Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for Ferro Tungsten

Identification

Product Name: Ferro Tungsten
Chemical Family: Ferroalloy
Primary Use: Alloying agent in steel and metallurgy
CAS Number: 12604-89-0
Manufacturer: Refer to label or supplier’s information
Contact Information: Company address and emergency phone listed on packaging
Synonyms: FeW, Tungsten-Iron Alloy
Recommended Restrictions: Industrial use only, not for ingestion or medical use
Product Description: Metallic lump, powder, or granule, gray color, metallic luster
UN Number: Not regulated for most shipping

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous by GHS
Physical Hazards: Dust may pose explosion risk in air under rare circumstances—ventilate enclosed areas
Health Hazards: Prolonged breathing of finely divided particles may cause irritation to lungs and respiratory tract; high dust levels may worsen asthma or pre-existing lung conditions
Environmental Hazards: Poor solubility, low immediate risk to soil and water; avoid large-scale contamination
Signal Word: Not applicable
Hazard Pictogram: None required by regulation for bulk solid
Precautionary Statements: Avoid generating dust, prevent contact with eyes, wash exposed skin after handling, use local exhaust if routine handling includes grinding or cutting
Potential Acute Effects: Dryness or mechanical irritation of eyes, nose, throat, or skin if exposed to fine powder
Potential Chronic Effects: May aggravate chronic lung or skin conditions with long-term or repeated high exposure to dust

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Substance: Alloy
Ingredients:
— Tungsten (W): 70–80%
— Iron (Fe): 20–30%
— Trace Elements: Silicon (<1.5%), Carbon (<0.1%), Phosphorus (<0.03%), Sulfur (<0.03%)
CAS Numbers: Tungsten 7440-33-7, Iron 7439-89-6
Impurities: May contain small amounts of other metals or non-metals, not intentionally added

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move exposed person to fresh air immediately, keep comfortable, seek medical attention if coughing or irritation persists
Skin Contact: Brush off loose material, wash with water and soap, remove contaminated clothing
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present, seek medical help if irritation remains
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, seek medical attention if large amount swallowed or if feeling unwell
Most important symptoms/effects: Mechanical irritation, possible discomfort in eyes, nose or throat—serious toxicity not likely

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry sand, dry powder, or CO₂ for fine particles fires; water spray may be used for bulk fires without fines
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Avoid direct water stream on burning powder—can result in violent reaction
Specific Hazards Arising from Fire: Dust clouds may ignite under strong ignition sources; very high temperature may produce metal oxides
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Use self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing
Special Procedures: Isolate hazard area, keep unnecessary personnel away, ventilate fire area

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Avoid dust formation, use personal protective equipment, ventilate enclosed spaces
Containment: Collect spilled solids and powders using non-sparking tools and store in appropriate waste container
Environmental Precautions: Prevent release into sewage, waterways, soils
Cleanup Methods: Wet sweeping or use of vacuum with HEPA filter recommended for powders; avoid dry brushing
Disposal: Store collected material for proper disposal following local and national waste regulations

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling: Do not breathe dust; avoid contact with skin and eyes; use with adequate ventilation; avoid sparks or sources of ignition near powder forms
Technical Measures: Install local exhaust where dust may be generated; ground all handling equipment for bulk powders
Safe Storage: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area; keep away from foodstuffs, incompatible materials, oxidizing agents; keep containers tightly closed
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, oxidizers; avoid mixing with chlorine, fluorine, or other strong oxidizing substances

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: Tungsten (insoluble compounds): ACGIH TLV 5 mg/m³ (TWA, as W), 10 mg/m³ (STEL); Iron: No established ACGIH TLV for elemental form
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, process enclosure, dust collectors
Personal Protective Equipment:
— Respiratory Protection: Use NIOSH/MSHA-approved particulate respirators for dusty conditions
— Skin Protection: Wear protective gloves, long sleeves, avoid skin contact
— Eye Protection: Use safety glasses with side shields or goggles
— General Hygiene: Wash hands after handling, no eating or smoking in work area, wash contaminated clothing before reuse

Physical and Chemical Properties

Physical State: Solid (lumps, granules, powders)
Color: Metallic gray to silver
Odor: Odorless
Melting Point: About 2,000–2,800°C (mixture)
Boiling Point: Not relevant under normal use
Density: About 13 g/cm³
Solubility: Insoluble in water
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable at room temperature
Flash Point: Non-flammable in lump form; powder form may combust
Auto-ignition Temperature: Not readily auto-ignitable
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not applicable
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Other Information: Hard metallic alloy, high melting, good resistance to corrosion

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal handling and storage
Reactivity: Not reactive under ordinary conditions; fine powder may be more reactive due to surface area
Conditions to Avoid: Generation of airborne dust, incompatible materials, extreme heat, open flame
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, oxidizing agents, chlorine, fluorine
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Metal oxides (mainly tungsten and iron oxides) may form at very high temperatures
Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur

Toxicological Information

Likely Routes of Exposure: Inhalation of dust, skin contact, eye contact
Acute Toxicity: Low—main risk is physical irritation; no significant toxicity identified for elemental or alloyed form
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: May cause dryness or abrasion
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Dust can cause mechanical irritation or redness
Respiratory Sensitization: Unlikely with casual exposure, may worsen asthma or chronic lung conditions with frequent or heavy exposure
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogen by NTP, IARC, or OSHA
Reproductive Toxicity: Not expected based on available data
Chronic Effects: Prolonged inhalation of high dust may cause symptoms of metal fume fever or minor chronic lung effects, but not associated with systemic toxicity for alloy in most studies

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: No evidence of significant toxicity to aquatic life or plants; insoluble in water, unlikely to produce acute effects at typical environmental concentrations
Persistence and Degradability: Stable, not biodegradable
Bioaccumulative Potential: Not likely to bioaccumulate given poor solubility and mobility in environment
Mobility in Soil: Limited—the alloy stays at or near point of release
Other Adverse Effects: Large spills can cause localized soil contamination—best practice is to avoid unnecessary release into environment

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Collect material and dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations
Disposal of Packaging: Rinse and recycle if allowed, or dispose as industrial waste if contaminated
Precautions: Do not dispose to municipal sewage, open ground, or unregulated landfill
Special Disposal Needs: Contact licensed hazardous waste hauler for significant quantities or if containing hazardous impurities

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated under international ADR, IMDG, IATA codes for transport as a solid, non-combustible metal
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as dangerous for transport in bulk or drum form
Packing Group: Not applicable
Environmental Hazards: None for standard shipping
Special Precautions: Avoid generating dust during transfer or loading, label as “industrial materials” per customs/regulatory requirements

Regulatory Information

TSCA Status (US): Listed
REACH Registration (EU): Exempt as alloy
OSHA Hazard Communication: Not classified as hazardous under normal industrial use, but treat dust controls as prudent practice
SARA Title III (Sections 311/312): Not listed as specific hazard
California Prop 65: Not listed
Other Regulatory Status: All ingredients are listed or exempted on regulated inventories worldwide; users responsible for institutional compliance as per application