Common Name: Molybdenum Trioxide CAS Number: 1313-27-5 DOT Number: None Date: January 31, 1986 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Molybdenum Trioxide can affect you when breathed in. * The dust or mist can irritate the nose, throat and bronchial tubes, causing cough and/or tightness in the chest. * Eye or skin contact can cause irritation. * Repeated overexposure can cause weight loss, diarrhea, poor muscle coordination, headaches and muscle or joint aching. IDENTIFICATION Molybdenum Trioxide is a white or slightly yellow powder. It is used in agriculture, manufacture of metallic Molybdenum, ceramic glazes, enamels, pigments and in analytical chemistry. REASON FOR CITATION * Molybdenum Trioxide is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH. * Definitions are attached. HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING EXPOSED * Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely evaluated. This may include collecting personal and area air samples. You can obtain copies of sampling results from your employer. You have a legal right to this information under OSHA 1910.20. * If you think you are experiencing any work related health problems, see a doctor trained to recognize occupational diseases. Take this Fact Sheet with you. WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS These exposure limits are recommended for Molybdenum soluble compounds (measured as Molybdenum). OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 5 mg/m3 averaged over an 8 hour workshift. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 5 mg/m3 averaged over an 8 hour workshift. WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE * Where possible, enclose operations and use local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release. If local exhaust ventilation or enclosure is not used, respirators should be worn. * Wear protective work clothing. * Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to Molybdenum Trioxide. * Post hazard and warning information in the work area. In addition, as part of an ongoing education and training effort, communicate all information on the health and safety hazards of Molybdenum Trioxide to potentially exposed workers. This Fact Sheet is a summary source of information for workers, employers and community residents. Health professionals may also find it useful. If this substance is part of a mixture, this Fact Sheet should be used along with the manufacturer supplied Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). ------------------------------------------ HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION Acute Health Effects The following acute (short term) health effects may occur immediately or shortly after exposure to Molybdenum Trioxide: * Skin or eye contact can cause irritation. * The dust or concentrated mist can irritate the nose, throat and bronchial tubes, causing cough and/or tightness in the chest. * High or repeated overexposure can cause weight loss, diarrhea, poor muscle coordination, headaches and muscle or joint aching. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Molybdenum Trioxide and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * There is limited evidence that Molybdenum Trioxide causes cancer in animals. It may cause cancer of the lung. * Many scientists believe there is no safe level of exposure to a carcinogen. Such substances may also have the potential for causing reproductive damage in humans. Reproductive Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, Molybdenum Trioxide has not been tested for its ability to adversely affect reproduction. Other Long Term Effects * Repeated overexposure can cause changes in liver function and or increase in bilirubin. Reduced blood count (ane mia) or increased uric acid in the blood leading to gout can also occur. MEDICAL TESTING If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * Tests for liver function. * Complete blood count. * Uric acid level. Any evaluation should include a careful history of past and present symptoms with an exam. Medical tests that look for damage already done are not a substitute for controlling exposure. Request copies of your medical testing. You have a legal right to this information under OSHA 1910.20. WORKPLACE CONTROLS AND PRACTICES Unless a less toxic chemical can be substituted for a hazardous substance, ENGINEERING CONTROLS are the most effective way of reducing exposure. The best protection is to enclose operations and/or provide local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release. Isolating operations can also reduce exposure. Using respirators or protective equipment is less effective than the controls mentioned above, but is sometimes necessary. In evaluating the controls present in your workplace, consider: (1) how hazardous the substance is, (2) how much of the substance is released into the workplace and (3) whether harmful skin or eye contact could occur. Special controls should be in place for highly toxic chemicals or when significant skin, eye, or breathing exposures are possible. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Molybdenum Trioxide should change into clean clothing promptly. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to Molybdenum Trioxide. * On skin contact with Molybdenum Trioxide, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Molybdenum Trioxide is handled, processed, or stored, since the chemical can be swallowed. Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking. * Use a vacuum or a wet method to reduce dust during clean up. DO NOT DRY SWEEP. