MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
I PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION
Trade Name: Potassium Tellurite Formula: K2TeO3
Chemical Family: Metal tellurite CAS #: 15571-91-2
II HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS
Hazardous Components: %: OSHA/PEL: ACGIH/TLV: Sec. 302: Sec. 304: Sec. 313:
.1 mg (Te) /m3 .1 mg (Te) /m3
Potassium Tellurite 0-100 No Yes 1 lb No
HMIS Rating: Health: 3 Flammability: 0 Reactivity: 0 Protection: H: glasses, gloves, clothing, combo resp
III PHYSICAL DATA
460-470 oC (decomposes)
Boiling Point: N/E or N/A Melting Point:
Specific Gravity (H2O=1): N/E Vapor Density: N/A
Vapor Pressure: N/E Solubility in H2O: Very soluble
Appearance and Odor: White, deliquescent powder, no odor. % Volatiles: N/E or N/A
IV FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA
Flash Point: N/E or N/A Method Used: Non-flammable
Flammable Limits In Air: Upper: N/A Lower: N/A
Extinguishing Media: Use suitable extinguishing media for surrounding material and type of fire.
Special Fire Fighting Procedures: Firefighters must wear full face, self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing to
prevent contact with skin and eyes. Fumes from fire are hazardous. Isolate runoff to prevent environmental pollution.
Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards: When heated to decomposition, potassium tellurite may emit toxic fumes of potassium oxide
and tellurium.
V HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION
Routes of Entry: Inhalation, ingestion.
Effects of Exposure:
Potassium compounds are not toxic. Any toxicity of the salts is due to the anion. (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial
Materials, eighth edition.)
Elemental tellurium has relatively low toxicity. It is converted in the body to dimethyl telluride which imparts a garlic-like
odor to the breath and sweat. Heavy exposures may, in addition, result in headache, drowsiness, metallic taste, loss of appetite,
nausea, tremors, convulsions, and respiratory arrest. (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, eighth edition.)
Acute Effects:
Inhalation: DANGER-POISON. May cause irritation to the respiratory system, dry mouth, garlic odor to breath, sweat and urine,
nausea and vomiting.
Ingestion: DANGER-POISON. May cause dry mouth, suppression of sweat, garlic odor to breath and urine.
Skin: May cause irritation and itching.
Eye: May cause irritation.
Chronic Effects:
Inhalation: May cause anorexia, nausea, depression to the central nervous system and somnolence.
Ingestion: May cause anorexia, nausea, depression to the central nervous system and somnolence.
Skin: May cause dermatitis.
Eye: No chronic health effects recorded.
Target Organs: No target organs recorded.
Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure: None recorded.
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.
INGESTION: Give 1-2 glasses of milk or water and induce vomiting; seek medical attention. Never induce vomiting or give
anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
SKIN: Remove contaminated clothing; brush material off skin; wash affected area with mild soap and water; seek medical attention
if symptoms persist.
EYE: Flush eyes with lukewarm water, lifting upper and lower eyelids, for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if symptoms
persist.
VI REACTIVITY DATA
Stability: Stable
Conditions to Avoid: None
Incompatibility (Materials to Avoid): None recorded
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Oxides of tellurium and potassium oxide.
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 the area where the spill occurred and insure that proper ventilation is available. 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 Local, State and Federal regulations.
VIII SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION
Respiratory Protection (Specify Type): Wear a NIOSH/MSHA approved dust-fume-mist cartridge respirator.
Ventilation: Use local exhaust to maintain concentration at or below PEL, TLV. Handle in a controlled environment. General
exhaust is recommended.
Protective Gloves: Rubber gloves
Eye Protection: Safety glasses
Other Protective Clothing or Equipment: Wear protective clothing to prevent contamination of skin and clothes.
IX SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage: Store in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry place. Wash hands and face
thoroughly after handling and before eating.
Work 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 or
smoking. Do not blow dust off clothing or skin with compressed air. Maintain eyewash capable of sustained flushing, safety drench
shower and facilities for washing.
The above information is believed to be correct, but does not purport to be all inclusive and shall be used only as a guide.
ESPI shall not be held liable for any damage resulting from handling or from contact with the above product.
N/A: Not applicable
N/E: Not established
Issued by: S. Dierks
Date: March 1995
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