Common Name:    Molybdenum Trioxide CAS Number:     1313-27-5

 DOT Number:     None

 Date:           January 31, 1986

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 HAZARD SUMMARY

 *    Molybdenum Trioxide can affect you when breathed in.

 *    The dust or mist can irritate the nose, throat and bronchial

      tubes, causing cough and/or tightness in the chest.

 *    Eye or skin contact can cause irritation.

 *    Repeated overexposure can cause weight loss, diarrhea, poor

      muscle coordination, headaches and muscle or joint aching.



 IDENTIFICATION

 Molybdenum Trioxide is a white or slightly yellow powder. It is

 used in agriculture, manufacture of metallic Molybdenum, ceramic

 glazes, enamels, pigments and in analytical chemistry.



 REASON FOR CITATION

 *    Molybdenum Trioxide is on the Hazardous Substance List because

      it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH.

 *    Definitions are attached.



 HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING EXPOSED

 *    Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely

      evaluated. This may include collecting personal and area air

      samples. You can obtain copies of sampling results from your

      employer. You have a legal right to this information under

      OSHA 1910.20.

 *    If you think you are experiencing any work related health

      problems, see a doctor trained to recognize occupational

      diseases. Take this Fact Sheet with you.



 WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS

 These exposure limits are recommended for Molybdenum soluble

 compounds (measured as Molybdenum).



 OSHA:     The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL)  is

           5 mg/m3 averaged over an 8 hour workshift.

 ACGIH:    The recommended airborne exposure limit is 5 mg/m3

           averaged over an 8 hour workshift.



 WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE

 *    Where possible, enclose operations and use local exhaust

      ventilation at the site of chemical release. If local exhaust

      ventilation or enclosure is not used, respirators should be

      worn.

 *    Wear protective work clothing.

 *    Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to Molybdenum

      Trioxide.

 *    Post hazard and warning information in the work area. In

      addition, as part of an ongoing education and training effort,

      communicate all information on the health and safety hazards

      of Molybdenum Trioxide to potentially exposed workers.



 This Fact Sheet is a summary source of information for workers,

 employers and community residents.  Health professionals may also

 find it useful. If this substance is part of a mixture, this Fact

 Sheet should be used along with the manufacturer supplied Material

 Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).

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 HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION



 Acute Health Effects

 The following acute (short term) health effects may occur

 immediately or shortly after exposure to Molybdenum Trioxide:



 *    Skin or eye contact can cause irritation.

 *    The dust or concentrated mist can irritate the nose, throat

      and bronchial tubes, causing cough and/or tightness in the

      chest.

 *    High or repeated overexposure can cause weight loss, diarrhea,

      poor muscle coordination, headaches and muscle or joint

      aching.



 Chronic Health Effects

 The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some

 time after exposure to Molybdenum Trioxide and can last for months

 or years:



 Cancer Hazard

 *    There is limited evidence that Molybdenum Trioxide causes

      cancer in animals. It may cause cancer of the lung.

 *    Many scientists believe there is no safe level of exposure to

      a carcinogen. Such substances may also have the potential for

      causing reproductive damage in humans.



 Reproductive Hazard

 *    According to the information presently available to the New

      Jersey Department of Health, Molybdenum Trioxide has not been

      tested for its ability to adversely affect reproduction.



 Other Long Term Effects

 *    Repeated overexposure can cause changes in liver function and

      or increase in bilirubin. Reduced blood count (ane mia) or

      increased uric acid in the blood leading to gout can also

      occur.



 MEDICAL TESTING



 If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may

 be useful:



 *    Tests for liver function.

 *    Complete blood count.

 *    Uric acid level.



 Any evaluation should include a careful history of past and present

 symptoms with an exam. Medical tests that look for damage already

 done are not a substitute for controlling exposure.



 Request copies of your medical testing. You have a legal right to

 this information under OSHA 1910.20.



 WORKPLACE CONTROLS AND PRACTICES



 Unless a less toxic chemical can be substituted for a hazardous

 substance, ENGINEERING CONTROLS are the most effective way of

 reducing exposure. The best protection is to enclose operations

 and/or provide local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical

 release. Isolating operations can also reduce exposure. Using

 respirators or protective equipment is less effective than the

 controls mentioned above, but is sometimes necessary.



 In evaluating the controls present in your workplace, consider: (1)

 how hazardous the substance is, (2) how much of the substance is

 released into the workplace and (3) whether harmful skin or eye

 contact could occur. Special controls should be in place for highly

 toxic chemicals or when significant skin, eye, or breathing

 exposures are possible.



 Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The

 following work practices are recommended:



 *    Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Molybdenum

      Trioxide should change into clean clothing promptly.

 *    Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals

      who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to

      Molybdenum Trioxide.

 *    On skin contact with Molybdenum Trioxide, immediately wash or

      shower to remove the chemical.

 *    Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Molybdenum Trioxide is

      handled, processed, or stored, since the chemical can be

      swallowed. Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking.

 *    Use a vacuum or a wet method to reduce dust during clean up.

      DO NOT DRY SWEEP.



 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT



 WORKPLACE CONTROLS ARE BETTER THAN PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT.

 However, for some jobs (such as outside work, confined space entry,

 jobs done only once in a while, or jobs done while workplace

 controls are being installed), personal protective equipment may be

 appropriate.



 The following recommendations are only guidelines and may not apply

 to every situation.



 Clothing

 *    Avoid skin contact with Molybdenum Trioxide. Wear protective

      gloves and clothing. Safety equipment suppliers/ manufacturers

      can provide recommendations on the most protective glove/

      clothing material for your operation.

 *    All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear)

      should be clean, available each day, and put on before work.



