Material Safety Data Sheet – Bismuth Metal Crystal

Identification

Product Name: Bismuth Metal Crystal
Chemical Formula: Bi
CAS Number: 7440-69-9
Synonyms: Bismuth, Elemental Bismuth, Bismuth Metal
Recommended Use: Laboratory reagent, alloying agent, crystal formation, electronics
Supplier Information: Company name, address, phone number, emergency contact

Hazard Identification

Hazard Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS
Signal Word: None
Pictograms: None required
Acute Health Hazards: May cause mild irritation to eyes, skin, and respiratory tract upon prolonged or repeated contact with dust
Chronic Health Hazards: No evidence of serious long-term effects in humans; bismuth compounds may cause issues if ingested in high amounts over extended periods
Precautionary Statements: Avoid creating and inhaling dust; wear appropriate personal protection; practice good industrial hygiene

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Bismuth: 99%–100%
Impurities: Trace elements such as lead, silver, antimony may be present below 0.1%

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, keep comfortable, seek medical attention if symptoms persist
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses, continue rinsing, get medical advice if irritation persists
Skin Contact: Wash gently with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, seek medical attention for large amounts or if symptoms develop
Most Important Symptoms: Mild mechanical irritation, no severe symptoms expected from elemental form

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical powder, sand, carbon dioxide, foam
Unsuitable Media: Water directly on molten metal
Special Hazards: Bismuth does not burn but may emit toxic fumes if involved in a fire;
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Full turnout gear, self-contained breathing apparatus
Combustion Products: Bismuth oxide fumes can form, ensure ventilation

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear gloves, safety glasses, avoid dust
Environmental Precautions: Prevent large amounts from entering waterways or sewers
Cleanup Methods: Sweep up crystals or powder, place in appropriate waste container, ventilate area
Spill Response: Collect material using non-sparking tools; dispose in compliance with local regulations

Handling and Storage

Handling: Work in well-ventilated space; avoid production of dust; wash hands after handling;
Storage: Store in dry, cool area, away from incompatible materials such as acids and oxidizing agents; keep container tightly closed

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No established OSHA or ACGIH limits for elemental bismuth; use good workplace practices
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation for operations producing dust
Personal Protective Equipment—Eye: Chemical safety goggles or glasses
Personal Protective Equipment—Skin: Protective gloves, lab coat
Personal Protective Equipment—Respiratory: Dust mask or respirator if airborne concentrations are high

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Iridescent, silvery-pink metallic crystals
Odor: Odorless
Melting Point: 271.4°C
Boiling Point: 1564°C
Density: 9.78 g/cm³
Solubility: Insoluble in water
Molecular Weight: 208.98 g/mol
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Partition Coefficient: Not applicable
pH: Not applicable
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions
Reactivity: Inert to most elements and compounds at room temperature
Conditions to Avoid: Strong oxidizers, acids, excessive heat
Incompatible Materials: Chlorine, halogens, potassium, potassium nitrate
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Bismuth oxide, fumes, oxides of bismuth at elevated temperatures

Toxicological Information

Likely Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact
Acute Effects: May cause mild irritation; large doses may upset digestive system
Chronic Effects: No evidence of carcinogenic or mutagenic effects in humans; long-term ingestion of soluble bismuth compounds linked to kidney or liver problems, but metallic form rarely absorbed
Target Organs: No specific target organs for elemental bismuth
Signs and Symptoms: Mild mechanical irritation

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Bismuth metal shows very low toxicity to aquatic life; poorly absorbed and bioaccumulated
Persistence and Degradability: Elemental form remains stable, does not degrade under normal environmental conditions
Bioaccumulative Potential: Not expected to bioaccumulate
Mobility in Soil: Generally immobile, tends to remain in solid phase

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Recycle material if possible; dispose of unused bismuth or waste with metals at permitted facility
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse empty containers, dispose through licensed contractor
Federal and Local Regulations: Comply with national, state, and local regulations regarding metal waste

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated
UN Proper Shipping Name: Not regulated for transport
Transport Hazard Class: None
Packing Group: None assigned
Environmental Hazards: Not considered an environmental hazard
Special Precautions for Transport: Prevent movement of heavy containers, avoid spills of powder or dust during shipment

Regulatory Information

U.S. Regulations: Not classified as hazardous; not listed on TSCA 12(b); SARA Title III – Not listed
EU Regulations: Not classified as a hazardous substance or preparation under EC directives
Canadian WHMIS: Not controlled
Other International Inventories: Bismuth metal appears on inventory lists (Australia, Japan, Korea, Philippines)
Label Elements: None required by major regulations for metallic form