POTASSIUM DICHROMATE

MSDS Number: P5719 --- Effective Date: 11/02/99


1. Product Identification

Synonyms: Dichromic Acid, Dipotassium Salt; Potassium Bichromate; Dipotassium Dichromate
CAS No.: 7778-50-9
Molecular Weight: 294.18
Chemical Formula: K2Cr2O7
Product Codes:
J.T. Baker: 3090, 3092, 3093, 3094
Mallinckrodt: 6758, 6770, 6772

2. Composition/Information on Ingredients


  Ingredient                                CAS No         Percent   Hazardous                                       
  ---------------------------------------   ------------   -------   ---------        
 
  Potassium Dichromate                      7778-50-9      99 - 100%    Yes                                                                  
 

3. Hazards Identification

Emergency Overview
--------------------------
DANGER! STRONG OXIDIZER. CONTACT WITH OTHER MATERIAL MAY CAUSE A FIRE. CORROSIVE. CAUSES SEVERE BURNS TO EVERY AREA OF CONTACT. HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED OR INHALED. AFFECTS THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM, LIVER, KIDNEYS, EYES, SKIN AND BLOOD. MAY CAUSE ALLERGIC REACTION. CANCER HAZARD. CAN CAUSE CANCER. Risk of cancer depends on duration and level of exposure.

J.T. Baker SAF-T-DATA(tm) Ratings (Provided here for your convenience)
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Health Rating: 4 - Extreme (Cancer Causing)
Flammability Rating: 0 - None
Reactivity Rating: 3 - Severe (Oxidizer)
Contact Rating: 3 - Severe (Life)
Lab Protective Equip: GOGGLES; LAB COAT; VENT HOOD; PROPER GLOVES
Storage Color Code: Yellow (Reactive)
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Potential Health Effects
----------------------------------

Inhalation:
Corrosive. Extremely destructive to tissues of the mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract. May cause ulceration and perforation of the nasal septum. Symptoms may include sore throat, coughing, shortness of breath, and labored breathing. May produce pulmonary sensitization or allergic asthma. Higher exposures may cause pulmonary edema.
Ingestion:
Corrosive. Swallowing can cause severe burns of the mouth, throat, and stomach, leading to death. Can cause sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea. May cause violent gastroenteritis, peripheral vascular collapse, dizziness, intense thirst, muscle cramps, shock, coma, abnormal bleeding, fever, liver damage and acute renal failure.
Skin Contact:
Corrosive. Symptoms of redness, pain, and severe burn can occur. Dusts and strong solutions may cause severe irritation. Contact with broken skin may cause ulcers (chrome sores) and absorption, which may cause systemic poisoning, affecting kidney and liver functions. May cause skin sensitization.
Eye Contact:
Corrosive. Contact can cause blurred vision, redness, pain and severe tissue burns. May cause corneal injury or blindness.
Chronic Exposure:
Repeated or prolonged exposure can cause ulceration and perforation of the nasal septum, respiratory irritation, liver and kidney damage and ulceration of the skin. Ulcerations at first may be painless, but may penetrate to the bone producing "chrome holes." Known to be a human carcinogen.
Aggravation of Pre-existing Conditions:
Persons with pre-existing skin disorders, asthma, allergies or known sensitization to chromic acid or chromates may be more susceptible to the effects of this material.

4. First Aid Measures

Inhalation:
Remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Get medical attention immediately.
Ingestion:
If swallowed, DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Give large quantities of water. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical attention immediately.
Skin Contact:
Immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Get medical attention immediately. Wash clothing before reuse. Thoroughly clean shoes before reuse.
Eye Contact:
Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, lifting lower and upper eyelids occasionally. Get medical attention immediately.

5. Fire Fighting Measures

Fire:
Not combustible, but substance is a strong oxidizer and its heat of reaction with reducing agents or combustibles may cause ignition. Releases oxygen, upon decomposition, which enhances combustion.
Explosion:
Contact with oxidizable substances may cause extremely violent combustion.
Fire Extinguishing Media:
Flood with large amounts of water. Water spray may be used to keep fire exposed containers cool. Do not allow water runoff to enter sewers or waterways.
Special Information:
In the event of a fire, wear full protective clothing and NIOSH-approved self-contained breathing apparatus with full facepiece operated in the pressure demand or other positive pressure mode.

6. Accidental Release Measures

Ventilate area of leak or spill. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment as specified in Section 8. Spills: Sweep up and containerize for reclamation or disposal. Vacuuming or wet sweeping may be used to avoid dust dispersal. US Regulations (CERCLA) require reporting spills and releases to soil, water and air in excess of reportable quantities. The toll free number for the US Coast Guard National Response Center is (800) 424-8802.


