Material Safety Data Sheet: Bismuth-Lead Alloy

Identification

Product Name: Bismuth-Lead Alloy
Synonyms: Bi-Pb Alloy
Recommended Use: Used in low-melting alloys, electrical fuses, fire detection systems, and radiation shielding
Manufacturer Information: Include name, address, telephone number, and emergency contact specific to supplier
EINECS Number: 231-177-4 (Bismuth), 231-100-4 (Lead)
CAS Numbers: 7440-69-9 (Bismuth), 7439-92-1 (Lead)

Hazard Identification

Classification: Considered hazardous due to lead content; Bismuth presents less risk, but chronic exposure can cause health issues
GHS Symbol: Health hazard for lead toxicity (if applicable); Environmental hazard
Risk Phrases: Toxic if swallowed or inhaled (due to lead), causes damage to organs through prolonged/repeated exposure
Hazard Statements: May damage fertility or the unborn child, causes skin and eye irritation, harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Bismuth: 40–60% by weight
Lead: 40–60% by weight
Impurities: Possible traces of antimony, tin, or other metals depending on batch source

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air, seek medical attention if symptoms persist (coughing, dizziness, difficulty breathing)
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin with soap and water, seek care if irritation develops
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for 15 minutes, remove contact lenses, continue rinsing, get medical attention
Ingestion: Rinse mouth out thoroughly, seek immediate medical advice, do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide, or sand to put out fire
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Avoid water directly on molten metal, risk of violent steam explosion
Specific Hazards: Fumes of lead oxide and bismuth oxide; toxic and irritating gases can form when burning
Protective Equipment: Firefighters need full protective gear, self-contained breathing apparatus to prevent inhaling toxic fumes

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear appropriate PPE, avoid dust creation, keep unprotected personnel away
Methods for Cleanup: Collect spilled pieces mechanically, use HEPA filters for fine dust, avoid creating dust, ventilate area
Environmental Precautions: Prevent alloy and dust from entering waterways, sewers, or soil

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use in well-ventilated areas, avoid generating dust, do not eat or smoke near the material, avoid skin contact, wash hands after handling
Storage: Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place, keep containers tightly closed, store away from acids and oxidizers, clearly label the storage area for toxic metals

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL for lead: 0.05 mg/m³ (TWA), no established limit for bismuth
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation, process enclosures for molten alloy, minimize airborne concentrations
Personal Protection: Wear chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene), safety glasses or goggles, protective clothing, equipped with respiratory protection if dust or fumes may be generated

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Solid alloy, metallic gray to silver in color
Odor: Odorless
Boiling Point: Lead: 1749°C; Bismuth: 1564°C
Melting Point: Range depends on ratio, generally between 125°C–300°C
Density: Typically between 8.7 and 10 g/cm³
Solubility: Insoluble in water
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Other Properties: Poor electrical conductivity compared to pure metals; not flammable, but can generate hazardous fumes during melting

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Reactivity: Reacts with strong acids, bases, and oxidizing agents
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Lead oxides, bismuth oxides, and toxic fumes if overheated or involved in fire
Incompatible Materials: Avoid contact with strong acids, strong bases, and oxidizers

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Lead presents risk of acute poisoning, symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, convulsions
Chronic Effects: Lead can cause neurological, reproductive, renal, and developmental harm with prolonged or repeated exposure; bismuth compounds can cause kidney damage in rare cases
Carcinogenicity: Lead is classified by IARC as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2A); bismuth not considered a carcinogen
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, dermal contact

Ecological Information

Environmental Impact: Lead is highly toxic to aquatic life and causes bioaccumulation; bismuth considered less harmful but can persist in the environment
Mobility: Alloy form lowers leaching rates, but weathering or improper disposal can release metallic ions
Persistence and Degradability: Metals do not degrade; removal from environment can occur through sedimentation

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Method: Treat as hazardous waste due to lead content; collect residues and dust in sealed, labeled containers; deposit through licensed hazardous waste disposal contractors
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains, water courses, soil; comply with local, state, and federal regulations; recycling recommended where possible

Transport Information

UN Number: UN3077 (applicable to hazardous substances, solid, n.o.s., containing lead)
Proper Shipping Name: Environmentally hazardous substance, solid, n.o.s. (contains lead, bismuth)
Transport Hazard Class: 9 (Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles)
Packing Group: III
Special Precautions for Transport: Clearly label all containers, prevent spills and dust releases, follow international, national, and local transport regulations

Regulatory Information

OSHA: Lead exposure covered under 29 CFR 1910.1025
EPA: Lead compounds and wastes listed as hazardous; must comply with Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
EU: Subject to REACH regulation for lead, registration required for quantities above 1 tonne
Other Regulations: Materials containing lead are subject to global restrictions in consumer products, electronics (RoHS Directive), and water materials. Bismuth not broadly regulated, but trace impurities may lead to further classification; always review local and national regulations before use or disposal.