamination, b) consider possible toxic or fire hazards associated with the contaminating substances.  Collect for disposal.

Waste Disposal Method:  Dispose of in accordance with applicable federal, state and local regulations.

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  Use appropriate respiratory protection for respirable particulates based on consideration of airborne workplace concentrations and duration of exposure arising from intended end use.

Ventilation:  Use local exhaust as required to maintain exposures below applicable occupational exposure limits.

Protective Gloves:  Protective gloves are recommended.

Eye Protection:  Safety glasses or goggles recommended

Other Protective Equipment:  As appropriate for the work environment.  Dusty clothing should be laundered before reuse.

IX.   SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage:  Do not breath dust.  Do not rely on your sight to determine if dust is in the air.  Silica may be in the air without a visible dust cloud.  Use normal precautions against bag breakage or spills of bulk material.  Avoid creation of respirable dust.  Use good housekeeping in storage and use areas to prevent accumulation of dust in work area.

Other Precautions:  Use adequate ventilation and dust collection.  Maintain and use proper clean respiratory equipment.  Launder clothing that has become dusty.  Empty containers (bags, bulk containers, storage tanks, etc.) retain silica residue and must be handled in accordance with the provisions of this Material Safety Data Sheet.  WARN and TRAIN employees in accordance with state and federal regulations.

The above information is believed to be correct, but does not purport to be all inclusive and shall only be used 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

Date:                    April 2003