Tungsten Carbide WC
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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:     Tungsten Carbide

Formula:              WC

CAS Number:       12070-12-1

 

 

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Components:   Tungsten Carbide      Tungsten compounds

Percent (%):                     0-100                       0-100

OSHA/PEL:                         N/E                          5 mg/m3 C -

ACGIH/TLV:                        N/E                         10 mg/m3

 

HMIS Ratings:

Health:              3

Flammability:   0

Reactivity:        0

 

 

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                    6000 oC

Melting Point:                   2820 - 2940 oC

Specific Gravity:              13.6 gm/cc at 18 oC

Solubility in H2O:             Insoluble

Appearance and Odor:    Grey to black powder, odorless

 

 

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/A

Flammability:  Non-flammable

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

Extinguishing Media:  Use suitable extinguishing media 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 Hazard:  Dusts may present a fire or explosion hazard under rare favoring conditions of particle size, dispersion, and strong ignition source.  However, this is not expected to be a problem under normal handling conditions.

 

 

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Overexposure:  Industrially tungsten does not constitute an important health hazard.  Exposure is related chiefly to the dust arising out of the crushing and milling operations.  Chronic inhalation of the dust may cause lung damage in humans.  Heavy exposure to the dust or the large amounts of the soluble compounds produces changes in body weight, behavior, blood cells, choline esterase activity and sperm in experimental animals.

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  Toxic by inhalation.  May cause irritation to the mucous membranes, coughing, dyspnea, soreness in the chest, weight loss, hemoptysis, bronchitis, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis and radiological changes in the lungs.

Ingestion:  May cause irritation to the gastrointestinal tract and diarrhea.

Skin:  May cause irritation.

Eye:  May cause irritation.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause damage to the lungs.

Ingestion:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Skin:  May cause dermatitis, sensitization and eczema.

Eye:  May cause conjunctivitis.

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

Target Organs:  May affect the respiratory system.

Carcinogenicity:  NTP:  No      IARC:  No     OSHA:  No

 

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:  If conscious, give 1-2 glasses of milk or water and induce vomiting (Never induce vomiting or give anything by mouth to an unconscious person).  Seek medical attention.

SKIN:  Remove contaminated clothing from affected area, 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

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid):  Chlorine, fluorine, nitrogen dioxide, nitrous oxide, iodine pentafluoride and lead oxide.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  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.  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 all local, state, and federal regulations.

 

 

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

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

Ventilation:  Use local exhaust ventilation which is adequate to limit personal exposure to airborne dust levels which do not exceed the appropriate PEL or TLV.  If such equipment is not available, use respiratory protection as specified above.

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:  Store in a tightly sealed container 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

Dated:                  July 1998
 
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