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MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
MSDS provided by
Glass Alchemy, Ltd.
6539 NE 59th Place
Portland, OR 97218
USA
Tel: (503) 460-0545 Fax: (503) 460-0546 email: info@glassalchemyarts.com Prepared on
5/1/05.
Updated 01/05/2007
This Material Safety Data Sheet is offered pursuant to OSHA鈥檚 Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR
1910.1200). Other government regulations may be applicable for your use of these products.
WARNING: PRODUCT COMPONENTS PRESENT HEALTH AND SAFETY HAZARDS. READ AND UNDERSTAND THIS
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET (M.S.D.S.). ALSO, FOLLOW YOUR EMPLOYER鈥橲 SAFETY PRACTICES. Some products
may contain Chromium which is listed by OSHA, NTP, or IARC as being a carcinogen or potential carcinogen. The
information contained herein relates only to the specific product. If the product is combined with other materials, all component
properties must be considered. BE SURE TO CONSULT THE LATEST VERSION OF THE MSDS. MATERIAL SAFETY DATA
SHEETS ARE
AVAILABLE FROM Glass Alchemy, Ltd. msds@glassalchemyarts.com.
STATEMENT OF LIABILITY-DISCLAIMER
To the best of the Glass Alchemy, Ltd鈥檚 knowledge, the information and recommendations contained in this publication are reliable
and accurate as of the date prepared. However, accuracy, suitability, or completeness are not guaranteed, and no warranty,
guarantee, or representation, expressed or implied, is made by Glass Alchemy, Ltd. as to the absolute correctness or sufficiency of
any representation contained in this and other publications; Glass Alchemy, Ltd. assumes no responsibility in connection therewith;
nor can it be assumed that all acceptable safety measures are contained in this and other publications, or that other or additional
measures may not be required under particular or exceptional conditions or circumstances . Data may be changed from time to
time.
PART I: What is the Material?
SECTION I Product Identification
Product Name: Boromax鈩? borosilicate glass, including rod and flat bar. All colors are included except the
Crayon (Cadmium) Series and Sparkle Series. This MSDS covers: color numbers 132, 135, 138, 139,
161, 163, 182, 2383, 263, 287, 381, 382, 383, 385, 386, 388, 410, 421, 431, 436, 441, 442, 444, 4484,
445, 446, 447, 461, 4641, 4642, 4646, 481, 485, 487, 489, 510, 511, 512, 514, 515, 516, 517, 5186,
5188, 521, 531, 541, 546, 548, 5486, 5488, 585, 587, 592, 597, 672, 683, 738, 761, 773, 775, 786, 833,
8387, 8475, 860, 864, 931, 961, 974, 9749, 987, 993, 9992, 9995.
CHEM NAME/CLASS: Glass
SYNONYMS: Not Applicable
PRODUCT USE: Lampworking/Flameworking/Torchworking,Glass Fusing and Pigment.
Manufacturer: Glass Alchemy, Ltd.
6539 NE 59th Place
Portland, OR 97218 USA
Emergency: Day: 503-460-0545; Evenings and weekends: 503-753-5907
Page 1 of 7
SECTION II INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS
Glass Components CAS# Percent
Silicon 7440-21-3 <80
Boron 7440-42-8 <15
Potassium 7440-09-7 <5
Sodium 7440-23-5 <5
Glass is a solid material produced by combining various raw materials, melting these components
together, and cooling to a non-crystalline solid having its own unique properties.
