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:   Aluminum

Formula:            Al

CAS Number:     7429-90-5

II.  HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Component:       Aluminum 

Percent (%):                        0-100

OSHA/PEL:                           0.5 mg/m³

ACGIH/TLV:                          0.5 mg/m³

HMIS Ratings: 

Health:                                  1 

Flammability:                       3  

Reactivity:                            2

III.  PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                     2476 ^oC

Melting Point:                     660.37 ^oC 

Specific Gravity:                2476 ^oC

Solubility in H₂O:               Insoluble 

Vapor Pressure:                1mm @ 1284 ^oC

Appearance and Odor:      Silver-white, metallic element, no odor.

NOTE:  The physical data presented above are typical values and should not be construed as a specification.

IV.  FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point (Method used):  N/A

Autoignition Temperature:  400 – 760 ^oC

Explosive Limits:  Lower:  N/E        Upper: N/E

Extinguishing Media:  Flammable solid in powder form.  Do not use water or halogenated extinguishers.  Use carbon dioxide, dry powder extinguishing agents, dry sand or dry ground dolomite.

Special Firefighting Procedures:  No special firefighting procedures needed, use normal procedures which include wearing NIOSH/MSHA approved self-contained breathing apparatus, flame and chemical resistant clothing; hats, boots and gloves.  If without risk remove material from fire area.

Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards: Fresh, very finely ground aluminum, may be pyrophoric when its particle size is 0.03 um or less.  Dust is moderately flammable/explosive by heat, flame or chemical reaction with powerful oxidizers.  May ignite on contact with vapors of AsCl₃, SCl₂, Se₂Cl₂, PCl₅; on contact with barium peroxide; contact with O₂; mixtures with picric acid + water after a delayed period; exothermic reaction with water + iron powder which emits hydrogen gas; and spontaneously ignites in CS₂ vapors.

May ignite and react violently with mixtures of sodium peroxide and O₂+H₂O; on contact with halogens and interhalogens.  May react violently with hydrochloric acid, hydrofluoric acid, hydrogen chloride gas and disulfur dibromide; non-metals phosphorus, sulfur and selenium; with sulfur, Sb or As when heated; and potential violent reaction with sodium peroxide.  May have a violent or explosive reaction when heated with metal oxides, oxosalts (nitrates, sulfates), some halocarbons, sulfides or hot copper oxide worked with an iron or steel tool.  May have an explosive reaction with sodium sulfate above 800 ^oC; in powdered form with KClO₄+Ba (NO₃) ₂+ KNO₃+H₂O and Ba (NO³)₂+KNO₃+sulfur+vegetable adhesives+H₂O after a delayed period; powder forms sensitive explosive mixture with oxidants; mixtures with powdered AgCl, NH₄NO₃, or NH₄NO₃+Ca (NO₃)₂+formamide+H₂O are powerful explosives; mixtures with ammonium peroxodisulfate+water is explosive; and potential explosive reaction with CCl₄ during ball milling operations.  Many violent or explosive reactions with the following halocarbons have occurred in industry: bromothane, bromotrifluoromethane, CCl₄, chlorodifluoromethane, chloroform, chloromethane, chloromethane+2-methylpropane, dichlorodifluoromethane, 1, 2-dichloroethane, dichloromethane, 1, 2-dichloropropane, 1,2, -difluorotetrafluoroethane, fluorotrichloroethane, hexachloroethane alcohol, polytrifluorethylene oils and greases, tetrachlorethylene, tetrachlorethylene, tetrafluoromethane, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, trichloroethylene, 1,1,2-trichlorotrifluoroethane, and trichlorotrifluoroethane-dichlorobenzene.  (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, eighth edition).

V.  HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

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

Aluminum compounds have many commercial uses and are commonly found in industry.  Many of these materials are active chemically and thus exhibit dangerous toxic and reactive properties.  Inhalation of fine aluminum oxide particles is associated with Shaver’s disease.  (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials).

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  Inhalation of dust or powder may cause irritation to the respiratory system.

Ingestion:  No acute health effects recorded.

Skin:  Dust or powder may cause irritation.

Eye:  Dust or powder may cause abrasive irritation.  Eye contact with aluminum particles may cause corneal necrosis.

Chronic Effects:

Target Organs: No target organs recorded.

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

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 if symptoms persist.

INGESTION:  No data available but one should obtain medical attention.

SKIN:  Remove contaminated clothing, flood skin with large amounts of water.  If irritation persists seek medical attention.

EYE:  Immediately flush eyes with lukewarm water, lifting upper and lower eyelids, for at least 15 minutes.  Call a physician.

VI.  REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  Moisture and excessive heat.

Incompatibility (Materials to Avoid):  Oxidizing agents, halogens, water, air/hydrocarbon mixtures, aluminum halides + carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide, antimony, arsenic, bismuth, butanol, methanol and other alcohols, interhalogens, halocarbons, carbon disulfide, copper (I) oxide, copper (II) oxide, copper + sulfur, diborane, diethyl ether, disulfur dibromide, formic acid, hydrochloric acid, hydrofluoric acid, hydrogen chloride, iron + water, mercury (II) salts, metal oxosalts such as nitrates, oxides, and sulfates, niobium oxide + sulfur, non-metal halides, phosphorus, sulfur, selenium, steel and silicon steel, silver chloride, sodium acetylide, sodium diuranate, sodium hydroxide, zinc.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Aluminum oxide; hydrogen when reacted with some acids and caustic solutions.

Hazardous Polymerization:  Will not occur

VII.  SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES

Steps to Be Taken in Case Material Is Released or Spilled:  When dealing with aluminum powder/dust wear appropriate respiratory and protective equipment specified in section VIII.  Isolate spill area, provide ventilation and extinguish sources of ignition.  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.