MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET







I        PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION



Trade Name:       Mercury Telluride                                              Chemical Nature:           Metal Telluride

Formula:          HgTe                                                           CAS #:                     12068-90-5





II       HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS



None Identified





III      PHYSICAL DATA



Boiling Point (oC):        Unknown                                               Melting Point:             Unknown

Density (gm/cc):           8.085                                                 Reaction with Water:       None

Solubility in H2O:         Insoluble                                             Other Comments:            N/A

Appearance and Odor:       Black powdered solid. No odor.





IV       FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA



Autoignition Temp (oC): N/A                                                      Flammability: LEL: N/A              UEL: N/A

Flash Point (Method used): N/A



Special Fire Fighting Procedures: Wear SCBA when fighting chemical fires.

Extinguishing Media: None

Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards: Contamination





V        HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION



Permissible Exposure Limit: OSHA PEL for mercury: 1 mg/m3 for inorganic mercury compounds (as Hg): 0.1 mg/m3 (skin).

OSHA PEL for tellurium compounds (as Te): 0.1 mg/m3 TLV for tellurium compounds (as Te): 0.1 mg/m3.



Irritation: Moderate skin and eye irritation.

Corrosivity: Unknown

Sensitization: Skin; Dermatitis may result from repeated contact.



Lung Effects: Inhaled mercurial compounds may cause headache, cough, chest pains and tightness and difficulty in breathing. It

may also cause soreness in the mouth, nausea and diarrhea. Long term exposure may cause fine shakes, insomnia, excess salivation

and numerous CNS effects.



Other: Skin contact can cause irritation and possible allergic-type dermatitis. Ingestion is not a primary route of exposure. Avoid all

contact, especially inhalation. A chronic poison.



EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:



EYES: Flush with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.

SKIN: Flush with soap and water.

INHALATION: Remove to fresh air. Get medical attention.

INGESTION: Induce vomiting. Seek medical attention.

VI      REACTIVITY DATA



Stability: Stable

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid): No data



Hazardous Decomposition Products: Hg and Te fume upon heating to decomposition.

Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur

Conditions to Avoid: No data





VII     SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES



Steps to Be Taken in Case Material Is Released or Spilled: Sweep or scoop up and remove.



Waste Disposal Method: Dispose of in a approved hazardous waste landfill.





VIII    SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION



Respiratory Protection (Specify Type): Any respirator approved for dusts, fumes and mists.

Ventilation: Local exhaust.



Protective Gloves: Neoprene                                                  Eye Protection: Safety Glasses

Other Protective Equipment: Gloves, protective clothing to prevent skin contact or clothing contamination.





IX      SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS



Other Handling and Storage Conditions:



DOT Hazard Class:         Poison B

UN#:                      1634

IMCO Class:               6.1



Precautionary Labeling: Wash thoroughly after handling. Do not get in eyes, on skin or clothing. Do not breath dust, vapor, mist,

or gas. Keep container closed. Store in tightly closed containers. Empty container may contain hazardous waste residues. Poison.





Prepared by:     S. Dierks

Dated:           March 1993