Product Name: Beryllium Nitrate
Chemical Formula: Be(NO3)2
Synonyms: Beryllium dinitrate
CAS Number: 13597-99-4
Recommended Use: Laboratory chemical, industrial applications
Manufacturer/Supplier: Chemical distributors with permits for toxic substances
Emergency Contact: Refer to local poison control center, local emergency services
UN Number: 2542
Hazard Class: Acute Toxicity (Oral, Inhalation, Dermal), Carcinogenicity, Specific Target Organ Toxicity
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Fatal if inhaled, toxic if swallowed, causes severe skin burns and eye damage, may cause cancer, suspected of damaging fertility
Precautionary Statements: Keep container tightly closed, avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapors/spray, use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area, wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection, wash hands thoroughly after handling, contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace
Acute Effects: Chest tightness, cough, difficulty breathing, burns to skin/eyes upon contact
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure linked to lung cancer, damage to liver and kidneys, chronic beryllium disease
Chemical Name: Beryllium nitrate
CAS Number: 13597-99-4
Concentration: Greater than 98%
Impurities: Trace amounts of other nitrates or beryllium compounds may exist depending on production process
Inhalation: Remove victim to fresh air immediately, seek medical attention, provide artificial respiration if not breathing
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, flush area with copious amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, get medical help
Eye Contact: Rinse thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes, lift eyelids occasionally, obtain urgent medical care
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, rinse mouth, seek emergency medical care immediately
Delayed Symptoms: Respiratory distress, chemical pneumonia, systemic toxicity
Most Important Symptoms/Effects: Severe respiratory irritation, persistent cough, chemical burns, systemic poisoning
Flammability: Not flammable, though thermal decomposition releases toxic and irritating vapors of nitrogen oxides and beryllium oxide
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, foam (do not use direct water jet on substance)
Specific Hazards from Fire: Decomposition releases hazardous beryllium oxide and nitrogen oxides, potential for explosive reaction with organics
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Full-body protective gear, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), chemical resistant gloves
Special Firefighting Procedures: Approach fire upwind, avoid inhalation of fumes, use water spray to cool containers, prevent runoff into drains and waterways
Personal Precautions: Evacuate area, prevent dust formation and dispersal, wear appropriate PPE (respirator, gloves, eye protection, suit)
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spillage from entering drains, surface waters, or soil; contain the material by diking
Cleanup Methods: Collect spilled material using HEPA-filter vacuum or wet sweeping, place in sealed containers for disposal as hazardous waste, wash area with plenty of water; do not dry-sweep or use compressed air
Decontamination: Wash hands and skin thoroughly after handling, launder contaminated clothing separately
Handling: Handle in chemical fume hood with adequate ventilation, avoid direct contact with substance or dust, do not eat, drink, or smoke in area, ensure emergency eyewash and shower stations are nearby
Storage Conditions: Store locked up in corrosion-resistant containers with tight-fitting lids, labeled as hazardous, away from incompatible materials such as strong acids, reducing agents, organics, avoid moisture
Special Procedures: Keep work area clean, limit access to authorized personnel, use non-sparking tools and equipment where possible
Incompatibilities: Avoid storing near acids, combustible materials, or organics due to risk of hazardous reaction
Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL for Beryllium: 0.002 µg/m3 (inhalable), NIOSH REL: 0.0005 mg/m3
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, closed systems, use of chemical fume hood to limit dust and vapor release
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene), lab coat or acid-resistant apron, safety goggles or face shield, respiratory protection (full-face respirator with P100 filter) if risk of inhalation
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling and before meals, remove contaminated clothing and equipment before leaving work area
Appearance: White crystalline solid
Odor: Odorless
Molecular Weight: 133.02 g/mol
Melting Point: Decomposes on heating
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes)
Solubility: Highly soluble in water, ethanol
Density: 1.56 g/cm3
pH: Solutions are acidic
Other Properties: Corrosive to metals, substances, and tissues; releases toxic fumes on decomposition
Chemical Stability: Unstable at elevated temperatures, decomposes when heated or exposed to moisture
Reactivity: Reacts vigorously with strong acids, bases, organic materials, reducing agents; may form explosive compounds or toxic gases
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Beryllium oxide fumes, nitrogen oxides
Conditions to Avoid: Moisture, heat, incompatible materials, friction
Polymerization: Does not polymerize
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact
Acute Toxicity: Extremely toxic if inhaled or ingested, causes burns to tissues, rapid onset of respiratory symptoms including cough, chest pain, difficulty breathing
Chronic Toxicity: Prolonged or repeated exposure can cause berylliosis (chronic beryllium disease: incurable lung disease), liver and kidney damage
Carcinogenicity: Classified as carcinogenic to humans (IARC Group 1), linked to increased risk of lung cancer
Sensitization: Can cause allergic reaction in sensitized individuals
Other Potential Health Effects: Systemic effects including nausea, vomiting, weight loss, fatigue
Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic life at low concentrations; persistent in environment, accumulates in sediments and biota
Persistence and Degradability: Not readily biodegradable, remains stable in water and soil, resistant to natural breakdown
Bioaccumulation: Beryllium compounds may bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms and plants, potential for magnification in food chain
Mobility: Moves through soil and water; stays active over long periods, especially in low pH environments
Environmental Precautions: Releases can pose long-term hazards to aquatic ecosystems; never allow to reach groundwater, surface water, or drains
Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose of material and contaminated packaging at a licensed hazardous waste facility; do not discharge to sewer, surface water, or soil
Precautions for Disposal: Neutralize or stabilize beryllium nitrate wastes if possible before disposal; incineration, if performed, should use proper filters and be in compliance with local and national regulations
Container Handling: Containers must be tightly sealed, labeled, and disposed in accordance with governmental guidelines for toxic and carcinogenic materials
Regulatory Requirements: Follow all local, state, and federal requirements for handling beryllium-containing substances
UN Number: 2542
UN Proper Shipping Name: Beryllium compound, n.o.s. (Beryllium nitrate)
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic Substances)
Packing Group: I (highest hazard)
Hazard Label: Toxic, corrosive, carcinogenic
Special precautions for transport: Ensure sealed, labeled containers; provide documentation on hazards; emergency procedures for spills and exposure during transit
Environmental Hazards: Avoid cargo movement through sensitive aquatic or populated areas whenever possible
US OSHA Status: Regulated hazardous material, subject to permissible exposure limits
TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act): Listed
SARA Title III: Section 313 (Toxic Chemical Release Reporting) applies
RCRA Classification: Hazardous waste
IARC Classification: Group 1 carcinogen (known to cause cancer in humans)
WHMIS Classification (Canada): Class D2A (Very Toxic Material), D1A (Immediate and Serious Toxic Effects), D2B (Corrosive Material)
EU Classification: Carcinogen Category 1, T+ (Very Toxic), C (Corrosive)
Other Regulations: National and local guidelines apply; strict licensing needed for handling, transfer, and disposal; accessible only to trained and authorized personnel