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 (III) Bromide, Anhydrous

Formula:              FeBr₃

CAS Number:       10031-26-2

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Components:  Iron Bromide

Percent (%):                    0-100

OSHA/PEL:                        1 mg (Fe)/m³

ACGIH/TLV:                      1 mg (Fe)/m³

HMIS Ratings:

Health:                             3              

Flammability:                  0

Reactivity:                       0

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                      263.3 ^oC

Freezing/Melting Point:     Sublimes, decomposes

Specific Gravity:                N/E

Solubility in H₂O:               Soluble

Appearance and Odor:      Dark red to black crystalline solid, odorless   

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD DATA

Flash Point:  N/E or N/A

Autoignition Temperature:  N/A

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

Extinguishing Media:  Non-flammable.  Use suitable extinguishing media for surrounding material and type of fire.

Special Firefighting 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.

Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazard:  When heated to decomposition, iron bromide may emit toxic fumes of bromine.  Mixtures with sodium or potassium explode violently upon impact.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

Iron compounds have varying toxicity.  Some iron compounds are suspected carcinogens.  In general, ferrous compounds are more toxic than ferric compounds.  Acute exposure to excessive levels of ferrous compounds can cause liver and kidney damage, altered respiratory rates and convulsions.

The inorganic bromides produce depression, emaciation, and, in severe cases, psychosis and mental deterioration.  Bromide rashes (bromoderma), especially of the face, and resembling acne and furunculosis, often occur when bromide inhalation or administration is prolonged. (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, eighth edition.)

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause sneezing, coughing, difficulty breathing, irritation of the mucous membranes, depression, emaciation, altered respiratory rates, convulsions, acute iron poisoning and in severe cases, psychosis and mental deterioration.  Large amounts of iron may cause iron pneumoconiosis.

Ingestion:  May cause abdominal pain, irritability, confusion, tremors, memory loss, slurred speech, anorexia and diarrhea.

Skin:  May cause irritation, skin lesions, acne-form eruptions and measle-like eruptions.

Eye:  May cause irritation.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  Chronic exposure to bromine is similar to the therapeutic ingestion of excessive bromides.  Prolonged inhalation may cause pulmonary edema, pulmonary fibrosis, and chronic iron poisoning, pathological deposition of iron in the body tissue, bronchitis and skin eruptions.

Ingestion:  Large doses may cause damage to the liver and depress the central nervous system.

Skin:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Eye:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Routes of Entry:  Ingestion, inhalation, skin and eyes.

Target Organs:  May affect the central nervous system, liver, kidneys, lungs, skin and eyes.

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

INGESTION:  Give 1-2 glasses of milk or water, induce vomiting, seek medical attention.  Never give anything by mouth or induce vomiting in an unconscious person.

SKIN:  Remove contaminated clothing, flood skin with large amounts of water.  If irritation persists seek medical attention.

EYE:  Immediately flush eyes, including under eyelids, with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes.  Call a physician.

VI.   REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  None

Incompatibility (Materials to Avoid):  Sodium and potassium.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Fumes of bromine.

Hazardous Polymerizations:  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 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:  Dispose of in accordance with State, Federal and Local regulations.

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  NIOSH-approved dust, mist and vapor cartridge respirator.

Ventilation:  Handle in an inert gas such as argon, in a controlled, enclosed atmosphere.  Use local exhaust to maintain concentration at low exposure levels.  General exhaust is not recommended.

Protective Gloves:  Rubber gloves

Eye Protection:  Safety glasses

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

IX.   SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage:  Keep container tightly closed.  Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area.  Wash thoroughly after handling.

Other Precautions:  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.

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:                    January 1995