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT WORKPLACE CONTROLS ARE BETTER THAN PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT. However, for some jobs (such as outside work, confined space entry, jobs done only once in a while, or jobs done while workplace controls are being installed), personal protective equipment may be appropriate. The following recommendations are only guidelines and may not apply to every situation. Clothing * Avoid skin contact with Molybdenum Trioxide. Wear protective gloves and clothing. Safety equipment suppliers/ manufacturers can provide recommendations on the most protective glove/ clothing material for your operation. * All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear) should be clean, available each day, and put on before work. Eye Protection * Wear dust proof goggles and face shield when working with powders or dust, unless full facepiece respiratory protection is worn. Respiratory Protection IMPROPER USE OF RESPIRATORS IS DANGEROUS. Such equipment should only be used if the employer has a written program that takes into account workplace conditions, requirements for worker training, respirator fit testing, and medical exams, as described in OSHA 1910.134. * Where the potential exists for exposures over 5 mg/m3, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved full facepiece respirator equipped with particulate (dust/fume/ mist) filters. Greater protection is provided by a powered air purifying respirator. Particulate filters must be checked every day before work for physical damage, such as rips or tears, and replaced as needed. * If while wearing a filter, cartridge or canister respirator, you can smell, taste, or otherwise detect Molybdenum Trioxide, or in the case of a full facepiece respirator you experience eye irritation, leave the area immediately. Check to make sure the respirator to face seal is still good. If it is, replace the filter, cartridge, or canister. If the seal is no longer good, you may need a new respirator. * Be sure to consider all potential exposures in your workplace. You may need a combination of filters, prefilters, cartridges, or canisters to protect against different forms of a chemical (such as vapor and mist) or against a mixture of chemicals. * Where the potential for high exposures exists, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved supplied air respirator with a full facepiece operated in the positive pressure mode or with a full facepiece, hood, or helmet in the continuous flow mode, or use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in pressure demand or other positive pressure mode. Common Name: Molybdenum Trioxide DOT Number: None DOT Emergency Guide code: No Citation CAS Number: 1313-27-5 ---------------------------------------- NJ DOH Hazard rating FLAMMABILITY 0 REACTIVITY 0 ---------------------------------------- POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED IN FIRE ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Extinguish fire using an agent suitable for type of surrounding fire. Molybdenum Trioxide itself does not burn. * POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED IN FIRE. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If Molybdenum Trioxide is spilled, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill until cleanup is complete. * Collect powdered material in the most convenient and safe manner and deposit in sealed containers. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Molybdenum Trioxide as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state Environmental Program for specific recommendations. ========================================== FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your local fire department. ========================================== HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with Molybdenum Trioxide you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Molybdenum Trioxide must be stored to avoid contact with STRONG ACIDS (such as HYDROCHLORIC, SULFURIC and NITRIC), ALKALIS, SODIUM, POTASSIUM and MOLTEN MAGNESIUM since violent reactions occur. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated area. FIRST AID POISON INFORMATION Eye Contact * Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Skin Contact * Remove contaminated clothing. Wash contaminated skin with soap and water. PHYSICAL DATA Vapor Pressure: Essentially zero at 68oF Water Solubility: Slightly soluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES: Molybdic Anhydride; Molybdic Trioxide. ------------------------------------------ Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial purposes. ------------------------------------------ NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Right to Know Program CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625 0368 ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION Molybdenum Trioxide is a manufactured chemical produced from the naturally occurring metal molybdenum. Molybdenum is an essential element in plants for nitrogen fixation. It is used in the manufacture of special steels of common usage, glass to metal seals, nonferrous alloys and as a lubricant additive. Molybdenum Trioxide is used chiefly as a chemical reagent; it may enter the environment from industrial and municipal waste treatment plant discharges. ACUTE (SHORT-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS Acute toxic effects may include the death of animals, birds, or fish, and death or low growth rate in plants. Acute effects are seen two to four days after animals or plants come in contact with a toxic chemical substance. Molybdenum Trioxide has slight acute toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short- term effects of Molybdenum Trioxide to plants, birds, or land animals. CHRONIC (LONG-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS Chronic toxic effects may include shortened lifespan, reproductive problems, lower fertility, and changes in appearance or behavior. Chronic effects can be seen long after first exposure(s) to a toxic chemical. Molybdenum Trioxide has moderate chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long- term effects of Molybdenum Trioxide to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Molybdenum Trioxide is highly soluble in water. Concentrations of 1,000 milligrams and more will mix with a liter of water. DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT Molybdenum Trioxide is highly persistent in water, with a half-life greater than 200 days. The half-life of a pollutant is the amount of time it takes for one-half of the chemical to be degraded. BIOACCUMULATION IN AQUATIC ORGANISMS Some substances increase in concentration, or bioaccumulate, in living organisms as they breathe contaminated air, drink contaminated water, or eat contaminated food. These chemicals can become concentrated in the tissues and internal organs of animals and humans. The concentration of Molybdenum Trioxide found in fish tissues is expected to be somewhat higher than the average concentration of Molybdenum Trioxide in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.