Material Safety Data Sheet: Tungsten Dioxide

Identification

Product Name: Tungsten Dioxide
Chemical Formula: WO₂
CAS Number: 12036-22-5
Synonyms: Tungsten(IV) oxide, Tungsten dioxide
Manufacturer: Major chemical suppliers and mining operations
Recommended Use: Catalyst, pigment precursor, metallurgy processes
Emergency Contact: Refer to local or regional emergency numbers, Poison Control Center

Hazard Identification

Classification: Not classified as flammable or explosive
GHS Label Elements: No pictogram required under GHS, not classified as hazardous
Signal Word: Not required
Hazard Statements: May cause mechanical irritation to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract; Chronic exposure might cause mild pulmonary effects
Risk Phrases: Irritant effects possible with repeated contact
Precautionary Statements: Avoid inhalation of dust, wear adequate personal protection

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Tungsten dioxide
Common Name: WO₂
Percent Composition: 100% Tungsten dioxide
Impurities: Trace amounts of tungsten trioxide, minor metallic contaminants may be present depending on sourcing

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, seek medical attention if respiratory symptoms persist
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy to do
Skin Contact: Wash area thoroughly with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, seek medical advice if large quantity is swallowed
Most Important Symptoms: Mild irritation, coughing, sneezing, or slight redness in eyes or skin
Notes for Physicians: No specific antidote, treat symptomatically

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, CO₂, foam, or water spray
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: None known
Hazards From Combustion: Non-combustible under normal storage, but may form toxic metal oxide fumes at high temperatures
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus, use full protective clothing
Special Procedures: Cool fire-exposed containers with water spray, minimize dust generation during firefighting

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use appropriate personal protection, such as gloves, safety goggles, and NIOSH-approved dust masks
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spillage from entering drains or waterways, avoid release to open ground
Methods for Clean-up: Sweep up material using non-sparking tools, shovel into appropriate waste containers, wash area after collection
Spill Control: Use wet methods to reduce dust, ventilate area well

Handling and Storage

Precautions for Safe Handling: Handle in well-ventilated areas, limit dust generation and accumulation, avoid breathing dust, wash hands after use
Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry place, in tightly closed containers out of direct sunlight and away from incompatible materials
Materials to Avoid: Strong oxidizer chemicals, acids in concentrated solution
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands, face and exposed skin thoroughly after handling; prohibit eating, drinking, or smoking in work area

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: Tungsten and insoluble compounds (as W): OSHA PEL 5 mg/m³ (TWA), ACGIH TLV 5 mg/m³ (TWA)
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation, maintain workplace airborne concentrations below exposure limits
Personal Protection: Wear chemical-resistant gloves, protective eyewear, laboratory coats, and NIOSH-approved respirators in dusty environments
Work Practices: Avoid generating dust, maintain good general housekeeping

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Gray-black powder
Odor: Odorless
Melting Point: Decomposes above 1500°C
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Solubility: Insoluble in water
Density: Approximately 12.1 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
pH: Not applicable
Flash Point: Not flammable
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Partition Coefficient: Not available

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal temperatures and pressures
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents such as fluorine, strong acids under high temperature
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Metal oxide fumes possible during high heat/fire
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, creation of airborne dust, contact with incompatible chemicals
Polymerization: Will not occur

Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, eye and skin contact, ingestion
Acute Effects: May cause mechanical irritation to mucous membranes, mild coughing, or redness
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure can lead to mild respiratory discomfort, some studies suggest minor pulmonary changes in animals
Toxicity Data: LD₅₀ (oral, rat): Not established; considered low toxicity
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as a human carcinogen by IARC, NTP or OSHA
Other Effects: No evidence for reproductive or developmental effects in available data

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Low acute toxicity, low solubility reduces bioavailability
Persistence and Degradability: Chemically stable, persists as an insoluble mineral in the environment
Bioaccumulation Potential: Unlikely to bioaccumulate
Mobility in Soil: Minimal due to poor solubility
Other Adverse Effects: Large spills may cause localized contamination; avoid release to aquatic systems

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Dispose in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations
Unused Material: Place in properly labeled containers for waste collection
Contaminated Packaging: Triple-rinse and offer clean containers for recycling where permitted
Special Considerations: Avoid release to the environment, notify authorities in the event of significant spillage

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated for transport
Proper Shipping Name: Not classified as dangerous goods
Hazard Class: None
Packing Group: None
Transport Precautions: Prevent dust formation, avoid mechanical shock
Environmental Hazards: Product does not present known marine pollutant risk

Regulatory Information

OSHA Status: Not listed as hazardous chemical
TSCA Inventory: Listed
SARA Title III: Not subject to reporting requirements
California Proposition 65: Not listed
EU REACH Status: Registered substance
Other Regulations: Check with local and national authorities for specific restrictions or reporting obligations