MSDS Number: D0776 * * * * * Effective Date: 02/03/09 * * * * * Supercedes: 04/02/07 Devarda's Alloy


Devarda's Alloy


1. Product Identification

Synonyms: Reducing alloy; Copper, Aluminum, and Zinc alloy
CAS No.: 8049-11-4
Molecular Weight: Not applicable.
Chemical Formula: Not applicable.
Product Codes: 2680

2. Composition/Information on Ingredients


  Ingredient                                CAS No         Percent        Hazardous                                  
  ---------------------------------------   ------------   ------------   ---------   
 
  Aluminum Metal                            7429-90-5        44 - 46%        Yes                                                                   
  Copper                                    7440-50-8        49 - 51%        Yes                                                                   
  Zinc                                      7440-66-6         4 - 6%         Yes                                                                  
 

3. Hazards Identification

Emergency Overview
--------------------------
WARNING! HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED OR INHALED. CAUSES IRRITATION TO SKIN, EYES AND RESPIRATORY TRACT. AFFECTS THE LIVER AND KIDNEYS. CHRONIC EXPOSURE MAY CAUSE TISSUE DAMAGE.

SAF-T-DATA(tm) Ratings (Provided here for your convenience)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Health Rating: 3 - Severe (Life)
Flammability Rating: 1 - Slight
Reactivity Rating: 2 - Moderate
Contact Rating: 2 - Moderate
Lab Protective Equip: GOGGLES & SHIELD; LAB COAT & APRON; VENT HOOD; PROPER GLOVES
Storage Color Code: Green (General Storage)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Potential Health Effects
----------------------------------

Inhalation:
Inhalation of dusts and fumes of metallic copper causes irritation of the upper respiratory tract, congestion of nasal mucous membranes, ulceration and perforation of the nasal septum, and pharyngeal congestion. Inhalation of copper fumes may give rise to metal fume fever (high temperature, metallic taste, nausea, coughing, general weakness, muscle aches, and exhaustion).
Ingestion:
Copper ingestion causes nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, metallic taste, and diarrhea. Ingestion of large doses may cause stomach and intestine ulceration, jaundice, and kidney and liver damage. Extremely large oral dosages may produce gastrointestinal disturbances, due both to mechanical effects and the possibility of reaction with gastric juice to produce zinc chloride. Pain, stomach cramps and nausea could occur in aggravated cases.
Skin Contact:
Causes irritation to skin. Symptoms include redness, itching, and pain. Exposure to copper dust may cause a greenish-black skin discoloration.
Eye Contact:
Small copper particles in the eyes may cause irritation, discoloration, and damage.
Chronic Exposure:
Prolonged or repeated exposure to copper can discolor skin and hair and irritate the skin; may cause mild dermatitis, runny nose, and irritation of the mucous membranes. Repeated ingestion may damage the liver and kidneys. Repeated inhalation can cause chronic respiratory disease.
Aggravation of Pre-existing Conditions:
Persons with pre-existing skin disorders or impaired liver, kidney, or pulmonary function or pre-existing Wilson's disease may be more susceptible to the effects of this material.

4. First Aid Measures

Inhalation:
Remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Get medical attention.
Ingestion:
Induce vomiting immediately as directed by medical personnel. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Skin Contact:
Immediately flush skin with plenty of soap and water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing and shoes. Get medical attention. Wash clothing before reuse. Thoroughly clean shoes before reuse.
Eye Contact:
Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, lifting lower and upper eyelids occasionally. Get medical attention immediately.

5. Fire Fighting Measures

Fire:
Not considered to be a fire hazard.

Copper: Not considered to be a fire hazard since the bulk solid does not burn, but very finely divided particles (ultra-fine powder) may burn in air.

Zinc powder is not pyrophoric but will burn in air at elevated temperatures. Bulk dust in damp state may heat spontaneously and ignite on exposure to air. Releases flammable hydrogen gas upon contact with acids or alkali hydroxides.

Explosion:
Not considered to be an explosion hazard. Fine dust dispersed in air in sufficient concentrations, and in the presence of an ignition source is a potential dust explosion hazard. Reactions with incompatibles may pose an explosion hazard. Liquid copper explodes on contact with water. High concentrations of finely divided copper particles in the air may present an explosion hazard.
Fire Extinguishing Media:
Use any means suitable for extinguishing surrounding fire.
Special Information:
In the event of a fire, wear full protective clothing and NIOSH-approved self-contained breathing apparatus with full facepiece operated in the pressure demand or other positive pressure mode.

