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:    Thallium (III) Oxide

Formula:             Tl₂O₃

CAS Number:      1314-32-5

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Components:  Thallium (III) Oxide

Percent (%):                     100

OSHA/PEL:                         0.1 mg/m³

ACGIH/TLV:                       0.1 mg/m³

HMIS Rating:

Health:                              3

Flammability:                   1

Reactivity:                        1

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                   875 ^oC

Melting Point:                  717 ^oC

Specific Gravity:             10.2 @ 20

Solubility in H₂O:             Insoluble

Appearance and Odor:    Brown to black crystalline powder, pieces or pressed parts, odorless.

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/A

Flammability:  Non-flammable

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

Autoignition Temperature:  N/A

Extinguishing Media:  Use extinguishing media suitable 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.  Fumes from fire are hazardous.  Isolate runoff to prevent environmental pollution.

Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards:  May emit toxic metal oxide fume.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

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

The main symptoms of thallium poisoning are peripheral neuropathy and loss of hair.  Acute poisoning causes paresthesios, ataxia, alopecia, fever, coryza, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.  Symptoms may progress to lethargy, speech disorders, tremors, convulsions, cyanosis, pulmonary edema, bronchopneumonia and death.  Kidney, liver and brain damage can occur.  Thallium poisoning during the first trimester of pregnancy can cause skeletal deformities, alopecia, low birth weight and premature birth.  Chronic thallium poisoning may produce alopecia, salivation and a blue line on the gums.  Damage to the gastrointestinal, endocrine system and kidneys may also occur.

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  Inhalation of thallium will cause irritation of mucous membranes and the respiratory tract.  Can cause pulmonary edema.

Ingestion:  Ingestion of thallium compounds can cause fatigue, limb and joint pain, discoloration of and loss of hair, peripheral neuritis, diarrhea, vomiting, severe pain in the calves of legs, albuminuria, eosinophilia, lymphocytosis and optic neuritis followed by atrophy.

Skin: Strong skin irritant.  Skin contact may cause dermatitis on first contact.  Thallium compounds can be absorbed through the skin to cause effects described above.

Eye:  Strong eye irritant.

Routes of Entry:  Inhalation, Skin, and Ingestion

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure:  Lung disorders, liver and kidney damage.

Carcinogenicity:  NTP:  No     IARC:  No     OSHA:  No

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

INHALATION:  Remove victim to fresh air, keep warm and quiet, administer oxygen if required, get immediate medical attention.

INGESTION:  Do not induce vomiting.  Seek immediate, competent medical attention.

SKIN:  Brush off material, wash affected area thoroughly with soap and water, and wash contaminated clothing before reuse.

EYES:  Flush with copious amounts of water, including under eyelids, for at least 15 minutes.  Seek medical attention.

VI.   REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  Moisture

Incompatibility (Materials to Avoid):  Acids

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Toxic thallium fumes.

Hazardous Polymerization:  Will not occur.

VII.   SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES

Steps to Be Taken in Case Material Is Released or Spilled:  Isolate area, wear appropriate protective equipment.  Carefully scoop up material, vacuum powder using HEPA filter, avoid raising dust.  Thoroughly clean spill area.

Waste Disposal Method:  Dispose of in accordance with State, Federal and Local regulations.

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection (Specify Type):  NIOSH approved full face respirator with high efficiency filters.

Ventilation:  Use local exhaust to maintain concentration at low exposure levels.  General exhaust is not recommended.

Protective Gloves:  Neoprene or nitrile protective gloves

Eye Protection:  Approved non-vented safety goggles

Other Protective Equipment:  Protective clothing to prevent skin contact or clothing contamination.

IX.   SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage:  Wash thoroughly after handling, keep container closed, thallium compounds are extremely poisonous, avoid all contact.

Other Precautions:  Very toxic by inhalation and if swallowed.  Danger of cumulative effects.

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.  Maintain eyewash capable of sustained flushing, safety drench shower and facilities for washing.

This product contains thallium and is subject to the reporting requirements of section 313 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act of 1986 and 40CFR372.

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

Dated:                  June 2004