Material Safety Data Sheet – Tungsten Foil
Identification
Product Name: Tungsten Foil
Chemical Formula: W
CAS Number: 7440-33-7
Recommended Use: Industrial and laboratory applications, electronics, furnace components, radiation shielding
Manufacturer Contact: See regulatory and safety office for details
Emergency Contact: Refer to local emergency response center or poison control
Hazard Identification
GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS criteria
Main Hazards: Fine particles and dust may irritate the respiratory system if inhaled in significant amounts; prolonged skin contact can cause minor irritation; foil edges may be sharp and cause cuts; environmental persistence requires careful disposal to avoid contamination
Label Elements: No specific hazard pictograms required; physical hazards relate to dust and sharp edges
Precautionary Statements: Use gloves and protective eyewear when handling foil; prevent the formation and inhalation of dust; store away from incompatible substances such as strong oxidizing agents
Composition / Information on Ingredients
Substance: Tungsten
Chemical Formula: W
Concentration: 99.9% minimum purity
Impurities: Trace levels of molybdenum, silicon, iron, and other transition metals, generally below 0.1% combined
Synonyms: Wolfram, Tungsten Metal
First Aid Measures
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air if dust is inhaled; seek medical attention for persistent coughing or difficulty breathing
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water to remove any particles; seek care for persistent irritation or cuts from sharp foil
Eye Contact: Flush eyes with gentle stream of water for at least 15 minutes if dust or particles enter; seek medical help for discomfort
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, do not induce vomiting; seek medical attention if discomfort or symptoms develop
Fire-Fighting Measures
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry sand, Class D powder extinguisher; avoid water contact with fine powder due to reactivity
Hazardous Combustion Products: Metal oxide fumes possible if heated to high temperatures
Specific Hazards: Fine dust may present fire or explosion hazard in air under strong ignition
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Use full protective gear including self-contained breathing apparatus for incident involving dust or fumes
Fire Fighting Instructions: Keep away from skin contact with molten or hot foil; do not use water or CO2 on burning metal dust
Accidental Release Measures
Personal Precautions: Wear gloves, goggles, and dust mask; prevent inhalation of airborne particles
Spill Cleanup Methods: Sweep up and collect using non-sparking tools; minimize dust formation; transfer material to appropriate waste container for proper disposal
Environmental Precautions: Avoid releasing particles into drains, sewers or natural water sources; prevent material from spreading into soil
Handling and Storage
Handling: Use cut-resistant gloves and eye protection; avoid handling foil in windy or moving air environments to prevent dust; do not eat, drink, or smoke while using the product
Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from incompatible materials such as chlorine trifluoride, strong oxidizers, and acids; keep foil in corrosion-resistant, tightly closed containers
Other Precautions: Maintain good housekeeping to prevent accumulation of dust or scrap, especially near ignition sources
Exposure Controls and Personal Protection
Occupational Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL for Tungsten (metal and insoluble compounds): TWA 5 mg/m3 (as W), ACGIH TLV 5 mg/m3 (inhalable)
Engineering Controls: Ensure adequate local exhaust ventilation in areas with dust; use fume hoods or extraction where fine particles may become airborne
Personal Protection: Safety glasses with side shields, dust mask or respirator for dust exposure, gloves for skin protection, lab coat or suitable protective clothing
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before breaks and after work; do not breathe dust; do not touch face or eyes when handling foil
Physical and Chemical Properties
Appearance: Silvery-gray metallic foil
Odor: Odorless
Melting Point: 3,422 °C
Boiling Point: 5,555 °C
Density: 19.3 g/cm3
Solubility: Insoluble in water
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Flash Point: Not flammable in solid form
pH: Not applicable
Evaporation Rate: Not volatile
Molecular Weight: 183.84 g/mol
Stability and Reactivity
Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Reactivity: Chemically inert with most materials at room temperature
Hazardous Reactions: May react violently with powerful oxidizers like chlorine trifluoride, nitrate salts
Decomposition Products: Metal oxide fumes at high temperature
Conditions to Avoid: Strong acids, bases, oxidizing agents, high heat sources
Toxicological Information
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin, eyes
Acute Toxicity: Not considered acutely toxic to humans
Chronic Effects: Inhalation of dust may cause respiratory irritation; no known evidence of carcinogenicity, teratogenicity, or mutagenicity in humans
Skin Contact: May cause mild irritation or abrasions
Eye Contact: Mechanical irritation from dust or sharp particles
Sensitization: No known sensitizing effects
Medical Conditions Aggravated by Exposure: Pre-existing respiratory conditions may be worsened by inhaling fine dust
Ecological Information
Ecotoxicity: Low toxicity to aquatic and terrestrial life; insolubility limits mobility in environment
Persistence and Degradability: Remains in metallic form; not biodegradable
Bioaccumulation: Not likely to bioaccumulate due to low solubility
Mobility in Soil: Minimal migration; can persist in sediment
Other Harmful Effects: Fine particles may cause chronic buildup in aquatic habitats if continuously released; long-term impacts from improper disposal should be avoided
Disposal Considerations
Waste Treatment Methods: Collect and reclaim scrap for recycling wherever possible; follow local, regional, and national regulations for metal waste
Disposal of Contaminated Packaging: Handle packaging as industrial waste; decontaminate or send to a licensed facility
Environmental Precautions for Disposal: Do not allow material to enter drains, water bodies, or soil
Special Precautions: Do not dispose in household waste; consult authorized waste disposal contractors for bulk quantities
Transport Information
UN Number: Not regulated as a dangerous good under IATA, IMDG, or DOT
UN Proper Shipping Name: Tungsten metal
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as hazardous
Packing Group: Not applicable
Special Precautions for Transport: Protect from mechanical damage and moisture during shipping; prevent transport with incompatible substances
Regulatory Information
United States: Subject to TSCA inventory requirements; not listed on SARA Title III hazardous chemicals
Europe: Meets REACH regulatory considerations for metal in finished form
Canada: Present on Domestic Substances List (DSL)
International: Compliance needed with regional workplace and environmental standards; not subject to special transport restrictions
Labeling Requirements: Not required for non-hazardous finished product under GHS; workplace labeling for sharp objects and dust as per facility rules
