Gallium Oxide Toxicology
By Edouard Bastarache
Introduction
CAS # :12024-21-4
Transition metal oxide
Toxicology
Exists as a white powder.
I-Experimental Toxicology
:
Oral LD50 : 10000 mg/kg (mus), therefore
low toxicity by ingestion.
Rats exposed by inhalation to gallium
oxide 2 hours/day for 20 days developed severe pulmonary
inflammation (alveolitis) evolving to fibrosis.
Chronic Toxicity Studies :
Gallium and gallium compounds may cause
metallic taste, dermatitis and depression of the bone marrow
function. Large doses may cause hemorrhagic + nephritis.
II-Possible Acute Effects
:
A-Acute Eye Effects :
May cause eye irritation.
B-Acute Skin Effects :
May cause skin irritation.
C-Acute Inhalation Effects
:
May cause respiratory irritation.
D-Acute Ingestion Effects
:
May cause irritation in digestive tract.
III-Chronic Effects
:
None
First Aid Measures
I-Eyes :
Flush eyes with warm water for 15
minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids. If
irritation persists, seek medical attention.
II-Skin Exposure :
Wash with soap and water. If irritation
persists, seek medical attention.
III-Inhalation :
Take deep breaths of fresh air and avoid
further inhalation of the material.
If irritation persists, seek medical
attention.
IV-Ingestion :
Drink 2 cups of water and induce
vomiting. Seek immediate medical attention
Fire Fighting
Measures
I-Extinguishing Media
:
Use water, carbon dioxide, dry chemical
extinguishing agents, dry sand or dry ground dolomite
II-Personal Protective
:
A-Equipment :
Wear an approved self-contained
breathing apparatus and full protective clothing.
B-Decomposition Materials (under fire
conditions) :
Not Applicable
Accidental Release
Measures
I-Evacuation Procedures and Safety
:
Stay away from spill so as to avoid
airborne dust. Exposure concerns are limited to inhalation and, in
the case of a very large all-surrounding spill, suffocation.
II-Containment of Spill
:
Spill should be contained if it can be
done without risk.
III-Cleanup and Disposal of Spill
:
Do not dispose of spill by dumping into
public sewer or any other unauthorized waste treatment system.
Spill should be swept up and properly prepared for disposal.
IV-Environment and Regulatory
Reporting :
Should spilt material enter an
unauthorized waste treatment system, contact the local
authorities.
Handling and
Storage
I-Minimum/Maximum Storage
Temperatures :
None
II-Handling :
Use appropriate respiratory protection
when exposure exceeds the established limits. Wash thoroughly
after handling.
III-Storage :
Keep containers tightly closed and in
cool, dry, well-ventilated areas.
Exposure
Controls/Personal Protection
I-Ingestion :
Prevent eating, drinking, tobacco usage
and cosmetic application in areas where there is a potential for
exposure to the material. Always wash thoroughly after handling.
II-Eye Contact :
To avoid eye contact, wear safety
glasses with side shields or chemical goggles.
III-Skin Contact :
To avoid skin contact, wear rubber
gloves, boots, long-sleeved shirts, long-pants and head covering.
IV-Respiratory Protection
:
To avoid inhalation wear dust mask or
self-contained respiratory device.
V-Engineering Controls
:
Add ventilation capacity if current
environment cannot maintain airborne concentrations below the
established exposure limit.
VI-Exposure Guidelines
:
None
Stability and
Reactivity
I-Chemical Stability
:
Stable under normal conditions of
storage and handling.
II-Hazardous Polymerization
:
Will not occur.
III-Conditions to Avoid
:
Not Applicable
IV-Chemical Incompatibility
:
Not Applicable
V-Hazardous Decomposition Products
:
When heated to decomposition it emits
toxic vapors of Ga.
Skin Sensitization
No information is known.
Mutagenicity Data
No information is known.
Reproductive/Teratology
Data
No information is known.
Carcinogenicity Data
No information is known.
Ecological Information
Eco-acute Toxicity
Acute toxicity is considered unlikely
because of the existence of similar compounds in nature.
References :
1-Occupational Medicine,Carl Zenz,
last edition.
2-Clinical Environmental Health and
Toxic Exposures, Sullivan & Krieger; last edition.
3-Sax's Dangerous Properties of
Industrial Materials, Lewis C., last edition.
4-Toxicologie Industrielle et
Intoxications Professionnelles, Lauwerys R.R. last
edition.
5-Chemical Hazards of the Workplace,
Proctor & Hughes, 4th edition
6-Répertoire Toxicologique de
la CSST du Quebec.
7- Pacific Industrial Development
Corp, MSDS, Gallium Oxide, January 2002.
Edouard Bastarache M.D.
Occupational & Environmental Medicine
Author of "Substitutions for Raw Ceramic Materials"
Tracy, Québec, CANADA
edouardb@sorel-tracy.qc.ca
http://www.sorel-tracy.qc.ca/~edouardb/
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