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:     Nickel Boride Ni₃B, powder

Formula:              Ni₃B

CAS Number:       12007-02-2

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Components:  Nickel Boride

Percent (%):                    0-100

OSHA PEL:                         1 mg/m³

ACGIH TLV:                       1 mg/m³

Other limits:                     N/E

HMIS Ratings:

Health:                              3

Flammability:                   0

Reactivity:                        0

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                   N/E or N/A

Melting Point:                  N/E or N/A

Specific Gravity:              N/E

Solubility in H₂O:             Decomposes

Appearance and Odor:    Metallic powder, no odor

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/E or N/A (Non-flammable)

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

Autoignition PT:  N/E or N/A

Extinguishing Media:  USE:  Not applicable.  Use suitable extinguishing media for surrounding materials or type of fire.

Special Fire Fighting Procedures:  Firefighters muse 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 and Explosion Hazards:  None recorded

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Health Hazards:

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

Nickel is a confirmed carcinogen with experimental carcinogenic, neoplastigenic, tumorigenic and teratogenic data.  Poison by ingestion, intratracheal, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous and intravenous routes.  An experimental teratogen.  Ingestion of soluble salts causes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.  Hypersensitivity to nickel is common and can cause allergic contact dermatitis, pulmonary asthma, conjunctivitis and inflammatory reactions around nickel containing medical implants and prosthesis (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, eighth edition).

Boron compounds are very toxic and therefore considered and industrial poison.  Boron is one of a group of elements, such as Pb, Mn, As, which affects the central nervous system.  Boron poisoning causes depression of the circulation, persistent vomiting and diarrhea, followed by profound shock and coma.  The temperature because subnormal and scarlentina form rash may cover the entire body (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, eighth edition).

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause irritation to the upper respiratory tract, mucous membranes, nasal cavities and boron poisoning.  May cause pulmonary asthma attacks.

Ingestion:  Large doses may cause boron poisoning, intestinal disorders, convulsions and asphyxia.

Skin:  May cause irritation.

Eye:  May cause irritation.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  Prolonged or repeated inhalation may cause pneomitis.

Ingestion:  May cause nickel toxicity affect the central nervous system.

Skin:  May sensitize the skin (nickel itch).  May cause allergic dermatitis, eczematous dermatitis and may be accompanied a week later with superficial skin ulcers, which may discharge and become crusted.

Eyes:  May cause conjunctivitis.

Target Organs:  May affect the nasal cavities, respiratory system, lungs, central nervous system, blood and skin.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure:  Pre-existing respiratory disorders, pulmonary functions, asthma and skin disorders.

Carcinogenicity:  NTP?  Yes     IARC Monographs?  Yes     OSHA Regulated?  Yes

Recommended Exposure Limits:  See "Section II"

LD50/LC50:  No toxicity data recorded.

Signs and Symptoms of Exposure:

Inhalation:  May cause a red, dry, sore nose and throat, coughing and shortness of breath.  Boron poisoning may cause:  depression of circulation, persistent vomiting, diarrhea, shock and coma.

Ingestion:  May cause gastritis, convulsions, asphyxia, giddiness, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting.  Nickel toxicity may cause: gastroenteritis.  Nervous symptoms such as tremor, chorea-like movements and paralysis occur  prior to death, which occurs mostly from heart failure.  Boron poisoning may cause depression of the circulation, persistent vomiting, diarrhea, shock and coma.

Skin:  May cause red, itching, swelling, burning and ulcers.

Eye:  May cause red, itching and watering.

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 and induce vomiting.  Seek medical attention immediately.  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 with lukewarm water, lifting upper and lower lids, for at least 15 minutes.  Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

VI.   REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid (Instability):  None

Incompatibility-Materials to Avoid:  None recorded

Hazardous decomposition or byproducts:  None recorded

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 all applicable Federal, State, and local regulations.

Hazard Label Information:  Store in a cool dry place in a tightly sealed container.  Wash thoroughly after handling.

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storing:  None

Other Precautions:  None

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection (Specify type):  NIOSH approves dust-mist-vapor cartridge respirator

Ventilation:  Local Exhaust:  To maintain concentration at or below the PEL, TLV.

Other:  None

Special:  Handle in a controlled environment when in dust or powder form.

Mechanical (General):  Recommended

Protective Gloves:  Rubber

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

Work/Hygienic/Maintenance 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.

IX.   ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

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 could only be handled by, or under the direct supervision of, a "technically qualified individual", as defined in 40 CFR 710.2 (aa).

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 NOR IMPLIES, WITH RESPECT TO THE COMPLETENESS OR  CONTINUING ACCURACY OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN, AND DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY FOR THEREON.  Users should satisfy themselves that they have all current data relevant to their particular use.

Prepared by:          S. Dierks

Dated:                   November 1989