Ingredient Listing CAS No. OSHA PEL ACGIH TLV % COMP
GLASS (above) MIXTURE N/A N/A >98%
METALS: <2%
5 mg/m3 10 mg/m3
Alumina oxide, 1344-28-1 0-1%
5 mg/m3 2 mg/m3
Charcoal, 7440-44-0 0-1%
1 mg/m3 0.5 mg/m3
Chrome oxide, 1308-38-9 0-.5%
0.1 mg/m3 0.02 mg/m3
Cobalt Tetroxide, 1308-06-1 0-1%
1 mg/m3 .2 mg/m3 Fume
Copper (II) oxide (black), 1317-38-0 0-1%
1 mg/m3 1 mg/m3 Dust
Copper oxide (I) (red) 1317-39-1 0-1%
15* mg/m3 10* mg/m3
Erbium oxide, 12061-16-4 0-1.5%
15* mg/m3 10* mg/m3
Europium oxide, 1308-96-9 0-1.5%
Germanium dioxide, 1310-53-8 No regulated* No regulated* 0-.25%
10 mg/m3 5 mg/m3
Iron (II) oxide (black), 1317-61-9 0-1%
10 mg/m3 5 mg/m3
Iron (III) oxide (red), 1309-37-1 0-1.5%
5 mg/m3 .2 mg/m3 resp
Manganese dioxide, 1313-13-9 0-1.5%
3 mg/m3 total 0-1.5%
mg/m3 10* mg/m3
Neodymium oxide, 1313-97-9 15* 0-1%
mg/m3 .2 mg/m3
Nickel (III) oxide 1314-06-3 1 0-1.5%
mg/m3 10* mg/m3
Praseodymium oxide 12037-29-5 15* 0-1.5%
mg/m3 10* mg/m3
Samarium Oxide 12060-58-1 15*
3 mg/m3 resp 0-2%
.01 mg/m3 .01 mg/m3
Silver dioxide, 20667-12-3 0-1%
2 mg/m3 2 mg/m3
Stannous (IV) oxide (white), 18282-10-5
* OSHA, ACGIH limits for Particulates (Not Otherwise Regulated) are 15 mg/M3 as Total Dust, and 5
mg/M3 Respirable Fraction.
Note: The various metal oxides used in these glass mixtures are judged to be non-hazardous when solid
at room temperature. The composition of Boromax鈩? borosilicate glass is a trade secret.
SECTION III PHYSICAL DATA
Boiling Point: Not Applicable
Softening Point: 821 deg C.
Spec Gravity: 2.23 gm/cm3 (H2O=1)
Vapor Pressure: Nil
Vapor Density: Nil
Evaporation Rate: Nil
Water Solubility: Nil
Odor: Odorless under usual conditions
Appearance: Clear/various colors
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SECTION IV HEALTH HAZARD DATA
EMERGENCY OVERVIEW: There is no immediate health hazard associated with the glass product.
Nickel, a component of the 993, is a suspect carcinogen. Though the glass is not flammable, if involved in
a fire and exposed to extremely high temperatures (greater than 2000 掳F), harmful fumes containing Tin,
Silver, Manganese and Copper and a variety of other metal oxides may be generated. These products
are not reactive under normal circumstances of use. Emergency responders must wear the proper
personal protective equipment suitable for the situation to which they are responding.
SYMPTOMS OF OVER-EXPOSURE BY ROUTE OF EXPOSURE: During lampworking operations, the
most significant routes of exposure are inhalation, and contact (cuts and burns) of the skin and eyes.
INHALATION: If any exposure to these fumes does occur, however, the main health effect will be
irritation of the nose, throat, and other tissues of the respiratory system. Inhalation of copper oxide and
manganese oxide (components of this product) fumes can cause metal fume fever. Initial symptoms of
metal fume fever can include a metallic or sweet taste in the mouth, dryness or irritation of the throat, and
coughing. Later symptoms (after 4-48 hours) can include sweating, shivering, headache, fever, chills,
thirstiness, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, weakness, and tiredness. Repeated over-exposures, via
inhalation, to the dusts or fumes generated by these products during lampworking operations may have
adverse effects on the lungs with possible pulmonary edema and emphysema (life-threatening lung
injuries).
CONTACT WITH SKIN or EYES: Contact of the glass
form of these products with skin is not anticipated to be
irritating. Sharp edges of the glass can cut. Symptoms of
skin over-exposures to the fumes of these products may
include irritation and redness; prolonged or repeated
skin over-exposures may lead to dermatitis. Contact with
the glass form of these products can be physically
damaging to the eye. Fumes generated during
lampworking operations can be irritating to the skin and
eyes. Symptoms of eye over-exposure include pain,
redness, irritation, and tearing. Contact with the molten
glass will burn skin or eyes.
SKIN ABSORPTION: No component of these products
can be absorbed through the skin.
INGESTION: Not applicable.
INJECTION: Injection of these products (slivers via
punctures or lacerations in the skin) may cause local
reddening, tissue swelling, and discomfort.
HEALTH EFFECTS OR RISKS FROM EXPOSURE: An Explanation in Lay Terms. Symptoms
associated with overexposure to these products, and the fumes generated during lampworking
operations, are as follows:
ACUTE: Inhalation of copper or manganese oxide fumes can cause metal fume fever. Inhalation of large
amounts of particulates generated by these products during glass crushing operations can result in
pneumoconiosis (a disease of the lungs). Contact with the molten burn will burn clothing, skin or eyes.
