ELECTRONIC SPACE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL
1050 Benson Way, Ashland, OR 97520
Toll Free (800) 638-2581 * Fax (541) 488-8313
E-Mail: sales@espimetals.com
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
I PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION
Rubidium Rb
Trade Name: Form ula:
85.47 7440-1 7-7
Molecular Weight: CAS #:
II HAZAR DOUS INGRED IENTS
Hazardous Component % OSHA/PEL ACGIH/TLV TSCA Sec. 313
Rubidium 0-100 No data No data Listed Not listed
III PHYSICAL DATA
688 oC No data
Boiling Point: Melting Point:
1.532 g/cc No data
Specific Gravity: Vapor Pressure:
Reacts violently with water. No data
Solubility in H 2O: % Vo latile:
Silver-white solid, no odor
Appearance and Odor:
IV FIRE AND EXPLOSION H AZARDS DATA
Flash Point (Method used): N/A Autoignition Temperature: No data
Explosive Lim its: Lower: No data Upper: No data
Extingu ishing Media: DO NOT USE WAT ER. Use Class D metal fire agent, dry salt or sand.
Special Fire Fighting Procedures: Firefighters must wear NIOSH approved positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus and
fully p rotective im perv ious su it.
Unusual Fire & Explosion Hazards: Pyro pho ric m aterial. M aterial m ay ignite spontaneo usly o n contact w ith air. Co ntact w ith
water releases explosive hydrogen.
V HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION
Effects of Exposure:
To the best of o ur know ledge the chem ical, ph ysical and toxicolog ical pro perties of rubidiu m h ave not b een thoro ugh ly
investigated and reported.
The toxicity of rubidium com pou nds is generally due to the anion . Rub idium has b een repo rted to replace po tassium in
animals studies. Indications are that overexposure could lead to muscle and red blood cell accumulation with possible neuromuscular
effects, hyper irritability and muscle spasms. No cases of industrial injury have been reported.
Rubidiu m reacts re adily with mo isture to form rubidium hyd roxide w hich is severely corro sive to tissue. Corro sive m aterials
are acutely destructive to the respiratory tract, eyes, skin and digestive tract. Eye contact may result in permanent damage and
complete vision loss. Inhalation may result in respiratory effects such as inflammation, edema, and chemical pneumonitis. May
cause coughing, wheezing, laryngitis, shortness of breath, headache, nausea, and vomiting. Ingestion may cause damage to the
mouth, throat and esophagus. May cause skin burns or irritation depending on the severity of the exposure.
Acute E ffects:
Inhalation: Inhalation is not a likely mode of entry.
Ingestion: Ingestion w ill cause burns an d perforations o f the gastroin testinal tract.
Skin : Seve re thermal burns, co rrosio n and ulceration of the skin m ay occur on direct contact.
Eye: Seve re thermal burns, co rrosio n and ulceration of the ey es m ay occur on direct contact.
Chro nic Effects: No info rmation available on long-term chron ic effects.
Intraperitoneal (mouse): LD 50: 1 200 mg /kg; D etails no t repo rted.
Carcino genicity: NTP: No IARC: No OSHA: No
EMERG ENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:
INHALATION: Rem ove the victim to fresh air and seek me dical attention if coughin g, sho rtness o f brea th or irritation p ersists.
INGESTION: Seek medical attention immediately. Keep the victim calm. Give the victim water (only if conscious). Induce
vom iting only if d irected by m edica l perso nne l.
SK IN: Wash the affected area with soap and water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing. Seek medical assistance
if irritation persists.
EYES: In case of contact immediately flush the eyes with water for at least 15 minutes. A victim may need assistance in keeping
their eyelids open. Get immediate medical attention.
VI REACTIVITY DATA
Stability: Moisture sensitive, pyrophoric.
Co nditio ns to Av oid: Contact with water or air.
Incompatibility (Materials to Avoid): Water, alcohols, oxid izers, oxyg en, carbo n diox ide, halog ens, haloc arbon s, acids.
Haz ardous D ecomposition Produc ts: Flamma ble hydroge n with m oisture, caustic oxide with air.
Hazardous Polymerization: No hazardous polymerization.
VII SPILL OR LEAK PROC EDURES
Steps to be Taken in Case Material is Released or Spilled: The material will ignite spontaneously in air. Burning material may
release toxic fumes. Leave the area unless fitted with a self-contained breathing apparatus. Smother fire with dry powder. Do not
use water.
Waste Disposal Method: Material sho uld be d isposed o f in accord ance w ith local, state and fed eral regulation s.
VIII SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION
Respiratory Protection: Wear a NIO SH/M SHA approved respirator.
Ventilation: Handle in an efficient fume hood.
Protective Gloves: Rubber gloves
Eye Protection: Always we ar approved chem ical splash pro of goggles.
Other Protective Equipment: Protective work clothing.
IX SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
Precautions To Be Taken in Handling and Storing: Handle under dry protective gas. Keep container tightly sealed. Store in a
cool, dry place in tightly closed containers. Ensure good ventilation at the workplace. Store away from water/moisture. Store away
from oxidizing agents. D o not store together w ith acids. Store aw ay from haloge ns.
-Rubidium 2-
Other Precautions: The material will react with air and moisture. Handle and store the material under an inert atmosphere of
nitrogen or argon. Protect from humidity and water. Keep ignition sources away.
Wo rk Practices: Imp lem ent en gineering and wo rk practice controls to re duc e and ma intain c onc entration o f exp osure at low levels.
Use good housekeeping and sanitation practices. Do not use tobacco or food in the 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 abo ve inform ation is believ ed to be co rrect, but do es no t purp ort to b e all inclu sive an d sha ll be used only as a gu ide.
ESPI shall not be held liab le for any d am age resulting from h and ling o r from contact with the abov e pro duc t.
Issued by: S. Dierks
Date: November 2000
-Rubidium 3-
|