Potassium Tellurite

 

 

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 email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

 

Product Name:     Potassium Tellurite

Formula:              K2TeO3

CAS Number:       15571-91-2

 

 

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Components:  Potassium Tellurite

Percent (%):                    0-100

OSHA/PEL:                       0.1 mg (Te) /m3

ACGIH/TLV:                      0.1 mg (Te) /m3

HMIS Rating:

Health:                             3

Flammability:                  0

Reactivity:                       0

 

 

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                   N/E or N/A

Melting Point:                  460-470 oC (decomposes)

Specific Gravity:             N/E

Solubility in H2O:             Very soluble

Appearance and Odor:    White, deliquescent powder, no odor.

 

 

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/E or N/A

Method Used:  Non-flammable

Flammable Limits In AirUpper:  N/A        Lower:  N/A

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

Special Fire Fighting Procedures:  Firefighters must wear full face, self-contained breathing apparatus and 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:  When heated to decomposition, potassium tellurite may emit toxic fumes of potassium oxide and tellurium.

 

 

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

Potassium compounds are not toxic.  Any toxicity of the salts is due to the anion.  (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, eighth edition.)

Elemental tellurium has relatively low toxicity.  It is converted in the body to dimethyl telluride which imparts a garlic-like odor to the breath and sweat.  Heavy exposures may, in addition, result in headache, drowsiness, metallic taste, loss of appetite, nausea, tremors, convulsions, and respiratory arrest.  (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, eighth edition.)

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  DANGER-POISON.  May cause irritation to the respiratory system, dry mouth, garlic odor to breath, sweat and urine, nausea and vomiting.

Ingestion:  DANGER-POISON.  May cause dry mouth, suppression of sweat, garlic odor to breath and urine.

Skin:  May cause irritation and itching.

Eye:  May cause irritation.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause anorexia, nausea, depression to the central nervous system and somnolence.

Ingestion:  May cause anorexia, nausea, depression to the central nervous system and somnolence.

Skin:  May cause dermatitis.

Eye:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Routes of Entry:  Inhalation, ingestion.

Target Organs:  No target organs recorded.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure:  None recorded.

CarcinogenicityNTP:  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:  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 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 (Materials to Avoid):  None recorded

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Oxides of tellurium and potassium oxide.

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 the area where the spill occurred and insure that proper ventilation is available.  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 Local, State and Federal regulations.

 

 

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection (Specify Type):  Wear a NIOSH/MSHA approved dust-fume-mist cartridge respirator.

Ventilation:  Use local exhaust to maintain concentration at or below PEL, TLV.  Handle in a controlled environment.  General exhaust is recommended.

Protective Gloves:  Rubber gloves

Eye Protection:  Safety glasses

Other Protective Clothing or Equipment:  Wear protective clothing to prevent contamination of skin and clothes.

 

 

IX.   SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage:  Store in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry place.  Wash hands and face thoroughly after handling and before eating.

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 or 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.

 

 

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

Date:                    March 1995