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BERYLLIUM OXIDE
ICSC: 1325
Peer-Review Status: 04.12.2000 Validated
Beryllia
Beryllium monoxide 
CAS #: 1304-56-9 RTECS #: DS4025000
UN #: 1566
EC #: 004-003-00-8
EINECS #: 215-133-1
 		    Formula: BeO
Molecular mass: 25.0

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.  Use closed system or 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.  Wear 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 refer for medical attention. 
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 covered sealable containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Personal protection: chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus.  Unbreakable packaging.
Put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container.
Do not transport with food and feedstuffs. 
EC Classification
Symbol: T+; R: 49-25-26-36/37/38-43-48/23; S: 53-45; Note: E 
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 6.1; UN Pack Group: II 
GHS Classification
 

EMERGENCY RESPONSE SAFE STORAGE
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-61GT5-II.  Separated from food and feedstuffs. Well closed. 

IMPORTANT DATA
Physical State; Appearance
WHITE CRYSTALS OR POWDER. 

Physical dangers
 

Chemical dangers
Upon heating, toxic fumes are formed. Decomposes on heating. This produces toxic fumes. 

Occupational exposure limits
TLV (as Be): 0.002 mg/m³ as TWA; 0.01 mg/m³ as STEL; A1 (confirmed human carcinogen); (ACGIH 2008); notice of intended change (see Notes).
MAK: Carcinogen category: 1; Sensitization of respiratory tract and skin (SAH); (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, skin and respiratory tract. Inhalation of dust may cause chemical pneumonitis. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated. Exposure could cause death. 

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
Repeated or prolonged contact may cause skin sensitization. Repeated or prolonged inhalation may cause effects on the lungs. This may result in chronic beryllium disease (cough; weight loss; weakness). This substance is carcinogenic to humans. 


PHYSICAL PROPERTIES ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
Boiling point: 3900°C
Melting point: 2530°C
Density: 3.0 g/cm³
Solubility in water at 20°C: none  		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.
TLV Intended change: 0.00005 mg/m³ as TWA; 0.0002 mg/m³ as STEL; (skin); SEN; A1 (confirmed human carcinogen); (ACGIH 2008).
Card has been partially updated in February 2009: see Occupational Exposure Limits. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 

IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety 		WHO ILO EC Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the European Commission
© IPCS 2004-2012
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    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations