MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET







I       PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION



Trade Name:               Gallium Bromide                                      Synonyms:         Gallium tribromide

Chemical Family:          Metal halide                                         Formula:          GaBr3

CAS #:                    13450-88-9





II      HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS



Hazardous Components               %        OSHA/PEL          ACGIH/TLV        Sec. 302          Sec. 304          Sec. 313

Gallium Bromide                    0-100    N/E               N/E              No                No                No



HMIS Ratings (0-4): Health: 4 Flammability: 0             Reactivity: 0

HMIS Protective Equipment: J: goggles, gloves, apron, respirator.





III     PHYSICAL DATA



                          278.8 oC                                                                                 121.5 oC

Boiling Point:                                                                 Melting Point:

                                                                                                                   3.69 gm/cc, 25 oC

Vapor Density:            N/A                                                  Specific Gravity (H2O = 1):

Vapor Pressure:           N/E                                                  Evaporation Rate:                   N/A

Solubility in H2O:        Soluble                                              % Volatile:                         N/E or N/A

Appearance and Odor:      White powder, no odor.





IV      FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD DATA



Flash Point: N/A                                                               Method Used: Non-flammable

Explosive Limits: Lower: N/A       Upper: N/A



Extinguishing Media: Use suitable extinguishing media for surrounding material and type of fire.

Special Firefighting Procedures: Wear a self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing to prevent contact with skin

and eyes.



Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazard: When heated to decomposition, gallium bromide may emit toxic fumes of bromine.





V       HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION



Routes of Entry: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eyes.



Effects of Exposure:



         To the best of our knowledge the chemical, physical and toxicological properties of gallium bromide have not been thor-

oughly investigated and reported.



          The inorganic bromides produce depression, emaciation, and, in severe cases, psychosis and mental deterioration. Bromide

rashes (bromoderma), especially of the face and resembling acne and furunculosis, often occur when bromide inhalation or adminis-

tration is prolonged.

Acute Effects:



Inhalation: SEVERE IRRITANT AND CORROSIVE. May cause sneezing, coughing, difficulty breathing, irritation of the mucous

membranes, depression, emaciation, altered respiratory rates, convulsions and in severe cases, psychosis and mental deterioration.

Ingestion: SEVERE IRRITANT AND CORROSIVE. May cause abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, irritability, confusion, tremors,

memory loss, slurred speech and anorexia and diarrhea.

Skin: SEVERE IRRITANT AND CORROSIVE. May cause irritation, skin lesions, acne-form eruptions and measle like eruptions.

Eye: SEVERE IRRITANT AND CORROSIVE.



Chronic Effects:



Inhalation: Chronic exposure to bromine is similar to the therapeutic ingestion of excessive bromides. Prolonged inhalation may

cause pulmonary edema, bronchitis and skin eruptions.

Ingestion: Large doses may cause central nervous system depression.

Skin: May cause dermatitis and depression of bone marrow function. Prolonged contact with moist skin may produce severe

irritation or chemical burns.

Eye: May cause permanent eye injuries.



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

Target Organs: May affect the central nervous system, lungs, skin and eyes.

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

immediately.

INGESTION: Give 1-2 glasses of milk or water, DO NOT induce vomiting, seek medical attention immediately.

SKIN: Remove contaminated clothing, brush material off skin, wash affected area with mild soap and water, seek medical attention

immediately.

EYE: Flush eyes with lukewarm water, lifting upper and lower eyelids, for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention immediately.





VI       REACTIVITY DATA



Stability: Stable

Conditions to Avoid: None



Incompatibility (Material to Avoid): None recorded.

Hazardous Decomposition Products: Fumes of bromine.

Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur.





VII      SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES



Steps to Be Taken in Case Material is Released or Spilled: Wear appropriate respiratory and protective equipment specified in

section VIII. Isolate spill area and provide ventilation. 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.



Waste Disposal Method: Dispose of in accordance with State, Federal and Local regulations.

VIII    SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION



Respiratory Protection: NIOSH approved dust, mist, vapor cartridge respirator.

Ventilation: Handle in an inert gas such as argon in a controlled atmosphere. Use local exhaust to maintain concentration at low

exposure levels. General exhaust is not recommended.



Protective Gloves: Gloves                                           Eye Protection: Safety glasses.

Other Protective Equipment: Protective gear suitable to prevent contamination.





IX      SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS



Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage: Use only with adequate ventilation. Store in a cool, dry area. Wash thoroughly

after handling.



Work/Hygienic/Maintenance Practices: Implement engineering and work practice controls to reduce and maintain concentration of

exposure at low levels. Use good housekeeping and sanitation practices. Do not use tobacco or food in work area Wash thoroughly

before eating and smoking. Do not blow dust off clothing or skin with compressed air.





Issued by:       S. Dierks

Date:            December 1994