CHRONIC: Chronic skin over-exposure to the infra-red produced by heating these produces during
lampworking operations may produce dermatitis (red, inflamed skin). Chronic ingestion of dusts, salts, or
Page 3 of 7
fumes of Silver (a component of some these products) can result in a condition known as Argyria. This
condition is marked by a bluish appearance of the skin and eyes.
TARGET ORGANS: For Fumes: ACUTE: Skin and eyes, respiratory system. CHRONIC: Skin,
respiratory system.
PART II: What should I do if a hazardous situation occurs?
SECTION V FIRST-AID MEASURES
Victims of chemical exposure must be taken for medical attention. Rescuers should be taken for medical
attention, if necessary. Take copy of label and MSDS to health professional with victim.
SKIN EXPOSURE: If the fumes of the product irritate the skin, begin decontamination with running water.
Victim must seek medical attention if any adverse reaction occurs. If molten glass contaminates the skin,
immediately begin decontamination with cold, running water. Minimum flushing is for 15 minutes. Victim
must seek immediate medical attention.
EYE EXPOSURE: If the product鈥檚 fumes enter the eyes, open victim's eyes while under gentle running
water. Use sufficient force to open eyelids. Have victim "roll" eyes. Minimum flushing is for 15 minutes. If
molten glass contaminates the eyes, immediately begin decontamination with running water. Victim must
seek immediate medical attention.
INHALATION: If fumes of these products are inhaled, remove victim to fresh air. If necessary, use
artificial respiration to support vital functions.
INGESTION: Risk of impaction should be considered if eaten in quantity. Metal leaching by acidic
stomach acids is possible. Ingestion is not a likely pathway under expected conditions of use. Do not
induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel. Rinse mouth with water if person is conscious.
Never give fluids or induce vomiting if person is unconscious, having convulsions, or not breathing.
MEDICAL CONDITIONS AGGRAVATED BY EXPOSURE: Skin disorders may be aggravated by
prolonged overexposures to these products.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO PHYSICIANS: Treat symptoms and eliminate over-exposure.
SECTION VI FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
FLASH POINT: Not flammable.
AUTOIGNITION TEMPERATURE: Not flammable.
FLAMMABLE LIMITS (in air by volume, %):
Lower (LEL): Not applicable.
Upper (UEL): Not applicable.
FIRE EXTINGUISHING MATERIALS:
Water Spray: YES Carbon Dioxide: YES
Halon: YES Foam: YES
Dry Chemical: YES Other: Any "ABC" Class.
UNUSUAL FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS: When involved in a fire, this material may melt and
produce fumes containing tin, zinc, copper compounds and a variety of metal oxides. The molten material
can present a significant thermal hazard to fire-fighters.
Explosion Sensitivity to Mechanical Impact: Not sensitive.
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Explosion Sensitivity to Static Discharge: Not sensitive.
SPECIAL FIRE-FIGHTING PROCEDURES: Not applicable.
SECTION VII ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
Spill and leak response: Collect spill and put away. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter for dust.
Place dust in closed container.
Waste Disposal: Regulations vary. Consult local authority before disposal. Glass products may be
recycled. If unaltered by use these products may be disposed of. If crushed to a size greater than 30
Mesh the wastes of these products should be analyzed using the Toxicity Characteristic Leach
Procedure.
PART III: How can I prevent hazardous situations from occurring?
SECTION VIII PRECAUTIONS FOR SAFE HANDLING AND USE
WORK PRACTICES AND HYGIENE PRACTICES: Avoid inhalation of dusts. Avoid contact with eyes.
Wash thoroughly after handling. Use ventilation when melting or flame cutting glass. Avoid exposure to
fumes or vapors from heated glass. Use ventilation and other engineering controls to minimize potential
exposure to these products.
Other Precautions: All employees who handle this material should be trained to handle it safely.
SECTION IX EXPOSURE CONTROL/PERSONAL PROTECTION
Respiratory Protect: If permissible levels of dust are exceeded (see Section II), use NIOSH/MSHA
approved dust respirator. Confirm suitability of the respirator for glass dust.
VENTILATION AND ENGINEERING CONTROLS: Use with adequate ventilation to ensure exposure
limits are below those provided in Section II (Information on Ingredients). Use a mechanical fan or vent
area to outside. Prudent practice is to ensure eyewash stations are available near areas where these
products are used.
