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MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
I PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION
Niobium Columbium
Trade Name: Synonyms:
Metal Nb
Chem ical Nature: Form ula:
7440-0 3-1
CAS #:
II HAZAR DOUS INGRED IENTS
Haz ardous C omp onents % OSHA/PEL ACGIH/TLV Sec. 302 Sec. 304 Sec. 313
Niobium 0-100 N/E N/E No No No
Occu pational Exp osure Lim its: 15 m g/m 3 for inert or n uisan ce du st.
HM IS Hazard Ratings: Hea lth: 0 Flam mab ility: 0 Reactivity: 0
III PHYSICAL DATA
5127 oC 2468 oC
Boiling Point 760 mm Hg: Melting Point:
8.57 gm/cc N/A
Specific Gravity (Water=1): Vapo r Density:
N/A N/A
Vapor Pressure (mm Hg): % V olatiles:
Lustrous, steel gray metal, no odor. Insoluble
Appearance and Odor: Solubility in H 2O:
IV FIRE AND EXPLOSION H AZARDS DATA
Autoignition Temperature: Solid metal will not ignite. High surface area material such as 5 micron powder may autoignite at room
temperature.
Extingu ishing Media: Dolomite, dry powder for metal fires, sand, graphite, soda ash, sodium chloride.
Special Fire Fighting Procedures: Isolate burning material. It is advisable to allow fires to burn out, keeping the fire from
spreading. Wear reflective heat resistant suit. Small fires can be controlled by smothering with dry table salt or using Type D
dry-p owder fire exting uishing m aterials.
Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards: Do not spray water on burning fines, chips or powder as a violent explosion may result. The
hazard increases with finer particles. Carbon dioxide is not effective in extinguishing burning niobium.
V HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION
Effects of Exposure:
Acute E ffects:
Inhalation: May cause irritation of the mu cous m embranes. Inhaled p articles may be retained in the lung s.
Ingestion: Metallic niob ium has a low order o f toxicity due to poo r absorp tion from stoma ch and intestines.
Skin : May cause irritation.
Eye: May cause transient, mechanical irritation.
Chro nic Effects: Chron ic eye exposure ma y cause conjun ctivitis. Niobium crosses the placental barrier in animals.
Corrosive: No Carcinogen: No Sensitizer: No
EMERG ENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:
INHALATION: Remove from exposure imm ediately. Perform artificial respiration if needed. Get medical attention.
INGESTION: If vomiting occurs, keep head lower than hips to help prevent aspiration. Get medical attention, if needed.
SK IN: Wash with soap or mild detergent and large amounts of water. Get medical attention, if needed.
EYES: Wash eyes imm ediately with large amounts of water, lifting upper and lower lids. Get medical attention imm ediately.
VI REACTIVITY DATA
Stability: Stable
Co nditio ns to Av oid: None reported.
Incompatibility (materials to avoid): Niob ium me tal is rapid ly disso lved by h ydrofluoric acid or hydrofluoric-nitric acid m ixture s.
Niobium ignites in cold fluorine, and above 200 oC will react exothermically with chlorine, bromine, and halocarbons such as carbon
tetrachloride, carbon tetrafluoride an d freon s.
Haz ardous D ecomposition Produc ts: The above reaction with incomp atible m aterials w ill gene rate hazard ous reactio n produ cts
such as flam mable hyd rogen , toxic fum es of nitrogen ox ides or corrosive nio bium halide vapors.
Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur
VII SPILL OR LEAK PROC EDURES
Steps to be taken in case material is released or spilled: Collec t spilled m aterial in appropriate co ntainer for dispo sal.
Waste Disposal Method: Dispose o f in accord ance w ith Loca l, State and Federal regu lations.
VIII SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION
Respiratory Protection: Wear appropriate NIOSH-approved respirator if dust or fume exposure levels are exceeded.
Ventilation: Provide local exhaust ven tilation system. E nsure co mp liance with applicable expo sure limits.
Protective Gloves: Chemical resistant gloves
Eye Protection: Safety goggles
Other Protective Clothing or Equipment: Wear appropriate chemical resistant clothing.
IX SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
Precautions To Be Taken During Handling & Storage: Store and handle in acco rdan ce w ith all current regu lations and standards.
Store away from incompatible substances, such as oxidizers and mineral acids. Use methods to minimize dust. Machining of
niobium may result in fine turnings, chips or dust. Any material with a dimension of less than .001" is flamm able. Keep away from
any source of ignition. Do not accumulate large quantities of fines or machining residues. Dispose of these materials daily.
Wo rk Practices: Implement engineering and work practice controls to reduce and maintain concentration of exposure. Use good
housekeeping and sanitation practices. Do not use tobacco or food in work area. Wash thoroughly before eating or smoking. Provide
and em ergency eye w ash fo untain and qu ick drench sho wer in the imm ediate wo rk are a. Do not b low dust o ff cloth ing o r skin with
com pressed air.
Issued by: S. Dierks
Date: March 2002
-Niobium 2-
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