Product Name: Beryllium Oxide
Chemical Formula: BeO
CAS Number: 1304-56-9
Synonyms: Thermalox, Beryllia
Recommended Use: Ceramic component, electronic applications, heat conduction
Manufacturer: Major chemical suppliers or specialty ceramics producers
Contact Information: Emergency and general inquiry phone numbers provided by the specific supplier
GHS Classification: Acute toxicity (oral, inhalation), Carcinogenicity, Specific organ toxicity (repeated exposure)
Danger Symbols: Skull and crossbones, Health hazard pictogram
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Toxic if inhaled or swallowed, causes serious lung damage, may cause cancer by inhalation
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin or eye contact, ingestion
Target Organs: Lungs, respiratory tract
Acute Effects: Severe respiratory irritation, potential fatality from high-level exposure
Chronic Effects: Chronic beryllium disease (CBD), lung cancer with prolonged exposure
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, wear respiratory protection, do not eat, drink or smoke while handling
Chemical Name: Beryllium Oxide
Concentration: 99% or higher
CAS Number: 1304-56-9
Impurities: Trace metallic impurities depending on source, not typically hazardous at present levels
Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately, keep individual warm and at rest, seek medical attention without delay, provide assisted respiration if breathing becomes labored
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash exposed skin with plenty of water and mild soap, medical assessment needed for persistent irritation
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes gently with water for 15 minutes, lift eyelids occasionally, seek medical assistance
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly if conscious, do not induce vomiting, get emergency care straight away
Most Important Symptoms: Cough, sneeze, tightness in chest, labored breathing, delayed onset of symptoms possible (especially with low-level exposure)
Special Advice: Tell medical professionals the nature of the exposure; monitor respiratory function
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, CO2, or foam for surrounding materials—BeO itself does not burn
Unsuitable Media: Avoid water streams that could spread dust or cause runoff
Unusual Fire Hazards: Product does not combust but may release toxic beryllium fumes if heated to very high temperatures
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should use self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Special Procedures: Control runoff water, avoid entry into drains or waterways, cool surrounding containers if safe
Personal Precautions: Wear respiratory protection, full protective clothing, safety goggles, use only approved HEPA vacuums
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains, soil, surface waters—report accidental releases to authorities
Cleanup Methods: Avoid dry sweeping, keep dust to a minimum, gently gather product using non-sparking, non-metallic tools, transfer waste to labeled containers for disposal
Decontamination: All exposed areas should be wiped or vacuumed, surfaces must be monitored for lingering dust
Disposal: Dispose via licensed hazardous waste contractors according to local and national regulations
Precautions for Safe Handling: Handle under local exhaust ventilation, avoid generating dust, keep containers closed, wash hands before breaks and after work, restrict access to trained personnel only
Conditions for Safe Storage: Keep away from acids and strong oxidizers, store in tightly sealed containers, designate secure, well-ventilated storage areas
Packing Materials: Use original containers or containers suitable for toxic powders
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong oxidizing agents, ammonium salts
Procedures: Regularly inspect containers and workplace for dust and spills
Occupational Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL: 0.002 mg/m³ (as Be), NIOSH REL: 0.0005 mg/m³, ACGIH TLV: 0.00005 mg/m³
Engineering Controls: Enclosed processes, local exhaust ventilation, dust collection systems, sealed bagging and handling operations
Respiratory Protection: Use NIOSH-approved respirators or PAPR (powered air-purifying respirators) for any dusty operation or potential exposure
Skin Protection: Impermeable gloves (such as nitrile), long-sleeved protective clothing, lab coats
Eye Protection: Safety goggles or face shields
Hygiene Measures: Prohibit eating, drinking, and smoking in dusty areas, provide sinks and eye wash stations, enforce strict workplace cleanliness, periodic medical surveillance for exposed workers
Appearance: White, crystalline powder or sintered ceramic pieces
Odor: Odorless
Melting Point: 2530°C
Boiling Point: 3900°C
Density: 3.01 g/cm³
Solubility: Insoluble in water
pH: Not applicable for solid
Vapor Pressure: Negligible
Other Properties: High thermal conductivity, electrical insulator, no notable volatilization at room temperature
Chemical Stability: Remains stable at normal storage temperatures and conditions
Hazardous Reactions: May react violently with strong acids, producing soluble beryllium salts which are more toxic
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, ammonium salts, chlorinated rubber in the presence of high heat
Thermal Decomposition: Produces toxic fumes of beryllium
Conditions to Avoid: Excess moisture, dusty environments, extreme heat, contact with incompatible materials
Hazardous Polymerization: Does not occur
Acute Toxicity: Highly toxic by inhalation and ingestion, symptoms may delay for days
Chronic Exposure: Prolonged exposure links directly to chronic beryllium disease (CBD), lung damage, and cancer
Symptoms: Shortness of breath, persistent coughing, fatigue, loss of appetite, fever
Carcinogenicity: Classified as carcinogenic to humans (IARC Group 1, NTP Known Human Carcinogen)
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation most dangerous, dust penetration through skin may occur
Target Organs: Lungs, immune system
Special Sensitivities: Genetic predisposition to beryllium sensitization possible; regular screening recommended for workers
Ecotoxicity: Very toxic to aquatic organisms, risk of long-term adverse effects in aquatic environments
Persistence and Degradability: Stays persistent in soil and water, does not degrade easily
Bioaccumulation: No significant bioaccumulation observed, yet stays in sediment and can affect plant roots
Mobility in Soil: Low mobility under most conditions
Environmental Precautions: Prevent any contaminated water, soils, or wastes from escaping into drains, streams, soils, or sewers
Other Effects: Soil contamination can affect growth of crops and organisms at the bottom of the food chain
Waste Treatment Methods: Identify waste streams as hazardous, deliver sealed containers to licensed hazardous waste facilities
Product Disposal: Collect all spills and waste in strong, labeled containers, avoid generating airborne dust, incineration not advised
Contaminated Packaging: Handle packaging as hazardous waste, do not reuse, dispose through approved channels
Legal Requirements: Waste subject to national, regional, and local environmental controls—consult waste disposal authorities
UN Number: UN 1566
UN Proper Shipping Name: Beryllium Compound, n.o.s.
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic Substance)
Packing Group: II
Environmental Hazards: Marine pollutant in significant quantities
Special Precautions: Label containers clearly, only trained and licensed handlers should transport, avoid exposure to package damage and dust release
Regulations: Subject to strict international air, road, rail, and sea transport regulations
OSHA: Listed as a hazardous substance under the Hazard Communication Standard
TSCA: Listed
SARA Title III: Subject to Section 302/304 extremely hazardous substance notification, and Section 313 (toxic chemical reporting)
RCRA: Regulated hazardous waste if discarded
EPA: CERCLA reportable quantity for beryllium compounds
EU Classification: Carcinogen Category 1B, Mutagen category 2 (CLP/GHS)
Other: Subject to workplace exposure monitoring and control under many national occupational and environmental protection agencies