Protective Gloves: None required. Leather, Kevlar or appropriate work gloves as necessary.
Eye Protection: Wear didymium safety glasses with #3 welder shade protection.
Protective Clothing: Use body protection appropriate for task (i.e. leather apron and cotton fiber).
Work Practices: Observe good workplace safety and procedures suitable for the task being done, e.g.
flame or furnace melting of glass requires ventilation. Avoid exposure to furnace combustion products.
Annealing furnaces general do not require ventilation for fume.
SECTION X ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
ALL WORK PRACTICES MUST BE AIMED AT ELIMINATING ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION.
ENVIRONMENTAL STABILITY: These products, if ground down to mesh sizes of 30 or greater and
released into the environment, may cause local heavy metal contamination with potential impact on plant,
animal, and aquatic life. The metal is not biodegradable, and will persist in the environment for an
extended period of time. The following environmental data are available for the components of these
products.
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COPPER: Copper may concentrate to toxic level in the food chain. SILVER: Solubility: Insoluble in water. Many silver salts are only
slightly soluble and so silver cations will rapidly be reduced to lower levels. The Biological Half-Life for silver is a few days for
animals and up to 50 days for humans. TIN: Solubility: Insoluble in water. ZINC: Solubility: Insoluble in water. Biological Half-Life for
normal humans 162-500 days. Bioconcentration: The Bioconcentration Factor in edible portions of Crassostrea virgina, adult oyster)
is 16,700 (total zinc).
EFFECT OF MATERIAL ON PLANTS or ANIMALS: Heavy metal toxicity effects on plants may result in
poor plant growth, poor appearance, and loss of plant vitality. This material may be harmful to animal life.
Specific data on test animals are available, but are not presented in this Material Safety Data Sheet.
EFFECT OF CHEMICAL ON AQUATIC LIFE: Discharge of these products into water may cause local
heavy metal contamination, and may cause permanent contamination of the bottom of the affected body
of water. All work practices must minimize potential or actual releases to the environment. The following
aquatic toxicity data are available for the components of these products.
COPPER: Copper is concentrated by plankton by 1000 or more. Copper may concentrate to toxic level in the food chain SILVER:
0.1 ppm is toxic to bacteria and aquatic life. Discharge into marine waters should not exceed 1/20 of 96 hour LC50, 0.25-0.025
mg/kg/day. ZINC: Odorless zinc poisoning causes inflamed gills in fish. Laboratory studies of Atlantic salmon, rainbow trout, carp,
and goldfish have shown avoidance reactions by these fish to zinc in water.
SECTION XI LABEL STATEMENTS
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65: Nickel is a component of some of these products. Nickel is on the
California Proposition 65 lists. WARNING: Some of these products contain chemical(s) known to the
State of California to cause cancer.
LABEL STATEMENTS for Glass Alchemy, Ltd., Boromax鈩? borosilicate colored glass rods and flat bar:
CAUTION! FUMES MAY BE HARMFUL IF INHALED. FUMES CAN CAUSE SKIN AND EYE
IRRITATION. FUMES MAY CAUSE ALLERGIC RESPIRATORY AND SKIN REACTIONS. MOLTEN
GLASS CAN CAUSE THERMAL BURNS. CANCER HAZARD. CONTAINS MATERIAL WHICH CAN
CAUSE CANCER. Avoid inhalation of fumes. Avoid contacting eyes. Wash thoroughly after handling. Use
in well-ventilated area. Wear didymium safety glasses, body protection and respiratory protection, as
appropriate, for lampworking operations. FIRST-AID: In case of skin or eye contact with fumes, flush skin
with copious amounts of water. In case of thermal burn, flush area with water for 15 minutes. If inhaled,
remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. If
ingested, do not induce vomiting. Seek medical attention if adverse reaction occurs, or in the event of a
thermal burn. IN CASE OF FIRE: Use water spray, foam, dry chemical or CO2. IN CASE OF SPILL:
Vacuum spilled material with a device equipped with a HEPA filter. If molten material is released, allow it
to cool before clean-up. Place in a suitable container. Consult Material Safety Data Sheet before use.
Acute Toxicity: Little to none. Low toxicity of product except for metals (which are present in
small quantities and limited solubility).
Chronic Toxicity: Chronic exposure to glass dust may cause respiratory injury. Exposure to fumes
of heated glass may cause damage to the respiratory tract.
Certification Assurance: Conforms to ASTM D-4236.
