Product Identification

Product Name

Tungsten

Synonyms

Wolfram

CAS

7440-33-7

Formula

W

Molecular Weight

183.85

EINECS

231-143-9

RTECS

YO7175000

RTECS Class

Reproductive Effector; Primary Irritant

Merck

12,9945

Beilstein/Gmelin

16317 (G)

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance

Steel-gray to tin-white metal; body centered cubic structure.

Solubility in water

Insoluble

Melting Point

3410

Boiling Point

5660

Vapor Pressure

9 (1700 C)

Density

19 g/cm3

Heat Of Vaporization

883.8 kJ/mol

Usage

Incr hardness, toughness, elasticity and tensile strength of steel, manufacture alloys, filaments for incandescent lamps and in electron tubes, in contact points for automotive, telegraph, radio and television apparatus, phonograph needles.

First Aid Measures

Ingestion

Get medical aid. Do NOT induce vomiting. If conscious and alert, rinse mouth and drink 2-4 cupfuls of milk or water.

Inhalation

Remove from exposure to fresh air immediately. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Get medical aid.

Skin

Get medical aid. Flush skin with plenty of soap and water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Wash clothing before reuse.

Eyes

Flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids. Get medical aid.

Handling and Storage

Storage

Keep away from heat, sparks, and flame. Keep away from sources of ignition. Store in a tightly closed container. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances. Flammables-area. Do not expose to air. Store under an inert atmosphere.

Handling

Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse. Use only in a well ventilated area. Minimize dust generation and accumulation. Ground and bond containers when transferring material. Use spark-proof tools and explosion proof equipment. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Empty containers retain product residue, (liquid and/or vapor), and can be dangerous. Avoid contact with heat, sparks and flame. Avoid ingestion and inhalation. Handle under an inert atmosphere. Do not pressurize, cut, weld, braze, solder, drill, grind, or expose empty containers to heat, sparks or open flames.

Hazards Identification

Inhalation

May cause respiratory tract irritation. The toxicological properties of this substance have not been fully investigated.

Skin

May cause skin irritation.

Eyes

May cause eye irritation.

Ingestion

May cause gastrointestinal irritation with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The toxicological properties of this substance have not been fully investigated.

Hazards

Oxides from metallic fires are a severe health hazard. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.

UN (DOT)

3089

Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Personal Protection

Eyes: Wear appropriate protective eyeglasses or chemical safety goggles as described by OSHA's eye and face protection regulations in 29 CFR 1910.133 or European Standard EN166. Skin: Wear appropriate protective gloves to prevent skin exposure. Clothing: Wear appropriate protective clothing to prevent skin exposure.

Respirators

A respiratory protection program that meets OSHA's 29 CFR 1910.134 and ANSI Z88.2 requirements or European Standard EN 149 must be followed whenever workplace conditions warrant a respirator's use.

Exposure Effects

Reproductive effects have been reported in animals.

Exposure limit(s)

NIOSH REL*: TWA 5 mg/m3 ST 10 mg/m3 [*Note: The REL also applies to other insoluble tungsten compounds (as W).]

Poison Class

-

Fire Fighting Measures

Fire Fighting

DO NOT USE WATER, FOAM OR carbon dioxide. Dousing metallic fires with water may generate hydrogen gas, an extremely dangerous explosion hazard, particularly if fire is in a confined environment. Use DRY sand, graphite powder, dry sodium chloride based extinguishers, G-1 or Met-L-X powder. Confining and smothering metal fires is preferable rather than applying water.

Accidental Release Measures

Small spills/leaks

Vacuum or sweep up material and place into a suitable disposal container. Clean up spills immediately, using the appropriate protective equipment. Remove all sources of ignition. Use a spark-proof tool. Isolate area and deny entry. Provide ventilation. Place under an inert atmosphere. Do not use combustible materials such as paper towels to clean up spill. A vapor suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors.

Stability and Reactivity

Incompatibilities

Bromine trifluoride, chlorine trifluoride, fluorine, iodine.

Stability

Stable under normal temperatures and pressures. Powder or liquid is pyrophoric.

Decomposition

Carbon monoxide, irritating and toxic fumes and gases, carbon dioxide.

Transport Information

UN Number

3089

Hazard Class

4.1

Packing Group

II; III