Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for Bismuth Tin Alloy

Identification

Product Name: Bismuth Tin Alloy
Chemical Formula: Bi-Sn mixture
Synonyms: Bismuth-tin metal blend, BiSn alloy
CAS Numbers: Bismuth: 7440-69-9, Tin: 7440-31-5
Recommended Use: Soldering, low-temperature casting, fusible plugs
Manufacturer Information: Reach out to the alloy supplier for detail
Emergency Contact: National Poison Center or local emergency services
Other Identifiers: Metal alloy in solid bars, ingots, or pellets

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous by GHS
Physical Hazards: Hot molten alloy causes severe burns; spilled powder may form dust clouds
Acute Health Hazards: Inhalation of dust or fume may irritate respiratory tract; molten material burns skin and eyes
Chronic Health Hazards: Repeated exposure to dust could cause lung irritation
Environmental Hazards: May affect soil and aquatic life in large spillages
Label Elements: No pictogram; precautionary statements required
Main Warning: Avoid breathing fumes; keep away from children
Signal Word: None mandated

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Bismuth: 40–60% (CAS 7440-69-9, EINECS 231-177-4)
Tin: 40–60% (CAS 7440-31-5, EINECS 231-141-8)
Impurities: Traces of lead, silver, antimony below reporting limits; lead content less than 0.1% w/w as typically required
Molecular Weight: Not applicable (metal blend)
Substances: No polymerization or mixture of hazardous substances recognized for this blend under current regulations

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove exposed person to fresh air, keep warm and at rest; if breathing difficulty develops, seek medical help
Skin Contact: If alloy is solid, wash exposed area with soap and water; if molten alloy burns skin, immerse in cold water, cover with clean cloth, get emergency treatment
Eye Contact: Flush eyes with water for 15 minutes holding eyelids open, remove contact lenses if present, seek prompt medical attention
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, seek medical attention
Most Important Symptoms: Inhalation of dust or fumes can cause respiratory tract irritation; molten product inflicts thermal burns
Advice to Physicians: Provide symptomatic and supportive care; treat burns as thermal injuries

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Agents: Use dry chemical, CO₂, or foam; do not use water on molten metal
Hazards in a Fire: Alloy may release toxic metal oxides in a fire; fume inhalation is dangerous
Protective Equipment: Firefighters wear positive-pressure self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Unusual Hazards: Molten metals can flow to low ground, increasing fire area
Special Procedures: Remove containers from fire area if possible; cool containers exposed to fire with water fog; avoid breathing dust or fumes generated by fire

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Protection: Wear gloves, protective eyewear, NIOSH-approved dust mask
Environmental Precautions: Prevent alloy particles and dust from entering drains, water sources, and soil
Spill Response – Solid: Sweep up with minimum dust creation; place in container for recycling or disposal
Spill Response – Molten: Allow alloy to solidify, then collect mechanically; avoid water contact with molten metal
Decontamination: Wash spill area thoroughly after clean-up

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling: Use in well-ventilated area, avoid generating dust, wear proper safety equipment, avoid eating or drinking while working
Safe Storage: Store in cool, dry area away from strong acids, moisture, or incompatible materials; keep containers tightly closed
Incompatibilities: Avoid contact with oxidizing agents, strong acids, and strong bases
Specific Practices: Routine housekeeping to prevent dust accumulation; avoid direct contact with molten alloy

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: Bismuth—no OSHA PEL; Tin—2 mg/m³ (OSHA TWA)
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust or general ventilation to control dust and fume levels; process enclosure for molten work
Respiratory Protection: Dust mask or respirator with particulate filter for dust or fume creation
Skin Protection: Impervious gloves, long-sleeved shirts, pants
Eye Protection: Chemical-resistant goggles or face shield, especially with molten alloy or cutting/grinding
Personal Hygiene: Wash hands after use; remove contaminated clothing and clean before reuse

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Silvery-grey solid, metallic luster
Odor: Odorless
Melting Point: Range varies (typically 138–225°C, depending on ratio)
Boiling Point: Not precisely defined for alloy, both metals vaporize above 1000°C
Density: 7.2–8.9 g/cm³ depending on composition
Solubility: Insoluble in water
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
pH: Not applicable (metal)
Other Properties: Ductile, nonmagnetic, good electrical conductivity

Stability and Reactivity

Stability: Stable under ordinary conditions of use and storage
Hazardous Reactions: No hazardous polymerization
Conditions to Avoid: Excess heat, moisture, exposure to strong acids or oxidizers
Incompatible Materials: Chlorine, nitric acid, strong oxidizers, caustics
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Metal oxides may form when alloy is heated in air

Toxicological Information

Likely Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin and eye contact
Acute Effects: Dust or fume inhalation can irritate throat, nasal passages, and lungs; molten metal burns skin and eyes
Chronic Effects: Prolonged dust exposure could cause mild pulmonary irritation; neither bismuth nor tin is classified as human carcinogen
Symptoms: Irritation, coughing, rare allergic reactions; metallic taste
Toxicity Data: Bismuth and tin have relatively low toxicity compared to other heavy metals
Medical Conditions Aggravated by Exposure: Pre-existing respiratory conditions

Ecological Information

Environmental Fate: Metals are persistent and may accumulate in soils and sediments
Biodegradation: Metals do not biodegrade
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low for both bismuth and tin
Aquatic Toxicity: Low acute toxicity, but large releases may impact aquatic systems by physical effects
Mobility in Soil: Metals tend to bind to soil particles
Other Effects: Chronic soil or water contamination could affect local organisms over time

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal: Dispose of alloy as non-hazardous solid metal scrap or reclaim for reuse; follow local, regional, and national regulations
Container Disposal: Empty containers should be recycled or disposed according to official requirements
Prohibited Disposal: Do not discharge to sewers, surface water, or soil
Recycling: Metal is recoverable and glass or plastic packaging should be recycled when possible

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated for transport
Proper Shipping Name: Metal alloy
Hazard Class: Not a dangerous good
Packing Group: Not assigned
Transport Labels: Not required
Special Precautions: Prevent movement that causes dust or physical damage; keep dry during shipment

Regulatory Information

OSHA: Not regulated as a hazardous chemical
TSCA: Both bismuth and tin are listed on the US TSCA Inventory
REACH: Both ingredients pre-registered in Europe
SARA/Title III: Not subject to reporting under Sections 302, 304, or 313
California Proposition 65: This alloy typically does not require warning, but verify lead status with supplier
Other Regulations: Observe local workplace safety laws