Osmium tetroxide
Synonyms & Trade Names
Osmic acid anhydride, Osmium oxideExposure Limits
NIOSH REL
TWA 0.002 mg/m3 (0.0002 ppm) ST 0.006 mg/m3 (0.0006 ppm)OSHA PEL
TWA 0.002 mg/m3 See Appendix GPhysical Description
Colorless, crystalline solid or pale-yellow mass with an unpleasant, acrid, chlorine-like odor. [Note: A liquid above 105°F.]Molecular Weight
254.2Boiling Point
266°FMelting Point
105°FSolubility
(77°F): 6%Vapor Pressure
7 mmHgIonization Potential
12.60 eVSpecific Gravity
5.10Flash Point
NAUpper Exposive Limit
NALower Explosive Limit
NAIncompatibilities & Reactivities
Hydrochloric acid, easily oxidized organic materials [Note: Begins to sublime below BP. Contact with other materials may cause fire.]Exposure Routes
inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contactSymptoms
irritation eyes, respiratory system; lacrimation (discharge of tears), visual disturbance; conjunctivitis; headache; cough, dyspnea (breathing difficulty); dermatitisTarget Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory systemPersonal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)Skin:Prevent skin contact
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:When contaminated
Remove:When wet or contaminated
Change:Daily
Provide:Eyewash
First Aid
(See procedures)Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Soap wash immediately
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations
NIOSH/OSHA
Up to 0.1 mg/m3:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying full-facepiece respirator equipped with cartridge(s) providing protection against the compound of concern in combination with an N100, R100, or P100 filter.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted canister providing protection against the compound of concern and having an N100, R100, or P100 filter.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece
Up to 1 mg/m3:
(APF = 2000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus
Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted canister providing protection against the compound of concern and having an N100, R100, or P100 filter.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
- Page last reviewed:April 11, 2016
- Page last updated:April 11, 2016
- Content source:
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Education and Information Division