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BERYLLIUM OXIDE

ICSC: 1325

Beryllia
Beryllium monoxide
BeO
Molecular mass: 25.0
ICSC # 1325 		CAS # 1304-56-9
RTECS # DS4025000
UN # 1566
EC # 004-003-00-8
December 04, 2000 Validated

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE

ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS

PREVENTION

FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING

FIRE Not combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.

In case of fire in the surroundings: use appropriate extinguishing media.
EXPLOSION


EXPOSURE
PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST! AVOID ALL CONTACT!
IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
•INHALATION Cough. Shortness of breath. Sore throat. Symptoms may be delayed (see Notes).
Closed system and ventilation.
Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.
•SKIN Redness.
Protective gloves. Protective clothing.
Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower.
•EYES Redness. Pain.
Face shield, or eye protection in combination with breathing protection if powder.
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
•INGESTION
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.
Rinse mouth. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Sweep spilled substance into sealable containers; if appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder, then remove to safe place. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus.
Separated from food and feedstuffs . Well closed.
Unbreakable packaging; put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container. Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
Note: E
T+ symbol
R: 49-25-26-36/37/38-43-48/23
S: 53-45
UN Hazard Class: 6.1
UN Packing Group: II
ICSC: 1325 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

BERYLLIUM OXIDE

ICSC: 1325

I

M

P

O

R

T

A

N

T


D

A

T

A

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
WHITE CRYSTALS OR POWDER.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:


CHEMICAL DANGERS:
Upon heating, toxic fumes are formed.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: (as Be) 0.002 mg/m3 as TWA; 0.01 mg/m3 as STEL; A1 (confirmed human carcinogen); Intended change : 0.00005 mg/m3 as TWA; 0.0002 mg/m3 as STEL; (skin); SEN; A1 (confirmed human carcinogen); (ACGIH 2008).
MAK: Sah;
Carcinogen category: 1;
(DFG 2008).


ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly when dispersed.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance is irritating to the eyes , the skin and the respiratory tract . Inhalation of the dust may cause chemical pneumonitis. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated. Exposure may result in death.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
Repeated or prolonged contact may cause skin sensitization. Lungs may be affected by repeated or prolonged exposure , resulting in chronic beryllium disease (cough, weight loss, weakness). This substance is carcinogenic to humans.

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point: 3900°C
Melting point: 2530°C
Density: 3.0
g/cm3
Solubility in water:
at 20 °C
none

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA

The substance is very toxic to aquatic organisms. The substance may cause long-term effects in the aquatic environment.

N O T E S

The symptoms of acute pneumonitis following a massive short-term exposure do not become manifest until 3 days. Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is suggested. Do NOT take working clothes home. Card has been partly updated in October 2004. See sections Occupational Exposure Limits, EU classification, Emergency Response.
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-61GT5-II
Card has been partially updated in February 2009: see Occupational Exposure Limits.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION



ICSC: 1325 BERYLLIUM OXIDE
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.
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