Ferromolybdenum Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

Identification

Product Name: Ferromolybdenum
Chemical Formula: FeMo
CAS Number: 12604-58-9
Manufacturer: Major metals supplier
Recommended Use: Alloying agent in steel production
Contact Information: Emergency telephone number and address on label or container

Hazard Identification

Physical Hazards: Dust can be irritating to respiratory system and eyes; may cause mechanical irritation
Health Hazards: Prolonged exposure can cause metal fume fever; ingestion may cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and other symptoms
Environmental Hazards: Spills may cause harm to aquatic environments if released in significant quantity
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes skin and eye irritation; may cause respiratory discomfort

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Ingredient: Iron
Chemical Symbol: Fe
Concentration: 60 - 80%

Ingredient: Molybdenum
Chemical Symbol: Mo
Concentration: 20 - 60%

Other Components: Trace amounts of carbon, silicon, phosphorus, sulfur (generally less than 1% each)

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move exposed person to fresh air immediately; keep person at rest; seek medical attention if symptoms occur
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing; wash affected area with water and soap; seek medical help if irritation persists
Eye Contact: Flush eyes with running water for at least 15 minutes; remove contact lenses; consult healthcare specialist if irritation persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water; seek medical assistance; do not induce vomiting unless directed by professional

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide extinguishers; avoid water spray on burning powder
Specific Hazards: Fine particles may present fire and explosion risk; dust in air can ignite from sparks
Protective Equipment: Firefighters use self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing to avoid contact with fumes
Combustion Products: Metal oxides and possible toxic fumes released at high temperatures

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Protection: Wear protective gloves, safety glasses, and suitable respiratory protection
Containment: Prevent further spillage by stopping source and collecting material using tools that minimize dusting
Clean-up Methods: Sweep or vacuum up spilled product; avoid dry sweeping; do not create dust cloud; deposit collected material in properly labeled containers
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry to drains, watercourses, or soil; notify relevant authorities if large quantities enter environment

Handling and Storage

Handling Precautions: Use only with adequate ventilation systems; avoid inhalation of dust and contact with skin or eyes; avoid eating or drinking in handling areas
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands and face after use; remove contaminated clothing before entering eating areas
Storage Requirements: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from strong acids, oxidizers, and damp conditions; keep containers tightly closed and clearly labeled; store away from sources of ignition and incompatible materials

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: Molybdenum (as metal and insoluble compounds): TWA 5 mg/m³, STEL 15 mg/m³; Iron dust: TWA 10 mg/m³
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust and general ventilation required for processes generating dust; enclosures or isolation may be used in higher risk tasks
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety goggles, gloves, dust mask or respirator, protective clothing
Environmental Controls: Collect and filter dust from air; prevent emissions to the environment

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Silver-grey lumps, granules, or powder with metallic sheen
Odor: Odorless
Melting Point: 1600 - 1650 °C, depending on molybdenum content
Boiling Point: Not applicable for alloy mixture
Density: 6.7 - 7.7 g/cm³
Solubility in Water: Insoluble
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Flash Point: Not flammable in bulk form
Explosive Properties: Dust or powder may be combustible in air

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable at normal storage and handling conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, ignition sources, and moisture
Incompatible Materials: Acids (can release hydrogen gas), strong oxidizers, halogens
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Metal oxides, molybdenum trioxide, possible toxic fumes in fire conditions
Reactivity: Reacts with acids or oxidizers; generally inert and non-reactive under most ambient conditions

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: May cause mild irritation of respiratory tract, eyes, and skin; metal fume fever possible after inhaling powders or fumes
Chronic Effects: Repeated or prolonged exposure can lead to lung irritation, coughing, and possible sensitization or chronic bronchitis
Symptoms of Exposure: Sore throat, coughing, headache, nausea
Route of Exposure: Inhalation, skin and eye contact, ingestion
Carcinogenicity: No components identified as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, or OSHA at typical occupational exposure levels

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Large releases may be toxic to aquatic organisms; molybdenum can impact soil microorganisms and some plants
Persistence and Degradability: Metal particles do not degrade easily; may accumulate in soils or sediments
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low for iron, moderate for molybdenum under certain conditions in aquatic environments
Mobility in Soil: Metal powder may be immobile; soluble compounds can leach through soil
Other Adverse Effects: Avoid dispersal of dust in environment; environmental damage increases with quantity released

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Collect and deliver material to an authorized waste disposal facility in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations; do not dispose of in normal trash or dump in watercourses
Contaminated Packaging: Clean container thoroughly before recycling or disposal; containers harboring dust should be handled as hazardous waste
Precautions: Avoid handling waste without suitable PPE; ensure proper containment to prevent dust escape during transport
Special Disposal Notes: Report and manage significant spills as hazardous waste to protect the environment and public health

Transport Information

UN Number: Not classified as a dangerous good for transport under most regulations
Transport Hazard Class: Not regulated
Packing Group: Not applicable
Special Precautions: Ensure packaging prevents escape of powder; keep dry and away from acids during transport
Environmental Hazards in Shipping: Take steps to prevent accidental release, especially of dust; inform carriers of contents

Regulatory Information

OSHA Status: Regulated under Hazard Communication Standard for toxic substances
TSCA Status: Product and ingredients listed
REACH Registration: Subject to European REACH requirements if imported into EU
SARA Title III: Not reportable under normal circumstances, but large spills may require notification
State Regulations: Check local and state requirements for worker safety, air, and water emissions
Label Elements: Product must carry proper hazard warning statements, pictograms, and manufacturer identification per labeling regulations