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BERYLLIUM OXIDE ICSC: 1325
Date of Peer Review: December 2000

Beryllia
Beryllium monoxide
CAS # 1304-56-9 BeO
RTECS # DS4025000 Molecular mass: 25.0
UN # 1566
EC Annex 1 Index # 004-003-00-8
EC/EINECS # 215-133-1
TYPES OF HAZARD / EXPOSURE ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS PREVENTION FIRST AID / FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Not combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.

In case of fire in the surroundings: use appropriate extinguishing media.
EXPLOSION


EXPOSURE
PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST! AVOID ALL CONTACT!
IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
Inhalation Cough. Shortness of breath. Sore throat. Symptoms may be delayed (see Notes).
Closed system and ventilation.
Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.
Skin Redness.
Protective gloves. Protective clothing.
Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower.
Eyes Redness. Pain.
Face shield, or eye protection in combination with breathing protection if powder.
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
Ingestion
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.
Rinse mouth. Refer for medical attention.
SPILLAGE DISPOSAL PACKAGING & LABELLING
Sweep spilled substance into sealable containers; if appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder, then remove to safe place. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus.
Unbreakable packaging; put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container. Do not transport with food and feedstuffs. Note: E
EU Classification
Symbol: T+
R: 49-25-26-36/37/38-43-48/23
S: 53-45
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 6.1
UN Pack Group: II
EMERGENCY RESPONSE STORAGE
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-61GT5-II
Separated from food and feedstuffs.
Well closed.
IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety
Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS, CEC 2005

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK
BERYLLIUM OXIDE ICSC: 1325
IMPORTANT DATA
PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
WHITE CRYSTALS OR POWDER.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
Upon heating, toxic fumes are formed.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: (as Be) 0.002 mg/m³ as TWA; 0.01 mg/m³ as STEL; A1 (confirmed human carcinogen); Intended change: 0.00005 mg/m³ as TWA; 0.0002 mg/m³ as STEL; (skin); SEN; A1 (confirmed human carcinogen); (ACGIH 2008).
MAK: Sah; Carcinogen category: 1; (DFG 2008).
ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly when dispersed.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance is irritating to the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. Inhalation of the dust may cause chemical pneumonitis. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated. Exposure may result in death.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
Repeated or prolonged contact may cause skin sensitization. Lungs may be affected by repeated or prolonged exposure , resulting in chronic beryllium disease (cough, weight loss, weakness). This substance is carcinogenic to humans.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Boiling point: 3900°C
Melting point: 2530°C
Density: 3.0 g/cm³
Solubility in water: at 20 °C none
ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
The substance is very toxic to aquatic organisms. The substance may cause long-term effects in the aquatic environment.
NOTES
The symptoms of acute pneumonitis following a massive short-term exposure do not become manifest until 3 days. Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is suggested. Do NOT take working clothes home.
Card has been partly updated in October 2004. See sections Occupational Exposure Limits, EU classification, Emergency Response. Card has been partially updated in February 2009: see Occupational Exposure Limits.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


LEGAL NOTICE Neither the CEC nor the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information
© IPCS, CEC 2005


    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations