Material Safety Data Sheet - Bismuth Oxide

Identification

Product Name: Bismuth Oxide
Synonyms: Bismuth trioxide; Bismuth(III) oxide
Chemical Formula: Bi2O3
CAS Number: 1304-76-3
Molecular Weight: 465.96 g/mol
Recommended Uses: Ceramic manufacturing, radial varistors, catalyst research, dental material, electronic components, glass coloring, lead replacement substances
Supplier Name: List distributor or manufacturer contact information as per procurement details
Emergency Telephone: Add emergency response contact from supplier documentation

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS criteria; avoid fine particulate exposure
Main Hazards: May cause mild irritation to skin, eyes, respiratory system on direct contact; inhaling dust may trigger discomfort; ingestion of high amounts can disturb gastrointestinal system
Health Effects: Irritation in eyes, coughing, sneezing, possible stomach upset for accidental ingestion
Physical Hazards: Non-flammable, stable, may form fine powders; inhaling dust should be avoided, especially in unventilated areas
Environmental Hazards: Not expected to harm aquatic life at low concentrations, but avoid release to waterways
Label Elements: No pictogram required; signal word: none; precautionary statements recommend minimizing dust creation and personal exposure

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Ingredient: Bismuth oxide (Bi2O3)
Concentration: 99-100%
Impurities: Trace elements (lead, iron, silver) possible in some technical grades, usually below 0.1%
Other Ingredients: No additional substances anticipated in pure-grade samples

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, loosen tight clothing, rest in comfortable position; if breathing difficulty develops, seek medical advice
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash affected area thoroughly with soap and water; persistent irritation calls for medical attention
Eye Contact: Flush eyes gently but thoroughly with plenty of water for several minutes; contact lenses should be removed if easy; seek medical help if redness or pain remains
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, drink small quantities of water if conscious, avoid inducing vomiting; if discomfort persists, consult healthcare provider
Notes for Doctors: Symptomatic and supportive treatment only; no specific antidote reported

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical powder, foam, carbon dioxide, or water spray for larger fires nearby
Unsuitable Extinguishing Methods: None specific, but avoid high-pressure water streams that may spread powder
Special Hazards from Combustion: Product does not burn; no hazardous combustion gases generated. Containers exposed to fire might burst from thermal expansion
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus, full protective gear to prevent dust inhalation
Further Advice: Cool containers with water spray if safe, keep run-off, avoid dispersing powder into air

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Minimize dust formation, ventilate area well, use personal protective equipment including masks and gloves
Environmental Precautions: Keep out of drains, soil, surface water, open environments; use containment methods for large spills
Cleanup Methods: Shovel, sweep, or vacuum up material carefully; use HEPA filtration or wet methods to reduce dust; bag and label waste for disposal as described below
Other Procedures: Wash area after collection; prevent secondary contamination from tools or clothing
Reference to Other Sections: See also exposure control, disposal, and personal protection

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling: Handle away from food and drink; avoid eating, drinking, smoking during handling; apply local exhaust ventilation, minimize dust, wash hands post-use
Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry, ventilated space; keep containers tightly closed; protect from moisture and incompatible chemicals like acids or bases
Incompatible Materials: Reacts with strong acids forming toxic gases; oxidizing agents
Storage Life: Stable under recommended conditions for extended periods

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No established ACGIH, OSHA, or NIOSH values for bismuth oxide; general dust limits apply (e.g., OSHA PEL for particulates not otherwise regulated: 15 mg/m3 total dust, 5 mg/m3 respirable fraction)
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation, sealed systems for bulk handling; route dust to collection units
Personal Protective Equipment: Wear approved dust mask or respirator to limit inhalation; safety goggles for eye protection; chemical-resistant gloves; full work clothing to minimize skin contact
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before breaks, after finishing work; do not take contaminated clothing home
Environmental Controls: Prevent emission of powders into air and aquatic systems

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Fine yellow powder, light orange or tan at times
Odor: Odorless
Melting Point: 817 °C (1503 °F)
Boiling Point: Decomposes before reaching boiling point
Density: 8.90–9.55 g/cm³
Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in concentrated acids
pH: Neutral to mildly basic in suspension
Flash Point: Not flammable
Decomposition Temperature: Above 817 °C
Vapor Pressure: Negligible under normal conditions
Other Properties: Stable in ambient air

Stability and Reactivity

Stability: Chemically stable under standard storage and use
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: May react with strong acids to form toxic bismuth and nitric gases; strong oxidizers can trigger reaction
Conditions to Avoid: Strong physical shocks, extreme heat above 800°C, direct acid exposure
Incompatible Materials: Halogen acids, alkali metals, reducing agents
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Bismuth fumes, metal oxides in extreme fires or decomposition

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Low acute oral and dermal toxicity based on available animal and epidemiological data
Chronic Toxicity: Extended occupational exposure to bismuth compounds may cause reversible effects on kidney or nervous system in rare cases; heavy, repeat exposure not advised
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin, eye, accidental ingestion
Symptoms: Irritation, coughing, sneezing, possible gastrointestinal distress
Carcinogenicity: No evidence of carcinogenic effects in humans or animals
Other Health Effects: Ingestion of large quantities (well above occupational exposures) could disturb gastrointestinal tract, but routine handling at industrial concentrations has not been linked to systemic toxicity; always better to use proper protective methods

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Low risk to aquatic environments, poor solubility in water, not likely to bioaccumulate
Mobility in Soil: Low mobility due to insolubility; mostly remains near releasing point
Persistence and Degradability: Inorganic compound, does not biodegrade
Bioaccumulative Potential: Unlikely to concentrate in food chains
Other Ecological Effects: Release in quantity should be prevented, especially in agricultural or aquatic ecosystems

Disposal Considerations

Product Disposal: Collect residues, place in clearly labeled approved containers, hand over to hazardous waste handler in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations
Contaminated Packaging: Clean if possible before re-use or recycle; otherwise dispose as hazardous waste
Disposal Methods: Avoid landfill release if local rules prohibit; incineration under appropriate conditions possible; never dispose into drains, soil, or water systems

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated for transport
Proper Shipping Name: Bismuth Oxide
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as hazardous or dangerous by UN, IATA, or IMDG
Packing Group: Not assigned
Special Precautions: Encapsulate material, prevent dust escape, ensure containers secured; handle as a solid, non-dangerous good
Transport Regulations: Comply with local regulations for chemical shipments

Regulatory Information

International Inventories: On the TSCA, EINECS, and DSL inventories
Labeling: Not classified as hazardous under GHS or EU CLP; standard workplace labeling sufficient
OSHA Status: Not regulated as hazardous
SARA Title III: Not listed as an extremely hazardous substance
California Proposition 65: Bismuth oxide not listed
Other Regulations: Use and handling must follow regional environmental, workplace, and safety laws for powders and chemicals; monitor updates as standards may change