Material Safety Data Sheet: Vanadium Foil

Identification

Product Name: Vanadium Foil
Synonyms: Metallic vanadium, Vanadium metal film
Chemical Formula: V
Recommended Uses: Industrial processes, electronics, specialty alloys
Manufacturer: Contact manufacturer or supplier for details and emergency information
Contact Information: Obtain local representative or supplier details for workplace safety contacts
Emergency Phone: Refer to local emergency services or poison hotlines for immediate support

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous by GHS criteria for physical or environmental hazards in solid metallic form
Health Hazards: Fine particles or dust may cause respiratory irritation, eye discomfort, or skin sensitivity upon direct contact
Environmental Hazards: Dust or particulate matter can pose risk to aquatic and terrestrial organisms
Signal Word: Warning (mainly for dust or fumes generated during processing)
Pictograms: Exclamation mark (for dust inhalation hazard)
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, use protective equipment, minimize release to the environment

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Vanadium
CAS Number: 7440-62-2
Concentration: 99–100%
Impurities: Trace elements (may include iron, aluminum, silicon, others depending on source)
Molecular Weight: 50.94 g/mol

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, provide oxygen if breathing is difficult, seek medical advice for persistent symptoms
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash area thoroughly with soap and plenty of water, consult health professional if rash or irritation appears
Eye Contact: Flush with gentle running water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if easy to do, seek medical attention for persistent eye pain or vision change
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, never induce vomiting unless instructed by medical personnel, get medical help if large amount swallowed or if symptoms persist
Medical Attention: Symptomatic and supportive treatment for major exposure or persistent effects

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, sand, or special powder for metal fires; avoid water on burning metal
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Never use water or foam directly on vanadium metal fires; risk of explosive hydrogen gas formation
Special Hazards: Fine vanadium dust may form explosive mixtures in air when exposed to heat or ignition sources
Fire Fighting Procedures: Remove containers from fire area if safe, use non-sparking tools, wear full protective clothing, use self-contained breathing apparatus
Decomposition/Combustion Products: Toxic metal oxides, vanadium pentoxide, irritating fumes released in high-temperature fire

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Avoid dust formation, wear respirators, gloves, goggles, restrict access to affected area
Environmental Precautions: Prevent migration of dust into drains, soil, or waterways; avoid release to the environment
Spill Cleanup Methods: Collect solid residues with non-sparking tools, sweep or scoop into sealable containers; minimize airborne dust using wet methods if safe
Disposal: Dispose of collected materials in accordance with national and regional regulations
Reporting: Contact local authorities if large release threatens workplace or community safety

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling: Work in well-ventilated areas, use processes that minimize dust, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in work area
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly sealed containers in cool, dry, well-ventilated place, segregate from oxidizers, acids, and halogens
Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizers, mineral acids, halogens, and strong bases can react with the metal
Recommendations: Regularly check storage area for dust buildup or corrosion, label containers clearly, maintain access to eyewash stations and showers

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation to manage airborne dust and fumes, dust collectors for machining or grinding operations
Occupational Exposure Limits: US OSHA TWA 0.05 mg/m³ (vanadium dust/fume, as V); consult local regulations for country-specific limits
Personal Protective Equipment: Respiratory protection (N95 or higher for dust), chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, long-sleeved lab coats or coveralls
Hygiene Measures: Wash thoroughly after handling, remove contaminated clothing, prohibit eating or drinking near work area

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Silvery-grey metallic foil, ductile, lustrous, flat sheets
Odor: Odorless
Melting Point: 1910°C (3470°F)
Boiling Point: 3407°C (6165°F)
Density: 6.11 g/cm³
Solubility in Water: Insoluble
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Flash Point: Not applicable
Flammability: Not flammable as solid foil, may ignite as fine powder or dust
Explosive Properties: Dust or powder can be explosive in air
Other Properties: Strong resistance to corrosion in most natural environments, conductive

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal storage and use conditions as a solid foil
Reactivity: Reacts with strong oxidizing agents, mineral acids, halogens
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, open flames, static discharge, storage near incompatible materials
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Vanadium oxides, irritating gases or metallic fumes possible at high temperature
Polymerization: No hazard of dangerous polymerization

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Metallic vanadium in foil form has low acute toxicity; inhalation of dust or fumes can cause coughing, shortness of breath, or bronchitis
Chronic Toxicity: Long-term exposure to vanadium compounds (especially in dust or fume) can affect respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems
Sensitization: Contact can cause mild skin or respiratory sensitization in susceptible individuals
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Mutagenicity: No evidence in standard studies
Other Effects: Exposure above safety limits may cause “metal fume fever”, gastrointestinal upset, headaches, or irritation

Ecological Information

Environmental Impact: Vanadium metal itself is insoluble and not expected to be mobile; particulate or oxidized forms can be hazardous
Ecotoxicity: Studies show vanadium compounds have moderate toxicity to aquatic life
Bioaccumulation Potential: Metallic form displays low potential, but soluble compounds can accumulate in plants and animals
Persistence and Degradability: Metallic vanadium persists but does not readily break down; transformation to other oxidation states can occur in environment
Soil/Water Mobility: Dust or fine material may move in wind or runoff, emphasizing importance of spill control

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Follow national and local regulations for hazardous metal waste, send to licensed disposal facility
Contaminated Packaging: Dispose containers as hazardous waste unless thoroughly cleaned
Do Not: Release into sewers, surface water, or soil; open burning or uncontrolled landfill can release hazardous compounds
Recycling: Recover and recycle wherever possible to minimize raw material extraction and environmental load

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated for transport as solid foil
Proper Shipping Name: Vanadium metal, non-hazardous in solid form
Hazard Class: Not classified for transport hazard
Packing Group: None required
Special Precautions: Pack in strong, sealed containers, keep dry in transit, label clearly
Transport Regulations: Confirm with international (IATA, IMDG, ADR) and local agencies for any updates regarding particulate or other forms

Regulatory Information

Occupational Safety and Health Regulations: Subject to OSHA workplace limits; ensure compliance with U.S. and international worker protection standards
Community Safety: Complies with global regulations for non-hazardous metallic goods, but dust and fumes subject to stricter controls
Chemical Inventory Status: Listed in major chemical inventories (TSCA, EINECS, DSL, etc.)
Special Notes: Monitor local and regional requirements for reporting and control of metallic and compound forms, especially waste streams and emissions