Gallium Oxide Toxicology

Introduction

CAS # :12024-21-4
Transition metal oxide

Toxicology

Exists as a white powder.

• Experimental Toxicology

Oral LD50 : 10000 mg/kg (mus), therefore low toxicity by ingestion.

Rats exposed by inhalation to gallium oxide 2 hours/day for 20 days developed severe pulmonary inflammation (alveolitis) evolving to fibrosis.

• Chronic Toxicity Studies

Gallium and gallium compounds may cause metallic taste, dermatitis and depression of the bone marrow function. Large doses may cause hemorrhagic + nephritis.

• Possible Acute Effects

• Acute Eye Effects:

May cause eye irritation.

• Acute Skin Effects:

May cause skin irritation.

• Acute Inhalation Effects:

May cause respiratory irritation.

• Acute Ingestion Effects:

May cause irritation in digestive tract.

• Chronic Effects

None

First Aid Measures

• Eyes

Flush eyes with warm water for 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids. If irritation persists, seek medical attention.

• Skin Exposure

Wash with soap and water. If irritation persists, seek medical attention.

• Inhalation

Take deep breaths of fresh air and avoid further inhalation of the material. If irritation persists, seek medical attention.

• Ingestion

Drink 2 cups of water and induce vomiting. Seek immediate medical attention

Fire Fighting Measures

• Extinguishing Media

Use water, carbon dioxide, dry chemical extinguishing agents, dry sand or dry ground dolomite

• Personal Protective

• Equipment

Wear an approved self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing.

• Decomposition Materials (under fire conditions)

Not Applicable

Accidental Release Measures

• Evacuation Procedures and Safety

Stay away from spill so as to avoid airborne dust. Exposure concerns are limited to inhalation and, in the case of a very large all-surrounding spill, suffocation.

• Containment of Spill

Spill should be contained if it can be done without risk.

• Cleanup and Disposal of Spill

Do not dispose of spill by dumping into public sewer or any other unauthorized waste treatment system. Spill should be swept up and properly prepared for disposal.

• Environment and Regulatory Reporting

Should spilt material enter an unauthorized waste treatment system, contact the local authorities.

Handling and Storage

• Minimum/Maximum Storage Temperatures

None

• Handling

Use appropriate respiratory protection when exposure exceeds the established limits. Wash thoroughly after handling.

• Storage

Keep containers tightly closed and in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas.

Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

• Ingestion

Prevent eating, drinking, tobacco usage and cosmetic application in areas where there is a potential for exposure to the material. Always wash thoroughly after handling.

• Eye Contact

To avoid eye contact, wear safety glasses with side shields or chemical goggles.

• Skin Contact

To avoid skin contact, wear rubber gloves, boots, long-sleeved shirts, long-pants and head covering.

• Respiratory Protection

To avoid inhalation wear dust mask or self-contained respiratory device.

• Engineering Controls

Add ventilation capacity if current environment cannot maintain airborne concentrations below the established exposure limit.

• Exposure Guidelines

None

Stability and Reactivity

• Chemical Stability

Stable under normal conditions of storage and handling.

• Hazardous Polymerization

Will not occur.

• Conditions to Avoid

Not Applicable

• Chemical Incompatibility

Not Applicable

• Hazardous Decomposition Products

When heated to decomposition it emits toxic vapors of Ga.

Skin Sensitization

No information is known.

Mutagenicity Data

No information is known.

Reproductive/Teratology Data

No information is known.

Carcinogenicity Data

No information is known.

Ecological Information

Eco-acute Toxicity

Acute toxicity is considered unlikely because of the existence of similar compounds in nature.

References

1. Occupational Medicine,Carl Zenz, last edition.
2. Clinical Environmental Health and Toxic Exposures, Sullivan & Krieger; last edition.
3. Sax039;s Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, Lewis C., last edition.
4. Toxicologie Industrielle et Intoxications Professionnelles, Lauwerys R.R. last edition.
5. Chemical Hazards of the Workplace, Proctor & Hughes, 4th edition
6. Répertoire Toxicologique de la CSST du Quebec.
7. Pacific Industrial Development Corp, MSDS, Gallium Oxide, January 2002.

By Edouard Bastarache

Related Information

Links

Got a Question?