7. Handling and Storage

Protect against physical damage. Store in a dry location separate from combustible, organic or other readily oxidizable materials. Avoid storage on wood floors. Remove and dispose of any spilled dichromates; do not return to original containers. Wear special protective equipment (Sec. 8) for maintenance break-in or where exposures may exceed established exposure levels. Wash hands, face, forearms and neck when exiting restricted areas. Shower, dispose of outer clothing, change to clean garments at the end of the day. Avoid cross-contamination of street clothes. Wash hands before eating and do not eat, drink, or smoke in workplace. Containers of this material may be hazardous when empty since they retain product residues (dust, solids); observe all warnings and precautions listed for the product.

8. Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Airborne Exposure Limits:
- OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL):
For chromic acid and chromates, as CrO3 = 0.1 mg/m3 (ceiling)
- ACGIH Threshold Limit Value (TLV):
For water-soluble Cr(VI) compounds, as Cr = 0.05 mg/m3 (TWA), A1 - confirmed human carcinogen.
Ventilation System:
A system of local and/or general exhaust is recommended to keep employee exposures below the Airborne Exposure Limits. Local exhaust ventilation is generally preferred because it can control the emissions of the contaminant at its source, preventing dispersion of it into the general work area. Please refer to the ACGIH document, Industrial Ventilation, A Manual of Recommended Practices, most recent edition, for details.
Personal Respirators (NIOSH Approved):
If the exposure limit is exceeded, a half-face dust/mist respirator may be worn for up to ten times the exposure limit or the maximum use concentration specified by the appropriate regulatory agency or respirator supplier, whichever is lowest. A full-face piece dust/mist respirator may be worn up to 50 times the exposure limit, or the maximum use concentration specified by the appropriate regulatory agency, or respirator supplier, whichever is lowest. For emergencies or instances where the exposure levels are not known, use a full-facepiece positive-pressure, air-supplied respirator. WARNING: Air-purifying respirators do not protect workers in oxygen-deficient atmospheres.
Skin Protection:
Wear impervious protective clothing, including boots, gloves, lab coat, apron or coveralls, as appropriate, to prevent skin contact.
Eye Protection:
Use chemical safety goggles and/or full face shield where dusting or splashing of solutions is possible. Maintain eye wash fountain and quick-drench facilities in work area.

9. Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance:
Orange-red crystals or powder
Odor:
Odorless.
Solubility:
6.5% @ 10C (50F) in water.
Specific Gravity:
2.676 @ 25C/4C
pH:
4.04 (1% aq. solution) 3.57 (10% aq. solution)
% Volatiles by volume @ 21C (70F):
0
Boiling Point:
500C (932F)
Melting Point:
398C (748F)
Vapor Density (Air=1):
No information found.
Vapor Pressure (mm Hg):
No information found.
Evaporation Rate (BuAc=1):
No information found.

10. Stability and Reactivity

Stability:
Stable under ordinary conditions of use and storage.
Hazardous Decomposition Products:
Burning may produce chrome oxides.
Hazardous Polymerization:
Will not occur.
Incompatibilities:
Reducing agents, acetone plus sulfuric acid, boron plus silicon, ethylene glycol, iron, hydrazine, and hydroxylamine. Any combustible, organic or other readily oxidizable material (paper, wood, sulfur, aluminum or plastics).
Conditions to Avoid:
Heat, incompatibles.

11. Toxicological Information


Investigated as a tumorigen, mutagen, reproductive effector.
  --------\Cancer Lists\------------------------------------------------------
                                         ---NTP Carcinogen---
  Ingredient                             Known    Anticipated    IARC Category
  ------------------------------------   -----    -----------    -------------
  Potassium Dichromate (7778-50-9)        Yes         No              1

12. Ecological Information

Environmental Fate:
When released into the soil, this material may leach into groundwater. When released into water, this material is not expected to evaporate significantly. This material may bioaccumulate to some extent. When released into the air, this material may be removed from the atmosphere to a moderate extent by wet deposition.
Environmental Toxicity:
No information found.

13. Disposal Considerations

Whatever cannot be saved for recovery or recycling should be handled as hazardous waste and sent to a RCRA approved waste facility. Processing, use or contamination of this product may change the waste management options. State and local disposal regulations may differ from federal disposal regulations. Dispose of container and unused contents in accordance with federal, state and local requirements.

