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:     Vanadium Carbide                                                               

Formula:              VC

CAS Number:       12070-10-9

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Components:   Vanadium Carbide

Percent (%):                     0-100

OSHA/PEL:                         N/E

ACGIH/TLV:                       N/E

HMIS Ratings (Powder):

Health:                              1

Flammability:                   2

Reactivity:                        1

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                    3900 ^oC

Melting Point:                   2810 ^oC

Specific Gravity:              5.77 g/cc                                               

Solubility in H₂O:             Insoluble                                                              

Appearance and Odor:    Black to grey powder or solid, no odor

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/A

Autoignition Temperature:  N/E

Explosive Limits:  Lower:  N/E          Upper:  N/E

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

Special Firefighting Procedures:  Firefighters must wear full face, self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing to prevent contact with skin and eyes.

Unusual Fire and Explosions Hazards:  May emit toxic fumes under fire conditions.  May oxidize rapidly at 800 ^oC in air to form vanadium pentoxide.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

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

Vanadium compounds are considered to have variable toxicity.  Vanadium compounds act chiefly as an irritant to the conjunctivae and respiratory tract.  Acute and chronic exposure can give rise to conjunctivitis, rhinitis, reversible irritation of the respiratory tract, and to bronchitis, bronchospasms, and asthma-like diseases in more severe cases.  Industrial exposures are mostly acute, seldom chronic.  Human vanadium poisoning symptoms are for the most part restricted to the conjunctivae and respiratory system.  (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials)

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause irritation of the respiratory tract.  Vanadium compounds may cause nasal bleeding and acute bronchitis.  May cause vanadium toxicity.

Ingestion:  May cause gastrointestinal disturbances.

Skin:  May cause irritation.

Eye:  May cause irritation.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  Vanadium compounds may cause pneumonia and other pathologic symptoms (chronic symptoms of vanadium toxicity).

Ingestion:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Skin:  May cause dermatitis.

Eye:  May cause conjunctivitis.

Target Organs:  May affect the kidneys, respiratory system, skin any eyes.

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

Carcinogenicity:  NTP:  No    IARC:  No     OSHA:  No

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

INHALATION:  Remove 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 if symptoms persist.  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 eyes with lukewarm water, lifting upper and lower eyelids, for at least 15 minutes.  Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

VI.   REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  None

Incompatibilities (Materials to Avoid):  Strong oxidizing agents

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Metal oxide fumes

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.  Isolate spill area and provide ventilation.  Sweep up or 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 all State, Federal and Local regulations.

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  NIOSH approved respirator

Ventilation:  Use local exhaust as needed to maintain airborne exposure below control limits.  General exhaust is 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:  Do not breathe dust, do not get into eyes, on skin, or on clothing.  Avoid prolonged or repeated exposure, wash thoroughly after handling.  Harmful solid, keep tightly closed, and store in a cool dry place.

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.

DOT Regulations:

Solid Forms:

         Hazard Class:                    None

Powder:

         Hazard Class:                    4.1

         Identification Number:     UN3178

         Packing Group:                 III

         Proper Shipping Name:    Flammable solid, inorganic, n.o.s., (Vanadium carbide)

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.

Prepared by:          S. Dierks

Dated:                   July 2007