Solid Glass. No Label Required
Powders and Frits Avoid Inhalation of Dusts. Avoid ingestion.
Children's Hazard Warning: Not intended for children
SECTION XII OTHER INFORMATION
The data shown is taken from sources judged to be reliable. Reasonable care has been taken in the
preparation of this information, but Glass Alchemy, Ltd. makes no warranty of merchantability or other
warranty, expressed or implied, with respect to this information. Glass Alchemy, Ltd. makes no
representations and assumes no liability for any direct, incidental or consequential damages resulting
from its use. The user must confirm all information prior to use.
Page 6 of 7
A large number of abbreviations and acronyms appear on a MSDS. Some of these which are commonly used include the following:
CAS #: This is the Chemical Abstract Service Number which uniquely identifies each constituent.
EXPOSURE LIMITS IN AIR:
ACGIH - American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, a professional association which establishes exposure limits.
TLV -Threshold Limit Value - an airborne concentration of a substance which represents conditions under which it is generally
believed that nearly all workers may be repeatedly exposed without adverse effect. The duration must be considered, including the
8-hour Time Weighted Average (TWA), the 15-minute Short Term Exposure Limit, and the instantaneous Ceiling Level (C). Skin
absorption effects must also be considered.
OSHA - U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
PEL - Permissible Exposure Limit - This exposure value means exactly the same as a TLV, except that it is enforceable by OSHA.
The OSHA Permissible Exposure Limits are based in the 1989 PELs and the June, 1993 Air Contaminants Rule (Federal Register:
58: 35338-35351 and 58: 40191). Both the current PELs and the vacated PELs are indicated. The phrase, 鈥淰acated 1989 PEL,鈥? is
placed next to the PEL which was vacated by Court Order. IDLH - Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health 鈥? This level represents
a concentration from which one can escape within 30-minutes without suffering escape-preventing or permanent injury. The DFG -
MAK is the Republic of Germany鈥檚 Maximum Exposure Level, similar to the U.S. PEL. NIOSH is the National Institute of
Occupational Safety and Health, which is the research arm of the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
NIOSH issues exposure guidelines called Recommended Exposure Levels (RELs). When no exposure guidelines are established,
an entry of NE is made for reference.
HAZARD RATINGS:
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM: Health Hazard: 0 (minimal acute or chronic exposure hazard); 1 (slight
acute or chronic exposure hazard); 2 (moderate acute or significant chronic exposure hazard); 3 (severe acute exposure hazard;
onetime overexposure can result in permanent injury and may be fatal); 4 (extreme acute exposure hazard; onetime overexposure
can be fatal). Flammability Hazard: 0 (minimal hazard); 1 (materials that require substantial pre-heating before burning); 2
(combustible liquid or solids; liquids with a flash point of 38-93掳C [100- 200掳F]); 3 (Class IB and IC flammable liquids with flash
points below 38掳C [100掳F]); 4 (Class IA flammable liquids with flash points below 23掳C [73掳F] and boiling points below 38掳C [100掳F].
Reactivity Hazard: 0 (normally stable); 1 (material that can become unstable at elevated temperatures or which can react slightly
with water); 2 (materials that are unstable but do not detonate or which can react violently with water); 3 (materials that can detonate
when initiated or which can react explosively with water); 4 (materials that can detonate at normal temperatures or pressures).
NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION: Health Hazard: 0 (material that on exposure under fire conditions would offer no
hazard beyond that of ordinary combustible materials); 1 (materials that on exposure under fire conditions could cause irritation or
minor residual injury); 2 (materials that on intense or continued exposure under fire conditions could cause temporary incapacitation
or possible residual injury); 3 (materials that can on short exposure could cause serious temporary or residual injury); 4 (materials
that under very short exposure causes death or major residual injury). Flammability Hazard and Reactivity Hazard: Refer to
definitions for 鈥淗azardous Materials Identification System鈥?.
FLAMMABILITY LIMITS IN AIR:
Much of the information related to fire and explosion is derived from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Flash Point 鈥?
Minimum temperature at which a liquid gives off sufficient vapors to form an ignitable mixture with air. Autoignition Temperature: The
minimum temperature required to initiate combustion in air with no other source of ignition. LEL - the lowest percent of vapor in air,
by volume, that will explode or ignite in the presence of an ignition source. UEL - the highest percent of vapor in air, by volume, that
will explode or ignite in the presence of an ignition source.
The user should judge both the accuracy and the suitability of this information for any intention or
purpose. No other warranty is given.
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