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NIOSH

THORIUM

ICSC: 0337

Th
Atomic mass: 232.0
ICSC # 0337 		CAS # 7440-29-1
RTECS # XO6400000
UN # 2912
March 12, 1990 Validated

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE

ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS

PREVENTION

FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING

FIRE Highly flammable.
NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking. NO contact with hot surfaces.
Special powder, dry sand, NO other agents.
EXPLOSION Finely dispersed particles form explosive mixtures in air.
Do NOT expose to friction or shock. Prevent deposition of dust; closed system, dust explosion-protected electrical equipment and lighting.
In case of fire: keep drums, etc. cool by spraying with water but NO direct contact with water.
EXPOSURE
PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST! AVOID ALL CONTACT! AVOID EXPOSURE OF (PREGNANT) WOMEN!
IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
•INHALATION Cough ; symptoms of delayed effects: see Notes.
Closed system and ventilation.
Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.
•SKIN Redness. Roughness.
Protective gloves, protective clothing.
Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap. Refer for medical attention. Use radiation detector to ensure no remaining contamination.
•EYES Redness. Pain.
Face shield or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.

•INGESTION Symptoms of delayed effects: see Notes.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.
Rinse mouth. induce vomiting (ONLY IN CONSCIOUS PERSONS!) Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Sweep spilled substance into containers. Carefully collect remainder, then remove to safe place. Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus.
Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants, strong acids. Cool. Keep in a well-ventilated room.
Unbreakable packaging; put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container.
UN Hazard Class: 7
ICSC: 0337 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

THORIUM

ICSC: 0337

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PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
GREYISH-WHITE, LUSTROUS METAL; SOLID IN VARIOUS FORMS.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
Dust explosion possible if in powder or granular form, mixed with air. If dry, it can be charged electrostatically by swirling, pneumatic transport, pouring, etc.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
Heating may cause violent combustion or explosion. May explosively decompose on shock, friction, or concussion. On combustion, forms toxic fumes. Reacts violently with strong oxidants causing fire and explosion hazard.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV not established


ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation and 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.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance is irritating to the eyes , the skin and the respiratory tract . Inhalation of the vapour or aerosol may cause damage to the bone and lung. The substance may cause effects on the blood forming system , resulting in pernicious anaemia. The effects may be delayed (see Notes). Medical observation is indicated.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis. Risk of affection of the lungs upon repeated or prolonged exposure to the dust. This substance is carcinogenic to humans. May cause heritable genetic damage. May cause birth defects.

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point: about 4000°C
Melting point: 1842°C
Relative density (water = 1): 11.7
Solubility in water: none
Auto-ignition temperature: 130°C

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA


N O T E S

Depending on degree of exposure, estimation of dose received may be required by whole body counting technics. Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is suggested. This material and its decay products are radioactive. Storage in a poorly ventilated area may result in a buildup of gaseous radioactive decay products. Prolonged retention in the body leads to long term alpha-irradiation of the tissues. May result in changes in the blood-forming, nervous and reticulo-endothelial systems, and functional and morphological damage to lung and bone. Do NOT take working clothes home. Card has been partly updated in October 2005. See section Emergency Response.
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-70Ga2

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION



ICSC: 0337 THORIUM
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.
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