Material Safety Data Sheet for Bismuth Oxide

Identification

Product Name: Bismuth Oxide
Synonyms: Bismuth(III) oxide, Bismuth trioxide, Bi₂O₃
Chemical Formula: Bi₂O₃
CAS Number: 1304-76-3
EC Number: 215-134-4
Recommended Use: Ceramics, glass production, pigment manufacture, catalyst, electronic materials
Supplier Information: Supplier address and contact details as required by purchaser
Emergency Contact: Supplier's designated emergency telephone number

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous according to GHS
Signal Word: None
Hazard Statements: May cause mild irritation to eyes, skin, and respiratory system, prolonged or repeated exposure may result in slight health concerns for sensitive individuals
Pictograms: None required
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, wash thoroughly after handling, use in well-ventilated spaces, manage dust to limit potential for inhalation
NFPA Ratings: Health: 1, Flammability: 0, Reactivity: 0
Other Hazards: Fine particulate form can cause nuisance dust

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Bismuth Oxide
Common Name: Bismuth trioxide
Concentration: 99% or higher by weight (for laboratory or technical grade)
Impurities: May contain trace elements of lead, iron, or other metals (levels depend on raw materials)
CAS Number: 1304-76-3
Molecular Weight: 465.96 g/mol

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air, monitor for respiratory distress, seek medical attention for persistent symptoms
Skin Contact: Gently wash skin with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, seek medical care for rash or irritation
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, hold eyelids open, remove contact lenses if present, seek medical care for continued discomfort
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, seek medical attention if feeling unwell
Most important symptoms: Local irritation to eyes, nose, skin; possible cough or sore throat; repeated exposure may affect sensitive individuals more
Advice to doctor: Treat symptomatically, no hazardous systemic toxicity expected from limited exposure

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, CO₂, foam, or water spray as appropriate for surrounding materials
Specific Hazards: Does not burn or support combustion, can release fine powder under high heat
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing if encountering dust clouds
Explosion Data: Product does not pose explosion risk; fine dust may aggravate fire conditions by reducing visibility
Firefighting Instructions: Control runoff water, avoid generating dust, ventilate area

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Avoid dust generation, use appropriate PPE including gloves, goggles, and respiratory protection as needed
Environmental Precautions: Prevent material from entering drains, sewers, and waterways
Cleanup Methods: Sweep or vacuum up spill, use wet method to avoid dust, transfer to containers for disposal, ventilate area
Decontamination: Wash contaminated clothing separately, clean tools and surfaces with water

Handling and Storage

Precautions for Safe Handling: Use only in well-ventilated areas, avoid powder generation, wear appropriate personal protective equipment, do not eat or drink in work areas
Conditions for Safe Storage: Store in cool, dry, and well-ventilated place, keep container tightly closed, label storage containers, keep away from incompatible substances like strong acids
Storage Class: Store with general chemicals, secure from unauthorized access

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No specific TLV or PEL for bismuth oxide, nuisance dust limits apply (OSHA PEL 15 mg/m³, ACGIH TLV 10 mg/m³)
Engineering Controls: Provide local exhaust ventilation, use dust-collection systems, maintain general dilution ventilation
Personal Protective Equipment: Wear safety goggles, gloves (nitrile or neoprene), chemical-resistant clothing
Respiratory Protection: Use approved particulate respirator (NIOSH N95 or greater) when handling large quantities or working in dusty conditions
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after handling, avoid touching face, shower and change clothes after significant exposure

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Yellow to orange powder, odorless
Molecular Formula: Bi₂O₃
Molecular Weight: 465.96 g/mol
Melting Point: Approximately 817°C
Boiling Point: Not readily volatile
Density: About 8.9 g/cm³
Solubility: Insoluble in water, slightly soluble in acids
pH: Not applicable
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable at room temperature
Flash Point: Not flammable
Partition Coefficient: Not determined
Auto-Ignition Temperature: Not applicable

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under ordinary conditions of use and storage
Reactivity: Not reactive with most materials under normal use
Incompatibilities: Reacts with strong acids to release bismuth salts, avoid strong oxidizing agents
Hazardous Decomposition: No hazardous decomposition products under normal conditions, can generate metal fumes at extremely high temperatures
Polymerization: Does not occur

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Expected to have low acute oral toxicity, estimated LD₅₀ (rat) > 5,000 mg/kg
Chronic Toxicity: Prolonged exposure to dust may cause mild respiratory irritation, no substantial chronic toxicity observed in typical occupational use
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact
Symptoms: Dust may cause coughing, sneezing, temporary mild eye or skin irritation
Sensitization: Not known to cause allergy or hypersensitivity
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by IARC, NTP, or OSHA as a carcinogen
Mutagenicity/Teratogenicity: No data suggest mutagenic or teratogenic risks

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Not expected to pose significant hazard to aquatic or terrestrial environments, limited data available
Persistence and Degradability: Inorganic compound, not biodegradable, remains in solid form
Bioaccumulation Potential: Not likely to accumulate in living organisms due to low solubility
Mobility in Soil: Low mobility, binds to soil particles, not volatile
Aquatic Toxicity: No evidence of significant effects in aquatic species under normal concentrations
Other Effects: Avoid uncontrolled release to environment due to long-term persistence in ecosystem

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Collect and recycle if possible, otherwise dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations
Disposal Containers: Use sealed, labeled containers to store collected waste, keep separate from incompatible wastes
Environmental Considerations: Avoid discharge to drains, surface water, or soil
Contaminated Packaging: Wash reusable containers before disposal or recycling; dispose of single-use containers as hazardous waste unless thoroughly cleaned

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated as a hazardous material for transport under ADR, IMDG, IATA
Proper Shipping Name: Bismuth Oxide
Hazard Class: Not classified
Packing Group: Not assigned
Marine Pollutant: No
Transport Precautions: Ship in tightly sealed, labeled containers, avoid container damage
Special Transport Measures: None required by major regulatory bodies, check local requirements

Regulatory Information

OSHA: Not listed as a hazardous chemical in the U.S. OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
SARA Title III: Not subject to reporting requirements under Sections 302, 304, or 313
TSCA: Listed in TSCA Inventory
REACH: Registered or exempt under European REACH Regulation
California Proposition 65: Bismuth oxide is not specifically listed, though impurities from some sources may trigger warnings
Other Regulatory Listings: Consult local and regional chemical inventory lists for specific requirements