6. Accidental Release Measures

Ventilate area of leak or spill. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment as specified in Section 8. Spills: Sweep up and containerize for reclamation or disposal. Vacuuming or wet sweeping may be used to avoid dust dispersal. US Regulations (CERCLA) require reporting spills and releases to soil, water and air in excess of reportable quantities. The toll free number for the US Coast Guard National Response Center is (800) 424-8802.



7. Handling and Storage

Keep in a tightly closed container, stored in a cool, dry, ventilated area. Protect against physical damage. Avoid exposure to air and moisture. Isolate from incompatible substances. Containers of this material may be hazardous when empty since they retain product residues (dust, solids); observe all warnings and precautions listed for the product.

8. Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Airborne Exposure Limits:
Copper Dust and Mists, as Cu:
- OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) -
1 mg/m3 (TWA)
- ACGIH Threshold Limit Value (TLV) -
1 mg/m3 (TWA)
Copper Fume:
- OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) -
0.1 mg/m3 (TWA)
- ACGIH Threshold Limit Value (TLV) -
0.2 mg/m3 (TWA)
None for Zinc metal.
Zinc Oxide Fume:
- OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) -
5 mg/m3 (TWA)
- ACGIH Threshold Limit Value (TLV) -
5 mg/m3 (TWA), 10 mg/m3 (STEL).
-OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL):
15 mg/m3 (TWA) total dust and 5 mg/m3 (TWA)
respirable fraction for Aluminum metal as Al.
-ACGIH Threshold Limit Value (TLV):
1 mg/m3 respirable fraction (TWA), Aluminum metal and Insoluble compounds, A4.

Ventilation System:
A system of local and/or general exhaust is recommended to keep employee exposures below the Airborne Exposure Limits. Local exhaust ventilation is generally preferred because it can control the emissions of the contaminant at its source, preventing dispersion of it into the general work area. Please refer to the ACGIH document, Industrial Ventilation, A Manual of Recommended Practices, most recent edition, for details.
Personal Respirators (NIOSH Approved):
If the exposure limit is exceeded and engineering controls are not feasible, a full facepiece particulate respirator (NIOSH type N100 filters) may be worn for up to 50 times the exposure limit or the maximum use concentration specified by the appropriate regulatory agency or respirator supplier, whichever is lowest. If oil particles (e.g. lubricants, cutting fluids. glycerine, etc.) are present, use a NIOSH type R or P filter. For emergencies or instances where the exposure levels are not known, use a full-facepiece positive-pressure, air-supplied respirator. WARNING: Air-purifying respirators do not protect workers in oxygen-deficient atmospheres.
Skin Protection:
Wear impervious protective clothing, including boots, gloves, lab coat, apron or coveralls, as appropriate, to prevent skin contact.
Eye Protection:
Use chemical safety goggles and/or full face shield where dusting or splashing of solutions is possible. Maintain eye wash fountain and quick-drench facilities in work area.

9. Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance:
Gray granules.
Odor:
Odorless.
Solubility:
Negligible (< 0.1%)
Specific Gravity:
No information found.
pH:
No information found.
% Volatiles by volume @ 21C (70F):
0
Boiling Point:
No information found.
Melting Point:
No information found.
Vapor Density (Air=1):
Not applicable.
Vapor Pressure (mm Hg):
Not applicable.
Evaporation Rate (BuAc=1):
No information found.

10. Stability and Reactivity

Stability:
Stable under ordinary conditions of use and storage.

Copper becomes dull when exposed to air; on exposure to moist air it gradually converts to the carbonate. On long standing, a white, highly explosive peroxide deposit may form.

Moist zinc dust can react exothermically and ignite spontaneously in air.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:
Toxic metal fumes may form when heated to decomposition.
Hazardous Polymerization:
Will not occur.
Incompatibilities:
Copper is incompatible with oxidizers, alkalis, acetylene, chlorine plus oxygen difluoride, phosphorus, nitric acid, potassium peroxide, 1-bromo-2-propyne, sulfur plus chlorates. Reacts violently with ammonium nitrate, bromates, iodates, chlorates, ethylene oxide, hydrozoic acid, potassium oxide, dimethyl sulfoxide plus trichloroacetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, sodium peroxide, sodium azide, sulfuric acid, hydrogen sulfide plus air, and lead azide. A potentially explosive reaction occurs with actylenic compounds. Copper ignites on contact with chlorine, fluorine (above 121C), chlorine trifluoride, and hydrazinum nitrate (above 70C). An incandescent reaction occurs with potassium dioxide.

For Aluminum Metal: Mercury, halocarbons, halogens, water (with bulk aluminum powder) strong oxidizing agents, some acids, bases and many other materials.

Zinc powder can react violently with water, sulfur and halogens. Dangerous or potentially dangerous with strong oxidizing agents, lower molecular weight chlorinated hydrocarbons, strong acids and alkalis.

Conditions to Avoid:
Incompatibles and prolonged exposure to air and moisture.

11. Toxicological Information


Copper: Investigated as a tumorigen and a reproductive effector.
Zinc: Irritation skin, human: 300 ug/3D-I mild; investigated as a mutagen.
  --------\Cancer Lists\------------------------------------------------------
                                         ---NTP Carcinogen---
  Ingredient                             Known    Anticipated    IARC Category
  ------------------------------------   -----    -----------    -------------
  Aluminum Metal (7429-90-5)              No          No            None
  Copper (7440-50-8)                      No          No            None
  Zinc (7440-66-6)                        No          No            None

12. Ecological Information

Environmental Fate:
No information found.
Environmental Toxicity:
No information found.

13. Disposal Considerations

Whatever cannot be saved for recovery or recycling should be managed in an appropriate and approved waste disposal facility. Processing, use or contamination of this product may change the waste management options. State and local disposal regulations may differ from federal disposal regulations. Dispose of container and unused contents in accordance with federal, state and local requirements.

14. Transport Information

Not regulated.

15. Regulatory Information

  --------\Chemical Inventory Status - Part 1\---------------------------------
  Ingredient                                       TSCA  EC   Japan  Australia
  -----------------------------------------------  ----  ---  -----  ---------
  Aluminum Metal (7429-90-5)                        Yes  Yes   No       Yes                                      
  Copper (7440-50-8)                                Yes  Yes   No       Yes                                      
  Zinc (7440-66-6)                                  Yes  Yes   No       Yes                                      
 
  --------\Chemical Inventory Status - Part 2\---------------------------------
                                                          --Canada--
  Ingredient                                       Korea  DSL   NDSL  Phil.
  -----------------------------------------------  -----  ---   ----  -----
  Aluminum Metal (7429-90-5)                        Yes   Yes   No     Yes       
  Copper (7440-50-8)                                Yes   Yes   No     Yes
  Zinc (7440-66-6)                                  Yes   Yes   No     Yes                                                                     
 
  --------\Federal, State & International Regulations - Part 1\----------------
                                             -SARA 302-    ------SARA 313------
  Ingredient                                 RQ    TPQ     List  Chemical Catg.
  -----------------------------------------  ---   -----   ----  --------------
  Aluminum Metal (7429-90-5)                 No    No      Yes        No
  Copper (7440-50-8)                         No    No      Yes        No
  Zinc (7440-66-6)                           No    No      Yes        No
 
  --------\Federal, State & International Regulations - Part 2\----------------
                                                        -RCRA-    -TSCA-
  Ingredient                                 CERCLA     261.33     8(d) 
  -----------------------------------------  ------     ------    ------
  Aluminum Metal (7429-90-5)                 No         No         No     
  Copper (7440-50-8)                         5000       No         No                                                                 
  Zinc (7440-66-6)                           1000       No         No                                                               
 
 
Chemical Weapons Convention:  No     TSCA 12(b):  No     CDTA:  No
SARA 311/312:  Acute: Yes      Chronic: Yes  Fire: No  Pressure: No
Reactivity: No          (Mixture / Solid)


Australian Hazchem Code: None allocated.
Poison Schedule: None allocated.
WHMIS:
This MSDS has been prepared according to the hazard criteria of the Controlled Products Regulations (CPR) and the MSDS contains all of the information required by the CPR.

16. Other Information

NFPA Ratings: Health: 2 Flammability: 1 Reactivity: 1
Label Hazard Warning:
WARNING! HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED OR INHALED. CAUSES IRRITATION TO SKIN, EYES AND RESPIRATORY TRACT. AFFECTS THE LIVER AND KIDNEYS. CHRONIC EXPOSURE MAY CAUSE TISSUE DAMAGE.
Label Precautions:
Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothing.
Wash thoroughly after handling.
Avoid breathing dust or vapors.
Keep container closed.
Use only with adequate ventilation.
Label First Aid:
If swallowed, induce vomiting immediately as directed by medical personnel. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. If inhaled, remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. In case of contact, immediately flush eyes or skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing and shoes. Wash clothing before reuse. In all cases, get medical attention.
Product Use:
Laboratory Reagent.
Revision Information:
MSDS Section(s) changed since last revision of document include: 8.
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Prepared by: Environmental Health & Safety
Phone Number: (314) 654-1600 (U.S.A.)