Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for Cuprous Oxide

Identification

Product Name: Cuprous Oxide
Chemical Name: Copper(I) Oxide
CAS Number: 1317-39-1
Synonyms: Copper oxide, Red copper oxide
Molecular Formula: Cu2O
Molecular Weight: 143.09 g/mol
Recommended Use: Used in antifouling paints, ceramics, catalyst, battery electrodes, agricultural fungicide
Supplier: Consult product label or packaging for supplier details
Emergency Phone Number: Provided on product packaging or supplier website

Hazard Identification

Classification: Acute toxicity (oral, inhalation), Eye irritation, Hazardous to aquatic environment
GHS Label Elements: Signal word: Warning; Hazard pictograms: Exclamation Mark, Environment
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed; toxic if inhaled; causes serious eye irritation; very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust; wash hands thoroughly after handling; do not eat, drink, or smoke when using this product; use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area; avoid release to the environment; wear eye protection and gloves
Potential Health Effects: Irritates eyes, skin, mucous membranes; risk of copper poisoning if ingested in significant quantity; harmful to aquatic organisms

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Identity: Cuprous Oxide
CAS Number: 1317-39-1
Concentration: 98% or higher (may vary based on manufacturer and grade)
Impurities: Traces of other copper oxides or residual processing chemicals may be present

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move the exposed person to fresh air, provide oxygen or artificial respiration for difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, avoid inducing vomiting, offer water if victim is fully conscious and contact a healthcare professional
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothes, rinse skin with plenty of water and soap, seek medical help for persistent irritation
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, seek medical advice
General Advice: Get medical attention if any symptoms develop, show the SDS to medical personnel

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, carbon dioxide, foam, water spray
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: High-pressure water jets can spread dust
Hazardous Combustion Products: Copper fumes, toxic metal oxides
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Use self-contained breathing apparatus and chemical protective clothing
Specific Hazards: Material does not burn but can react with strong acids; fine particulates could pose a dust explosion risk in rare cases

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear dust mask, gloves, goggles, and protective clothing to avoid inhalation or skin contact; avoid creating airborne dust
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spillage from entering drains, waterways, or soil; contain using barriers or natural materials if safe
Methods for Clean-up: Scoop or vacuum up material without generating dust, collect in suitable container for recycling or disposal, wash area with plenty of water
Notification Procedures: Report large releases to local authorities or environmental agencies as required by regulations

Handling and Storage

Handling: Minimize dust generation and accumulation, avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing, wash hands before breaks and after use, use in well-ventilated areas
Storage Conditions: Keep container tightly closed, store in a dry, cool, well-ventilated place, protect from moisture and incompatible substances such as acids or strong oxidizers
Specific Uses: Do not use in food or feed applications, store away from incompatible materials, avoid long-term storage in open containers

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL: 1 mg/m³ (as Cu dust and mist), ACGIH TLV: 0.2 mg/m³ (as Cu fume)
Engineering Controls: Provide exhaust ventilation or other engineering controls to keep airborne levels below recommended exposure limits
Personal Protective Equipment: Respiratory protection (NIOSH-approved if exposure limits may be exceeded), safety goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, long-sleeved clothing, safety shoes
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands, face, and exposed skin thoroughly after handling, no eating or smoking in working area

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Red to reddish-brown fine powder or lumps
Odor: Odorless
pH: Not applicable (insoluble in water)
Melting Point: 1,235°C (2,255°F)
Boiling Point: Decomposes above melting point
Flash Point: Not flammable
Flammability: Non-flammable
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Density: 6.0 g/cm³
Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in ammonia, acids
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not applicable
Auto-ignition Temperature: Not applicable
Decomposition Temperature: Above 1,235°C

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions of storage and use, can oxidize to cupric oxide if exposed to air over long periods
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, ammonium salts, strong oxidizing agents, hydrogen peroxide
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Reacts with acids to produce toxic copper fumes, contact with incompatible agents can generate heat or release toxic gases
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Copper oxides, metal fume
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, moisture, exposure to air over extended periods

Toxicological Information

Likely Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat) approx. 470 mg/kg; inhalation may cause respiratory irritation; skin contact may cause irritation or allergic reaction in sensitive individuals
Symptoms of Exposure: Eye and skin redness, gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) after ingestion, cough and sore throat from dust inhalation
Chronic Effects: Prolonged or repeated exposure may cause liver or kidney damage and anemia; copper accumulation in body tissues
Carcinogenicity: No component classified as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Other Data: No evidence of mutagenic or reproductive toxicity in available studies

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Highly toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment, acute LC50 (fish) < 0.1 mg/L
Persistence and Degradability: Inorganic compound; not biodegradable but can persist in soil and water, may accumulate in sediments
Bioaccumulative Potential: Bioaccumulates in aquatic organisms, especially fish and invertebrates
Mobility in Soil: Low mobility, binds strongly to soils and sediments
Other Adverse Effects: Harmful to plants and beneficial soil microorganisms, should not be released directly to the environment

Disposal Considerations

Product Disposal: Treat as hazardous waste, follow local, state and national regulations; handle via approved chemical waste disposal contractor; avoid landfill unless permitted
Contaminated Packaging: Empty containers may contain residues; dispose in accordance with regulations; do not reuse containers
Special Precautions: Do not allow to contaminate water, food, or feed; report large spills to authorities where required

Transport Information

UN Number: 3077
Proper Shipping Name: Environmentally hazardous substance, solid, n.o.s. (Cuprous Oxide)
Transport Hazard Class: 9
Packing Group: III
Marine Pollutant: Yes
Transport Labels: Miscellaneous dangerous goods, Environmentally hazardous
Special Transport Precautions: Keep containers sealed, avoid generating dust, segregate from incompatible substances, check specific modal requirements for road, rail, sea, or air transport

Regulatory Information

U.S. Regulations: Listed on TSCA inventory; subject to SARA Title III Section 313 reporting; RCRA hazardous waste if discarded
EU Regulations: Listed in EINECS (215-270-7), subject to REACH regulations; classified hazardous according to CLP
Canada: Listed on DSL; subject to WHMIS classification
Other International Regulations: Regulated as a dangerous good under ADR, IMDG, and IATA
Labeling Requirements: Hazard pictograms, special risk and safety phrases as per GHS/CLP