14. Transport Information

Domestic (Land, D.O.T.)
-----------------------
Proper Shipping Name: RQ, OXIDIZING SOLID, CORROSIVE, N.O.S. (POTASSIUM DICHROMATE)
Hazard Class: 5.1, 8
UN/NA: UN3085
Packing Group: II
Information reported for product/size: 400LB

International (Water, I.M.O.)
-----------------------------
Proper Shipping Name: OXIDIZING SOLID, CORROSIVE, N.O.S. (POTASSIUM DICHROMATE)
Hazard Class: 5.1, 8
UN/NA: UN3085
Packing Group: II
Information reported for product/size: 400LB


15. Regulatory Information

  --------\Chemical Inventory Status - Part 1\---------------------------------
  Ingredient                                       TSCA  EC   Japan  Australia
  -----------------------------------------------  ----  ---  -----  ---------
  Potassium Dichromate (7778-50-9)                  Yes  Yes   Yes      Yes                                      
 
  --------\Chemical Inventory Status - Part 2\---------------------------------
                                                          --Canada--
  Ingredient                                       Korea  DSL   NDSL  Phil.
  -----------------------------------------------  -----  ---   ----  -----
  Potassium Dichromate (7778-50-9)                  Yes   Yes   No     Yes                             
 
  --------\Federal, State & International Regulations - Part 1\----------------
                                             -SARA 302-    ------SARA 313------
  Ingredient                                 RQ    TPQ     List  Chemical Catg.
  -----------------------------------------  ---   -----   ----  --------------
  Potassium Dichromate (7778-50-9)           No    No      No    Chromium com
 
  --------\Federal, State & International Regulations - Part 2\----------------
                                                        -RCRA-    -TSCA-
  Ingredient                                 CERCLA     261.33     8(d) 
  -----------------------------------------  ------     ------    ------
  Potassium Dichromate (7778-50-9)           10         No         No                   
 
 
Chemical Weapons Convention:  No     TSCA 12(b):  Yes    CDTA:  Yes
SARA 311/312:  Acute: Yes      Chronic: Yes  Fire: Yes Pressure: No
Reactivity: Yes         (Pure / Solid)  
WARNING:
THIS PRODUCT CONTAINS A CHEMICAL(S) KNOWN TO THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA TO CAUSE CANCER.

Australian Hazchem Code: 1WE
Poison Schedule: S6
WHMIS:
This MSDS has been prepared according to the hazard criteria of the Controlled Products Regulations (CPR) and the MSDS contains all of the information required by the CPR.

16. Other Information

NFPA Ratings: Health: 3 Flammability: 1 Reactivity: 1 Other: Oxidizer
Label Hazard Warning:
DANGER! STRONG OXIDIZER. CONTACT WITH OTHER MATERIAL MAY CAUSE A FIRE. CORROSIVE. CAUSES SEVERE BURNS TO EVERY AREA OF CONTACT. HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED OR INHALED. AFFECTS THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM, LIVER, KIDNEYS, EYES, SKIN AND BLOOD. MAY CAUSE ALLERGIC REACTION. CANCER HAZARD. CAN CAUSE CANCER. Risk of cancer depends on duration and level of exposure.
Label Precautions:
Keep from contact with clothing and other combustible materials.
Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing.
Do not breathe dust or mist from solutions.
Keep container closed.
Use only with adequate ventilation.
Wash thoroughly after handling.
Store in a tightly closed container.
Do not store near combustible materials.
Label First Aid:
In case of contact, immediately flush eyes or skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Wash clothing before reuse. If inhaled, remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. If swallowed, DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Give large quantities of water. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. In all cases get medical attention immediately.
Product Use:
Laboratory Reagent.
Revision Information:
MSDS Section(s) changed since last revision of document include: 14.
Disclaimer:
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Mallinckrodt Baker, Inc. provides the information contained herein in good faith but makes no representation as to its comprehensiveness or accuracy. This document is intended only as a guide to the appropriate precautionary handling of the material by a properly trained person using this product. Individuals receiving the information must exercise their independent judgment in determining its appropriateness for a particular purpose. MALLINCKRODT BAKER, INC. MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE WITH RESPECT TO THE INFORMATION SET FORTH HEREIN OR THE PRODUCT TO WHICH THE INFORMATION REFERS. ACCORDINGLY, MALLINCKRODT BAKER, INC. WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMAGES RESULTING FROM USE OF OR RELIANCE UPON THIS INFORMATION.
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Prepared by: Strategic Services Division
Phone Number: (314) 539-1600 (U.S.A.)