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Beryllium Hydroxide and Its Material Safety Data Sheets — Why Care Matters

Identification

Chemical name: Beryllium Hydroxide
Molecular formula: Be(OH)2
Synonyms: Beryllium dihydroxide, Beryllium hydrate
Appearance: White, amorphous or crystalline solid
Typical uses: Alloy production, ceramics manufacture, chemical synthesis, laboratory reagent
Odor: Odorless
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water
Melting point: Decomposes before melting
CAS number: 13327-32-7

Hazard Identification

Hazard class: Acute toxicity (inhalation, skin, ingestion), Carcinogenicity, Respiratory sensitizer
Health effects: Irritation of respiratory tract, coughing, shortness of breath, potential for chronic lung disease
Carcinogen status: Recognized human carcinogen by IARC, NTP, and OSHA
Routes of exposure: Inhalation (primary/most hazardous), skin contact, eye contact, ingestion
Physical hazards: Does not support combustion but heating produces toxic fumes
Environmental hazards: Harmful to aquatic organisms, long-lasting effects in water systems

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical: Beryllium Hydroxide
Concentration: Greater than 99% (in laboratory or industrial-grade material)
Impurities: Trace metals may exist, depending on production process, but not usually at levels changing hazard profile
CAS number: 13327-32-7

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately, support breathing, seek medical attention if symptoms persist
Skin contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and plenty of water, remove contaminated clothing, medical examination for symptoms
Eye contact: Rinse eyes with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present, consult an ophthalmologist if irritation persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, seek immediate medical help
Symptoms to watch: Persistent coughing, chest pain, skin rash, burning or stinging sensation in eyes or throat

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable extinguishing media: Use dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide for surrounding fire
Special hazards: Substance itself does not burn, but heating can generate toxic beryllium-containing fumes
Advice for firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus, full protective clothing
Fire byproducts: Hazardous gases like beryllium oxides
Explosion hazard: Dust buildup can pose explosion risk under specific circumstances, so cleaning is critical

Accidental Release Measures

Personal precautions: Evacuate area, ventilate if indoors, wear respirator and protective gear
Environmental precautions: Prevent entry into drains, sewers, or waterways
Methods for cleaning up: Wet down solid to avoid dust, scoop up spill, place in labeled containers for disposal, thoroughly clean contaminated area
Decontamination: Use copious water for area and tools, avoid dry sweeping or compressed air
Reporting: Notify needed authorities in case of large or environmentally significant spills

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use in well-ventilated places or under fume extraction, avoid generating dust, minimize handling time
Hygiene: Wash hands before eating or drinking; do not smoke near material
Storage requirements: Keep in tightly closed, corrosion-resistant containers, store in cool, dry places away from acids and incompatible substances
Separation: Store apart from food, beverages, and animal feed
Access: Limit access to trained personnel only

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Permissible exposure limits: OSHA and ACGIH set exposure limits; permissible exposure can be extremely low due to beryllium’s toxicity
Engineering controls: Local exhaust ventilation, fume hoods, enclosed handling processes
Personal protective equipment: Approved respirators, chemical-resistant gloves, long-sleeved clothing, safety goggles
Hygiene controls: Dedicated work clothing, decontamination facilities at entrances and exits
Environmental controls: Filtration and HEPA systems where dust is possible, routine area air monitoring

Physical and Chemical Properties

Physical state: Solid
Color: White
Odor: None
pH (suspension): Strongly basic
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water
Boiling point: Not applicable (decomposes before boiling)
Melting point: Decomposes before melting
Density: About 2.2 g/cm3
Vapor pressure: Negligible
Particle size: Fine powder or crystalline form, hazardous when airborne

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical stability: Stable under standard storage conditions
Hazardous reactions: Reacts vigorously with acids to form toxic beryllium salts
Conditions to avoid: Strong acids, excessive heat, sources of ignition, dust generation
Decomposition products: May release beryllium oxide and other toxic gases when heated
Incompatibilities: Strong acids, oxidizing agents

Toxicological Information

Acute toxicity: Inhalation of airborne dust is extremely hazardous, even at low concentrations; skin contact can cause rash
Chronic effects: Long-term exposure risks chronic beryllium disease (CBD), an incurable lung disease characterized by inflammation, scarring, respiratory impairment
Carcinogenicity: Established human carcinogen, lung cancer risk increases from repeated exposure
Other effects: Possible skin sensitization; repeated exposures may provoke asthma-like symptoms
Animal data: Experiments show toxic effects on lungs, liver, and kidneys in animal models, supporting human risk profiles

Ecological Information

Persistence: Beryllium compounds persist in soil and water bodies
Bioaccumulation: Tends not to bioconcentrate in most aquatic organisms but binds strongly to sediments
Aquatic toxicity: Harmful to certain invertebrates and fish in laboratory studies
Environmental spread: Can contaminate water and pose a risk to drinking supplies if containment at the source fails

Disposal Considerations

Waste treatment: Collect all residues, disposed of by licensed hazardous waste handlers
Regulatory status: Listed as hazardous waste, disposal must meet federal and local regulations
Container handling: Decontaminate and label containers, never reuse for any other materials
Methods: Incineration or secure landfill required, frequent oversight to prevent escape of dusts or leachates into environment

Transport Information

UN number: Classified under hazardous materials for transit
Proper shipping name: Beryllium Compounds, n.o.s. (not otherwise specified)
Hazard class: Toxic solid, inorganic, n.o.s.
Packing group: II or III (depends on purity and form)
Shipping notes: Protect from physical damage, keep containers tightly sealed, follow route and segregation guidelines for hazardous goods

Regulatory Information

Worker safety: OSHA, NIOSH, and ACGIH set strict exposure limits due to carcinogenicity and toxic risk
Registration: EPA classifies as toxic, reportable under CERCLA and SARA Title III if threshold exceeded
International status: Subject to strict controls under various national toxic chemical regulations, including REACH in the EU
Labeling: Mandatory hazard pictograms and statements required by GHS and national rules
Community right to know: Detailed hazard communication and training for users