 Eye Protection

 *    Wear dust proof goggles and face shield when working with

      powders or dust, unless full facepiece respiratory protection

      is worn.



 Respiratory Protection

 IMPROPER USE OF RESPIRATORS IS DANGEROUS. Such equipment should

 only be used if the employer has a written program that takes into

 account workplace conditions, requirements for worker training,

 respirator fit testing, and medical exams, as described in OSHA

 1910.134.



 *    Where the potential exists for exposures over 5 mg/m3, use a

      MSHA/NIOSH approved full facepiece respirator equipped with

      particulate (dust/fume/ mist) filters. Greater protection is

      provided by a powered air purifying respirator. Particulate

      filters must be checked every day before work for physical

      damage, such as rips or tears, and replaced as needed.

 *    If while wearing a filter, cartridge or canister respirator,

      you can smell, taste, or otherwise detect Molybdenum Trioxide,

      or in the case of a full facepiece respirator you experience

      eye irritation, leave the area immediately. Check to make sure

      the respirator to face seal is still good. If it is, replace

      the filter, cartridge, or canister. If the seal is no longer

      good, you may need a new respirator.

 *    Be sure to consider all potential exposures in your workplace.

      You may need a combination of filters, prefilters, cartridges,

      or canisters to protect against different forms of a chemical

      (such as vapor and mist) or against a mixture of chemicals.

 *    Where the potential for high exposures exists, use a

      MSHA/NIOSH approved supplied air respirator with a full

      facepiece operated in the positive pressure mode or with a

      full facepiece, hood, or helmet in the continuous flow mode,

      or use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self contained breathing

      apparatus with a full facepiece operated in pressure demand or

      other positive pressure mode.



 Common Name: Molybdenum Trioxide

 DOT Number: None

 DOT Emergency Guide code: No Citation

 CAS Number: 1313-27-5



 ----------------------------------------

 NJ DOH Hazard rating

 FLAMMABILITY                        0

 REACTIVITY                          0

 ----------------------------------------

 POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED IN FIRE

 ----------------------------------------

 Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious;

 4=severe



 FIRE HAZARDS



 *    Extinguish fire using an agent suitable for type of

      surrounding fire. Molybdenum Trioxide itself does not burn.

 *    POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED IN FIRE.

 *    If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained

      and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156.



 SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES



 If Molybdenum Trioxide is spilled, take the following steps:



 *    Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of

      spill until cleanup is complete.

 *    Collect powdered material in the most convenient and safe

      manner and deposit in sealed containers.

 *    It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Molybdenum

      Trioxide as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state

      Environmental Program for specific recommendations.



 ==========================================

 FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your local fire

 department.

 ==========================================

 HANDLING AND STORAGE



 *    Prior to working with Molybdenum Trioxide you should be

      trained on its proper handling and storage.

 *    Molybdenum Trioxide must be stored to avoid contact with

      STRONG ACIDS (such as HYDROCHLORIC, SULFURIC and NITRIC),

      ALKALIS, SODIUM, POTASSIUM and MOLTEN MAGNESIUM since violent

      reactions occur.

 *    Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated

      area.



 FIRST AID



 POISON INFORMATION



 Eye Contact

 *    Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 15

      minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids.



 Skin Contact

 *    Remove contaminated clothing. Wash contaminated skin with soap

      and water.



 PHYSICAL DATA



 Vapor Pressure:     Essentially zero at 68oF

 Water Solubility:   Slightly soluble



 OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES:



 Molybdic Anhydride; Molybdic Trioxide.



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 Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial purposes.

 ------------------------------------------

 NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

 Right to Know Program

 CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625 0368

 ------------------------------------------

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 ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION



 Molybdenum Trioxide is a manufactured chemical produced from the

 naturally occurring metal molybdenum.  Molybdenum is an essential

 element in plants for nitrogen fixation.  It is used in the

 manufacture of special steels of common usage, glass to metal

 seals, nonferrous alloys and as a lubricant additive.  Molybdenum

 Trioxide is used chiefly as a chemical reagent; it may enter the

 environment from industrial and municipal waste treatment plant

 discharges.



 ACUTE (SHORT-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS



 Acute toxic effects may include the death of animals, birds, or

 fish, and death or low growth rate in plants.  Acute effects are

 seen two to four days after animals or plants come in contact with

 a toxic chemical substance.



 Molybdenum Trioxide has slight acute toxicity to aquatic life.

 Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short-

 term effects of Molybdenum Trioxide to plants, birds, or land

 animals.



 CHRONIC (LONG-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS



 Chronic toxic effects may include shortened lifespan, reproductive

 problems, lower fertility, and changes in appearance or behavior.

 Chronic effects can be seen long after first exposure(s) to a toxic

 chemical.



 Molybdenum Trioxide has moderate chronic toxicity to aquatic life.

 Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long-

 term effects of Molybdenum Trioxide to plants, birds, or land

 animals.



 WATER SOLUBILITY



 Molybdenum Trioxide is highly soluble in water.  Concentrations of

 1,000 milligrams and more will mix with a liter of water.



 DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT



 Molybdenum Trioxide is highly persistent in water, with a half-life

 greater than 200 days.  The half-life of a pollutant is the amount

 of time it takes for one-half of the chemical to be degraded.



 BIOACCUMULATION IN AQUATIC ORGANISMS



 Some substances increase in concentration, or bioaccumulate, in

 living organisms as they breathe contaminated air, drink

 contaminated water, or eat contaminated food.  These chemicals can

 become concentrated in the tissues and internal organs of animals

 and humans.



 The concentration of Molybdenum Trioxide found in fish tissues is

 expected to be somewhat higher than the average concentration of

 Molybdenum Trioxide in the water from which the fish was taken.



 SUPPORT DOCUMENT:  AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.