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:     Iron Chloride

Formula:              FeCl₂ xH₂O

CAS Number:       23838-02-0

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Ingredients:  Iron Chloride

Percent (%):                   0-100

OSHA/PEL:                       1 mg (Fe)/m³

ACGIH/TLV:                     1 mg (Fe)/m³

HMIS Ratings:

Health:                             4

Flammability:                  0

Reactivity:                       0

NFPA Ratings:

Health:                            2

Flammability:                 0

Reactivity:                      0

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                    N/E or N/A

Freezing/Melting Point:   N/E or N/A

Specific Gravity:               1.93 g/cc

Solubility in H₂O:              Soluble

Appearance and Odor:     Light green to yellow, crystalline powder, no odor.

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/A

Autoignition Temperature:  N/A

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

Flammability:  Non-flammable

Extinguishing Media:  Use suitable extinguishing media for surrounding materials and type of fire.  Use water carefully as material will react with water to form acidic solution.

Special Fire Fighting Procedures:  Use normal procedures which include wearing 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.  Isolate runoff to prevent environmental pollution.

Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazard:  When heated to decomposition or on contact with acids or acid fumes, iron chloride may emit toxic fumes of chlorine.  Irritating hydrogen chloride fumes may form in fire.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

Iron compounds have varying toxicity.  Some iron compounds are suspected carcinogens.  In general, ferrous compounds can cause liver and kidney damage, altered respiratory rates and convulsions.  (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, eighth edition.)

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  SEVERE IRRITANT AND CORROSIVE.  May cause acute iron toxicity.  Extremely destructive to tissues of the mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract.  Symptoms may include burning sensation, coughing, wheezing, laryngitis, shortness of breath, headache, nausea and vomiting.  Large amounts are corrosive and may cause respiratory failure, pneumoconiosis, pulmonary edema and possible death.

Ingestion:  SEVERE IRRITANT AND CORROSIVE.  Swallowing may cause severe burns to the mouth, throat and stomach.  Can cause sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea.  Low systemic toxicity in small quantities but larger doses may cause systemic effects.  Pink urine discoloration is a strong indicator of iron poisoning.  Liver damage, coma and death may follow, sometimes delayed as long as three days.

Skin Contact:  SEVERE IRRITANT AND CORROSIVE to moist or wet skin.  May cause severe irritation, redness, pain, and skin burns.

Eye Contact:  SEVERE IRRITANT AND CORROSIVE.  Contact causes severe irritation, burns, redness, and pain.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause  pulmonary fibrosis, chronic iron poisoning, pathological deposition of iron in the body tissue, cytogenic and reproductive effects. 

Ingestion:  May cause damage to the liver.

Skin:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Eyes:  Prolonged exposure may cause discoloration.

Most Likely Routes of Entry:  Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye.

Target Organs:  May affect the respiratory system, liver, kidney, skin and eye.

Medical Conditions, if any, Aggravated by the Chemical:  Pre-existing respiratory and skin disorders.

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 and seek medical attention.

INGESTION:  DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING.  Give large quantities of water.  Seek medical attention immediately.

SKIN:  Remove contaminated clothing, brush material off skin, wash affected area with mild soap and water.  Seek medical attention.  Wash clothing before reuse.  Thoroughly clean shoes before reuse.

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:  Moisture.

Incompatibility (Materials to Avoid):  Acids, ethylene oxide, potassium, sodium, oxidizing agents.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Hydrogen chloride and fumes of chlorine.

Hazardous Polymerization:  Will not occur.

VII.   SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES

Steps to be Taken in Case Material is Released or Spilled:  Wearing full protective equipment, 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.  Material dissolves in water to form an acidic solution.  US Regulations (CERCLA) require reporting spills and releases to soil, water and air in excess of reportable quantities.  The toll-free number for the US Coast Guard National Response Center is (800) 424-8802.

Waste Disposal:  Consult state, local or federal regulations for proper disposal.

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  NIOSH - approved dust-mist-vapor cartridge respirator when high concentrations are present.

Ventilation Requirements:  Properly operating chemical fume hood designed for hazardous chemicals and having an average face velocity of at least 100 feet per minute.

Protective Gloves:  Impervious gloves

Eye Protection:  Use chemical safety goggles and/or a full face shield where splashing is possible.

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

IX.   SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage:  Keep in a tightly closed container, stored in a cool, dry, ventilated area.  Protect against physical damage.  Material dissolves in water to form an acidic solution.  Isolate from incompatible substances.  Containers of this material are hazardous when empty since they retain product residues; observe all warnings for the product.

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 or smoking.  Do not blow dust off clothing or skin with compressed air.

Label Hazard Warning:  DANGER!  CORROSIVE.  CAUSES SEVERE IRRITATION OR BURNS TO EVERY AREA OF CONTACT.  HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED OR INHALED.  AFFECTS THE LIVER.

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

Date:                    November 2001