TELLURIUM

International Chemical Safety Cards

TELLURIUM

ICSC: 0986

TELLURIUM
Aurum paradoxum
Metallum problematum
(powder)
Te
Molecular mass: 127.60
CAS # 13494-80-9
RTECS # WY2625000
ICSC # 0986
UN # 2811

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID/ FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE	Flammable. Moderate fire hazards in form of dust when exposed to heat or flame.	NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking. NO contact with oxidizing agents.	Foam, carbon dioxide, dry powder.
EXPLOSION	Finely dispersed particles form explosive mixtures in air.	Prevent deposition of dust; closed system, dust explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting.

EXPOSURE		PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST! STRICT HYGIENE! AVOID EXPOSURE OF (PREGNANT) WOMEN!	IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
INHALATION	Drowsiness. Headache. Garlic odour. Nausea.	Local exhaust or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration if indicated. Refer for medical attention.
SKIN	MAY BE ABSORBED!	Protective gloves. Protective clothing.	Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap.
EYES	Redness.	Safety goggles 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 take to a doctor.
INGESTION	Abdominal pain. Constipation. Nausea. Vomiting. Garlic odour of the breath (further see Inhalation).	Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.	Give a slurry of activated charcoal in water to drink. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Sweep spilled substance into sealed containers. Carefully collect remainder, then remove to safe place (extra personal protection: P3 filter respirator for toxic particles).

Separated from strong oxidants, strong bases, strong acids, halogens and interhalogens.

Unbreakable packaging; put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container.
UN Hazard Class: 6.1

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

ICSC: 0986

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS CEC 1993

International Chemical Safety Cards

TELLURIUM

ICSC: 0986

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PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
DARK GRAY TO BROWN AMORPHOUS POWDER, WITH METAL CHARACTERISTICS.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
Upon heating, toxic fumes are formed. Reacts vigorously with halogens or interhalogens causing flames hazard. Reacts with zinc with incandescence. Lithium silicide attacks tellurium with incandescence.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
TLV: ppm; 0.1 mg/m³ (ACGIH 1991-1992).
PDK: 0.01 mg/m³ (USSR 1967).

ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol, through the skin and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly on dispersion.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The aerosol of this substance irritates the respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system (see Notes). Medical observation is indicated.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
Animal tests show that this substance possibly causes malformations in human babies (see Notes).

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point: 989.8°C
Melting point: 449.5°C
Relative density (water = 1): 6.11-6.27

Solubility in water: none
Vapour pressure, kPa at 520°C: 0.1333
Auto-ignition temperature: 340°C