Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) – Molybdenum Wire

1. Identification

Product Name: Molybdenum Wire
Synonyms: Moly Wire
Chemical Name: Molybdenum
Molecular Formula: Mo
Recommended Use: Lighting, metalworking, EDM cutting, scientific research
Manufacturer Contact: Emergency and supplier contact numbers are often necessary for workplace postings; always include available details from supplier.
Emergency Contact: Local emergency services in case of serious incident
Product Code: Use code or SKU from your supplier
Relevant Identified Uses: Electrical and mechanical applications, laboratory settings, art installations, welding, aerospace production

2. Hazard Identification

Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS for normal use
Main Hazards: Inhalation of dust or fumes from melting, grinding, or grinding operations may cause respiratory irritation; reacts with strong oxidizers, can present dangers under high temperatures
Physical Hazards: Can be sharp in wire form, causing punctures or wounds
Health Hazards: Prolonged or repeated exposure to dust or particulate may affect lungs
Eye Contact: Dust or cutting particles may irritate eyes
Skin Contact: Wire can cut or puncture; dust may cause irritation to broken skin
Environment: Not known as an environmental toxin, but fine particles can settle in soil or water

3. Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Molybdenum
CAS Number: 7439-98-7
Purity: Typically 99.5% or greater
Impurities: Trace amounts of other metals (Fe, Ni, Si, C) may appear depending on wire grade
Mixtures: Molybdenum wire is not a mixture, but may be alloyed in specialized use-cases

4. First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move away from dust source and breathe fresh air; seek medical attention if symptoms do not resolve
Skin Contact: Wash gently with soap and water; remove clothing if contaminated by dust; treat wounds from cuts or punctures
Eye Contact: Rinse carefully and thoroughly with water for several minutes; seek help if irritation or particles remain
Ingestion: Rinse mouth; do not induce vomiting; get medical assessment for swallowed pieces or large ingestion of dust
Medical Attention: Exposure to molten metal or large amounts of dust warrants prompt professional assessment

5. Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry powder for metal fires; do not use water or foam on burning metal
Specific Hazards From Fire: Emits metal oxide fumes if overheated or burning
Protective Equipment: Firefighters use full-protective suit and self-contained breathing apparatus
Special Procedures: Move material from fire area if possible; avoid inhaling combustion products
Flash Point: Not flammable in solid form but powder and fumes can ignite under right conditions

6. Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear gloves, safety glasses, and suitable respiratory protection if dust involved
Environmental Precautions: Prevent large quantities of dust from entering drains or waterways
Clean Up Methods: Collect using non-sparking tools, sweep up particulates, avoid creating dust clouds
Waste Disposal: Place material in a sealed container for approved waste disposal according to local regulations
Notification: Notify appropriate personnel for large spills or wire entanglement hazard

7. Handling and Storage

Handling: Minimize dust generation and accumulation; never eat, drink, or smoke in areas where material is handled
Storage: Store in a dry, well-ventilated area, preferably in original packaging or sealed containers
Storage Conditions: Keep away from strong acids, oxidizing agents, and high humidity to prevent corrosion
Special Precautions: Use cut-resistant gloves; consider signage for areas housing long or sharp spools of wire
Workplace Hygiene: Wash hands after handling; keep workspaces clean of metal dust and fine fragments

8. Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL for Molybdenum insoluble compounds: 15 mg/m³ total dust; ACGIH TLV: 10 mg/m³ inhalable fraction
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation near cutting, burning, or grinding operations
Eye Protection: Safety glasses or goggles
Hand Protection: Cut- and puncture-resistant work gloves
Respiratory Protection: Use NIOSH-approved mask if dust or fumes expected
Body Protection: Protective clothing recommended during handling and processing
Hygienic Practices: No food or drink in work areas; handwashing facilities recommended

9. Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Grey to silver metallic wire, luster varies with finish
Odor: Odorless
Melting Point: 2,623°C (4,753°F)
Boiling Point: 4,639°C (8,382°F)
Density: About 10.28 g/cm³ at 20°C
Solubility: Insoluble in water
pH: Not applicable
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable under normal conditions
Flash Point: Not flammable (solid form)
Partition Coefficient: Not applicable
Auto-ignition Temperature: Not easily ignited
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Explosive Properties: Not considered explosive as supplied

10. Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable at room temperature and under recommended storage conditions
Reactivity: Reacts with oxidizers; molten molybdenum can react with air at high temperatures
Hazardous Reactions: Contact with chlorine, fluorine, or other strong oxidizers can cause violent reactions at high temperatures
Conditions to Avoid: Extreme heat, ignition sources, and contact with incompatible chemicals
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids (e.g., nitric acid), halogens, oxidizing agents
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Molybdenum oxides under high temperature exposure

11. Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Inhalation of dust, skin contact, eye contact
Acute Toxicity: Dust may cause temporary lung and respiratory irritation
Chronic Toxicity: Repeated overexposure to dust may cause headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, and respiratory symptoms
Skin Sensitization: Rare, but possible skin irritation from prolonged contact
Carcinogenicity: Molybdenum is not listed as a carcinogen by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Mutagenicity/Teratogenicity: No significant evidence of mutagenic or teratogenic effects
Medical Conditions Aggravated by Exposure: Existing respiratory conditions may worsen if exposed to airborne dust or fumes

12. Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Not significantly toxic to aquatic or soil organisms at low concentrations
Persistence and Degradability: Molybdenum persists in the environment in insoluble particulate form
Mobility: Limited mobility except in powder or dust form
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low, not expected to accumulate in food chain
Other Adverse Effects: Fine particulate may settle in sediment, proper collection and handling reduces environmental load

13. Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Collect scrap or dust for metal recycling where possible
Disposal Instructions: Dispose of unused material and contaminated packaging in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations
Small Quantities: Place in designated hazardous or metal waste bins
Larger Amounts: Involve licensed waste disposal company
Do Not: Flush large quantities into drains or waterways

14. Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated as hazardous for transport by land, air, or sea under most global regulations
Proper Shipping Name: Molybdenum Wire
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified
Packing Group: Not applicable
Special Precautions: Protect spools from mechanical damage and moisture during transport
Labeling: No special marking needed unless mixed with hazardous cargo
Bulk Shipping: Keep in secure, properly labeled containers

15. Regulatory Information

OSHA Status: Regulated under OSHA for workplace exposure to dust or fumes
TSCA (USA): Listed in Toxic Substances Control Act inventory
REACH (EU): Registered as a chemical substance under Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006
SARA Title III: Not considered a hazardous substance under Section 313
RoHS: Typically compliant, consult specific supplier documents
Other Local Regulations: Reference municipal or state guidelines for handling and disposal