MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET







I       PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION



Trade Name:      Copper Chloride                                               Chemical Family:           Metal halide

Synonym:         Cuprous Chloride, Copper I Chloride                           Formula:                   CuCl

CAS #:           7758-89-6





II      HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS



TLV: Not established. 1 ppm (C12) 10 mg/m 3 (nuisance dust)                    Copper Chloride %: 100

OSHA/PEL: Not established. 1 ppm (C12) 15 mg/m3 (nuisance dust)



HMIS Hazard Rating: Health: 3               Flammability: 0           Reactivity: 2              Personal Protection: F

Reportable Chemical: SARA TITLE III





III     PHYSICAL DATA



Boiling Point (oC):       1366 oC                                              Melting Point (oC):        422 oC

Density (gm/cc):          3.53                                                 Solubility in Water:       Slightly soluble

Reaction with Water:      Produces HCl with form of Cu(OH)2

Appearance and Odor:      Cubic white crystals and powder with no odor.





IV      FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA



Flash Point (Method used): N/A                                                 Autoignition Temperature: N/A

Flammable Limits: Non-flammable             Upper: N/A        Lower: N/A



Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, CO2 or graphite.

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

skin and eyes.



Unusual Fire & Explosion: When heated to decomposition, this material may emit toxic fumes composed of Cl- and Cu fumes.





V       HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION



Toxicity Data: hma-rat/ast: 120 mg/kg; orl-rat LD50: 265 mg/kg

Route(s) of Entry: Inhalation? Yes        Skin? Yes       Ingestion? Yes



Effects of Exposure (acute and chronic):



Inhalation: Inhalation may result in coughing, sneezing, difficulty breathing burning and irritation of the mucous membranes lining

the nose, throat and respiratory tract.



Eye Contact: Copper chloride has been reported as causing irritation of the conjunctiva, which may be on an allergic basis. May

also cause irritation, redness, burning sensation and watering of the eyes if it comes in contact.



Dermal: May cause itching, irritation and dermatitis on skin contact. May experience a burning sensation in the exposed area

primarily due to its content of chlorine.

Ingestion: Ingestion of a large amount of Cu may cause vomiting, gastric pain, dizziness, exhaustion, anemia, cramps, convulsions,

shock, coma, and possibly death. Symptoms attributed to damage to the nervous system and kidneys have been recorded. Jaundice

has been observed and in some instances the liver has been enlarged.



Acute: Symptoms of acute Cu poisoning include sporadic fever, tachycardia, hypotension, hemolytic anemia with intravascular

hemolysis, ohguria, coma, cardiovascular collapse and death. Symptoms attributed to damage of the nervous system and kidneys

have been recorded, jaundice has been observed, and in some cases the liver has been enlarged.



Chronic: Chronic exposure to copper may damage brain tissue, liver and kidneys. Copper has been implicated in some forms of

cancer, but studies with animals have not yet proven this link. Symptoms of chronic poisoning include nausea, vomiting, epigastric

pain, yellow watery diarrhea, dizziness, general debility, jaundice, green saliva, vomitus, and stool.



Other: Chlorine and its compounds are highly irritating to the eyes and mucous membranes at 3 ppm. Concentrations of about 50

ppm are dangerous, 1000 ppm may be fatal, even when exposure is short.



EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:



INGESTION: Administer 1-2 glasses of water or milk. Induce vomiting. Seek medical attention.

INHALATION: Remove victim to fresh air. Seek medical attention. Administer oxygen if breathing becomes difficult.

SKIN CONTACT: Brush material off skin. Wash affected area with soap and water. Seek medical attention.

EYE CONTACT: Flush eyes with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention.





VI       REACTIVITY DATA



Stability: Stable

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid): Reacts violently with K+ and Li3N.



Hazardous Decomposition Products: Cu fumes, CuO, CuxOy, Cl2, Cl-

Hazardous Polymerization: Will not Occur

Conditions to Avoid: Heat, flames, and incompatible materials.





VII      SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES



Steps to Be Taken in Case Material Is Released or Spilled: Wear a self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing.

Isolate the area where the spill occurred and insure that proper ventilation is available. Vacuum up spill using a high efficiency unit

and place in a container for proper disposal. Take care not to raise dust.



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





VIII     SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION



Respiratory Protection (Specify Type): Wear NIOSH-approved dust-mist-fume cartridge respirator.

Ventilation: Local Exhaust: Maintain below recommended TLV levels.      Other: N/A

Special: Handle in a dry, controlled inert environment.                 Mechanical: Not recommended.



Other Protective Equipment: Wear protective clothing to prevent contamination of skin and clothes.

IX      SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS



Precautionary Labeling: Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place. Wash hands and face thoroughly after handling and

before eating.



Transportation Requirements:

DOT Class: Not classified





Prepared by:     S. Dierks

Dated:           June 1993