Trade name: Manganese Dioxide

Chemical name: Manganese Dioxide

Supplier: CTM Supplies, 9 Spruce Close, Exeter, EX4 9JU, England.

Tel: +44 (0) 1395 233077. Fax. 01395 233905.

Emergency Telephone Number: 01395 233077 or your local health service.

Component. Mn0₂ 70/80% Fe 5% Max, A1₂0₃ 4%Max, Si0₂ 6.5% Max.

C.A.S. 1313-13-9

EINECS 215.202.6

The principal hazard associated with this material is chronic manganese poisoning due to the long term inhalation of the dust. Handling precautions should be taken to prevent inhalation.

There is a lesser hazard of chronic poisoning due to ingestion and if the material enters the eyes it can cause irritation.

The material is an oxidizing agent so it can increase the risk of fire if the dust comes in contact with oxidisable material.

Skin : Irritant; remove contaminated clothing, wash with soap and water, if irritation persists seek medical advice.

.Eyes : Irritant; rinse immediately with cool clean water gently prising open the eyelids to ensure efficient washing. If irritation persists seek medical advice.

Ingestion : The absorption of manganese by the stomach or intestine is limited in comparison with that from inhalation; it is very unlikely, therefore, that a sufficient quantity of material could be ingested to give rise to symptoms which require first aid. If a person has ingested the material give plenty of water of milk to drink and seek medical advice.

Inhalation : The only acute reaction to inhalation is the so called "metal fume fever" although this is very unlikely; symptoms are intoxication and elevated temperature and should be treated by removal of the patient to fresh air, if symptoms persist seek medical advice.

Manganese dioxide may enter the body via the lungs or digestive tract, the pulmonary route is the most common and presents the greatest danger. Dust from the atmosphere or from contaminated hands or food may also enter the mouth and be swallowed.

Absorbed manganese accumulates in the blood until a certain threshold value is exceeded after which further absorption leads to deposition in the majority of the body’s organs and chronic manganese poisoning results.

Chronic occupational poisoning affects the nervous system. The initial stage of the disease is the most difficult to detect but it is the most important as early removal from the source of exposure may arrest the course of the disease. Symptoms include loss of weight, loss of appetite, headaches, dizziness, somnolence, indifference and apathy. Anyone who works with the material who exhibits any of the above symptoms should seek medical advice.

The material is non-flammable but is an oxidizing agent and thus assists in the ignition and burning of combustible materials and if involved in a fire could give rise to the emission of toxic fumes. Fires in which the material is involved should be extinguished using water or a medium suited to the material which is burning and fire fighting personnel should wear breathing apparatus as a protection against toxic fumes.

Clean up spillage by sweeping if possible dampen the material to reduce dust generation, or use a vacuum cleaner, place in labelled sealed containers to await disposal.

Do not flush away with water and take precautions against the material entering water courses or sewers.

No special precautions are required, to preserve material quality store under dry conditions.

Exposure Control:

In most cases the key to the restriction of exposure is the control of dust; suitable precautions are set out in HSE guidance Note EH.44 - Dust - General Principles of protection.

Industrial Hygiene: A very good standard of industrial hygiene should be observed, to prevent ingestion personnel should be instructed to wash before consuming food, consumption of food and smoking should be prohibited in areas where the material is stored or handled.

Compulsory showering together with a change of clothing after work is essential to minimise the risk of poisoning.

Personal Protective Equipment: Goggles should be used to protect the eyes, gloves and overall to protect the skin together with dust masks to prevent inhalation of dust in areas where dust cannot be adequately controlled by local exhaust ventilation equipment.

Overalls should be either of the disposable type or changed and washed frequently.

Appearance: Matt black/dark brown flour 90% less than 75 micron.

Melting Point: 535⁰C (in the absence of oxygen).

S.G: 4.8/5.0.

Vapour Pressure: Solid.

Viscosity: Solid.

Solubility: Insoluble in water, nitric or cold sulphuric acid.

pH: Solid.

Flash Point: Non-Flammable.

Ignition Temperature: Non-Flammable.

Explosion Limits: Non-Flammable.

THE MATERIAL IS AN OXIDISING AGENT AND SHOULD NOT BE HEATED OR RUBBED IN CONTACT WITH ANY EASILY OXIDISABLE MATERIALS.

The material is stable under normal conditions but it is an oxidising agent and consequently can considerably increase the risk of ignition of flammable materials and must not be heated or rubbed in contact with any easily oxidisable (flammable) materials.

Violent thermit reaction when heated with aluminium and potentially explosive reaction with hydrogen peroxide, the material reacts vigorously or inflammably with many materials and so unless you have information that a material is compatible with manganese dioxide do not bring them into contact in particular KEEP AWAY FROM HEAT AND FLAMMABLE MATERIALS.

In addition to the chronic effects mentioned under "FIRST AID" the material is considered to be a poison by the intravenous and sub-cutaneous routes.

LD₅₀ - 422mg/kg - Subcutaneous, mouse.

LD₅₀ - 45mg/kg - Intravenous, rabbit

Reference: Sax’s Dangerous properties of Industrial Materials - 8th Edition, Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1995

In the quantities normally supplied, is unlikely to cause environmental damage when handled, used, and stored in the approved manner.

It is insoluble in water and is thus unlikely to contaminate water or enter into any food chains.

The material should be disposed of by incineration by a licensed disposal company in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act.

The material is not listed in the Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging) Regulations Approved Carriage List as being hazardous for transportation

The material is listed in the Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging) Regulations Approved Supply List as being hazardous for supply.

Labelling

Xn : Harmful.

R20 ; Harmful by inhalation.

R22 : Harmful if swallowed

S25 : Avoid contact with eyes.

Worker Exposure Limits:

EH.40/95 gives the following occupational exposure standard for manganese and compounds:

Long Term Exposure - 5 mg(Mn)m³ 8hour TWA Total Inhalable Dust.

Taking the Mn content of the mineral to be 50% this corresponds to - 10mg/m³ of the mineral dust.

Other: A.C.G.I.H TLV : 5mg(Mn)/m³

This data sheet gives information on the hazards involved in the use of this material : it cannot, however, cover the risks associated with such use. This assessment, required by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health regulations, can only be carried out by the end-user in the light of the actual conditions of use.

Disclaimer: This data sheet has been produced using the most up to date information available : however, because of the many factors outside our control when this product is used, we cannot accept liability for any injury, accident, loss or damage caused through its use even if reasonable safety procedures are applied.

Authorised by: C.J. Priddle.

Position: Health & Safety Manager 30/11/99