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:      Niobium

Formula:               Nb

CAS Number:        7440-03-1

II.  HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Component:             Niobium 

Percent (%):                             0-100 

OSHA/PEL:                                 N/E 

ACGIH/TLV:                                N/E

HMIS Ratings (Powder):

Health:                                       2

Flammability:                             3

Reactivity:                                  1

III.  PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                            5127 ^oC

Melting Point:                           2468 +/-10 ^oC

Specific Gravity:                       8.57 g/cc 

Solubility in H₂O:                      Insoluble

Appearance and Odor:              Silver gray solid, gray powder, no odor.

IV.  FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Autoignition Temperature:  Solid metal will not ignite.  High surface area material such as 5 micron powder may autoignite at room temperature.

Extinguishing Media:  For fires involving metal powders: Use Class D or other metal extinguishing agent.  For fires involving solid forms of the material: Use media suitable for surrounding materials and type of fire.

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

Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards:  Niobium metal powder below 5 microns may be pyrophoric.  May be flammable in the form of dust by chemical reaction.  May be flammable and possibly explosive in the form of dust when exposed to flame.  Ignites in fluorine and chlorine.  Incandescent reaction with bromine trifluoride.

V.  HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

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

Niobium compounds have caused liver damage in animal studies.  Niobium metal has caused kidney damage in experimental animals and fibrogenic effects on the lungs of experimental animals.

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause irritation of the mucous membranes.  Inhaled particles may be retained in the lungs.

Ingestion:  Metallic niobium has a low order of toxicity due to poor absorption from stomach and intestines.

Skin:  May cause irritation.

Eye:  May cause transient, mechanical irritation.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation: May cause kidney damage and fibrogenic effects on the lungs.

Ingestion:  None recorded.

Skin:  None recorded.

Eye:  May cause conjunctivitis.

Target Organs:  May affect the kidneys and lungs.

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.  Never induce vomiting or give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.

SKIN:  Remove contaminated clothing, brush material off skin, wash with soap or mild detergent and large amounts of water.  Seek medical attention, if needed.

EYES:  Flush eyes immediately with large amounts of water, lifting upper and lower lids.  Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

VI.  REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  Dusting conditions, accumulation of large quantities of fines or machining residues.

Incompatibility (materials to avoid):   Niobium metal is rapidly dissolved by hydrofluoric acid or hydrofluoric-nitric acid mixtures.  Niobium ignites in cold fluorine, and above 200 ^oC will react exothermically with chlorine, bromine, and halocarbons such as carbon tetrachloride, carbon tetrafluoride and freons.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  The above reaction with incompatible materials will generate hazardous reaction products such as flammable hydrogen, toxic fumes of nitrogen oxides or corrosive niobium halide vapors.

Hazardous Polymerization:  Will not occur

VI.  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, provide ventilation and extinguish all sources of ignition.  Scoop 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.  Use non-sparking tools.

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

VIII.  SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  Wear appropriate NIOSH-approved respirator if dust or fume exposure levels are exceeded.

Ventilation:  Provide local exhaust ventilation system.  Ensure compliance with applicable exposure limits.

Protective Gloves:  Chemical resistant gloves

Eye Protection:  Safety goggles

Other Protective Clothing or Equipment:  Wear appropriate chemical resistant clothing.

IX.  SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions To Be Taken in Handling & Storage:  Store and handle in accordance with all current regulations and standards.  Store away from incompatible substances, such as oxidizers and mineral acids.  Use methods to minimize dust.  Machining of niobium may result in fine turnings, chips or dust.  Any material with a dimension of less than .001" is flammable.  Keep away from any source of ignition. Do not accumulate large quantities of fines or machining residues.  Dispose of these materials daily.

Work Practices:  Implement engineering and work practice controls to reduce and maintain concentration of exposure.  Use good housekeeping and sanitation practices.  Do not use tobacco or food in work area.  Wash thoroughly before eating or smoking.  Provide and emergency eye wash fountain and quick drench shower in the immediate work area.  Do not blow dust off clothing or skin with compressed air.

TSCA Listed:  Yes

DOT Regulations:

Solid Forms:

           Hazard Class:                   None

Powders:

           Hazard Class:                   4.1

           Identification Number:    UN3089

           Packing Group:                 II

           Proper Shipping Name:    Metal powder, flammable, n.o.s. (niobium)

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

Revised/Verified:          May 2011