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

E-Mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Product Name:     Iron Oxide

Formula:              Fe3O4

CAS Number:       1317-61-9

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Component:  Iron Oxide

Percent (%):                  0-100      

OSHA/PEL:                     10 mg/m³

ACGIH/TLV:                    5 mg/m³ TWA (Iron Oxide Fume as Fe)

HMIS Ratings:

Health:                           0

Flammability:                1

Reactivity:                     1

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                   N/A

Melting Point:                 1538.0 ^oC

Specific Gravity:             5.18 gm/cc

Solubility in H₂O:            Insoluble

Appearance and Odor:   Bluish-black powder and pieces, no odor.

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point (Method):  Not flammable, but may be subject to slow oxidation if stored at temperatures above 140 ^oF.

Explosive Limits:  Lower:  N/A         Upper:  N/A

Extinguishing Media:  Not flammable.  Use appropriate extinguishing media for the combustible material involved in the fire.  If oxidation should occur, heat will be liberated which could cause surrounding combustibles to burn.  If oxidation starts, the pallet should be broken apart and cooled with water to dissipate the heat.

Special Firefighting Procedures:  Firefighters should wear 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 Hazards:  Storage at temperatures above 140 ^oF may cause the black iron oxide to oxidize, generating heat which could cause surrounding combustibles to burn.  Mixtures with aluminum + calcium silicide + sodium nitrate may explode if ignited.  Mixtures with aluminum + sulfur react violently if heated.  Ignites on contact with hydrogen trisulfide.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

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

Iron compounds have varying toxicity.  Exposure to iron oxides is potentially a serious risk in all industrial settings.  Some iron compounds are suspected carcinogens.  In general, ferrous compounds are more toxic than ferric compounds.  (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, eighth edition)

Routes of Entry:  Inhalation, Skin, Eyes

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause irritation of the upper respiratory tract and possibly acute iron poisoning.

Ingestion:  No acute health effects recorded.

Skin:  No acute health effects recorded.

Eye:  May cause irritation.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause chronic iron poisoning.

Ingestion:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Skin:  Repeated or prolonged contact may cause irritation.

Eye:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Target Organs:  May affect the blood.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated By Exposure:  Pre-existing respiratory disorders.

Carcinogenicity:  This product is not considered a carcinogen by IARC, NTP, ACGIH or OSHA.

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

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

INGESTION:  If conscious, give 1-2 glasses of mild or water and induce vomiting.  Get 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.

EYE:  Flush with copious amounts of water for at least 15 minutes lifting upper and lower eyelids.  Call a physician if irritation persists.

VI.   REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Decomposition will not occur if used and stored according to specifications. 

Conditions Contributing to Instability:  Material is not stable if stored at temperatures above 140 ^oF.

Incompatibility (Materials to Avoid):  Strong oxidizing agents, acids.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  None

Hazardous Polymerization:  May 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.  Vacuum or use wet clean-up techniques and place waste material in closed container.

Waste Disposal Method:  Disposal must be made in accordance with Federal, State and Local regulations.  Pursuant to 40 CFR part 261 of the Resource Conservation & Recovery Act (RCRA).  Regulations currently in effect, discarded Iron Oxide would not be classified as a hazardous waste.

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  Use of NIOSH approved dust respirator is recommended when exposure limits may be exceeded.

Ventilation:  Local exhaust ventilation to collector or containment recommended to control dust to below exposure limits.

Eye Protection:  Wear safety glasses or goggles to protect against dust particles.

Gloves:  Leather or rubber gloves.

Safety Stations:  An eye wash station should be available to the area of use.

IX.   SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storing:  Do not store at temperatures above 140 ^oF.  Small amounts of Fe₃O₄ may oxidize and ignite container.

Hazard Label Information:  Store in cool, dry area.  Store in a tightly sealed container.  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.

Other:  In accordance with good industrial hygiene practice, avoid contact with skin, eyes, or clothing.  Avoid breathing dust.  Keep away from food products.  Keep container closed when not in use.  Use with adequate, localized ventilation.  Wash throughly after handling and before eating, drinking or using tobacco products.

DOT Class:  Not regulated.

There are extremely small, but detectable amounts of substances regulated under California’s Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act (Proposition 65):

Arsenic:  < 3 ppm

Beryllium:  < 2 ppm

Cadmium:  2-6 ppm

Chromium VI:  < 0.1 ppm

Lead: < 10 ppm

These levels are “typical” quantities and may change slightly with different lots. The term “less than” indicates that the substance was detected, but the amount was less than the quantifiable limit.

Some of the chemicals listed herein are research or experimental substances which may be toxic, as defined by various governmental regulations.  In accordance with Environmental Protection Agency regulations and the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA), these materials should only be handled by or under the direct supervision of a “technically qualified individual” as defined in 40 CFR 710.2(a).

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.

Issued By:             S. Dierks

Dated:                  March 2003