Thallium Oxide Toxicology
By Edouard Bastarache
Introduction
:
Formula : Tl2O3
CAS # : 1314-32-5
Insoluble in water.
Uses :
Thallium oxide has been used to produce
glasses with a high index of refraction.
Toxicology
:
I-Routes of Entry :
Inhalation,
Skin,
Ingestion.
II-Effects of Exposure
:
To the best of our knowledge the acute
and chronic toxicity of this substance
is not fully known.
Oral Lethal Dose Fifty (LD50) = 44 mg/kg
(rat)
The main symptoms of thallium poisoning
are peripheral neuropathy and loss of hair.
A-Acute Effects :
-paresthesias,
-ataxia,
-alopecia,
-fever,
-coryza,
-abdominal pain,
-nausea,
-vomiting,
-lethargy,
-speech disorders,
-tremors,
-cyanosis,
-convulsions,
-pulmonary oedema,
-bronchopneumonia,
-kidney, liver and brain damage,
-death.
B-Chronic Effects :
-alopecia,
-salivation,
-blue line on the gums,
-gastrointestinal, endocrine system and
kidney damage .
C-Inhalation :
Inhalation of thallium will cause
irritation of mucous membranes and the respiratory tract. Can
cause pulmonary edema.
D-Ingestion :
Ingestion of thallium compounds can
cause the effects described above.
E-Skin :
Strong skin irritant. Skin contact may
cause dermatitis on first contact.
Thallium compounds can be absorbed
through the skin to cause effects described above.
F-Eye :
Strong eye irritant.
G-Medical Conditions Generally
Aggravated by Exposure :
Lung disorders, liver and kidney
damage.
Pregnancy
:
Thallium poisoning during the first
trimester of pregnancy can cause skeletal deformations, alopecia,
low birth weight and premature birth.
Carcinogenicity
:
Thallium oxide is not considered
carcinogenic by most of official bodies.
Emergency and First Aid
Procedures :
I-General Information :
Immediately remove any clothing soiled
by the product.
Remove breathing apparatus only after
contaminated clothing has been completely removed.
In case of irregular breathing or
respiratory arrest provide artificial respiration
II-Inhalation :
Supply fresh air. If required, provide
artificial respiration. Keep patient warm.
Seek immediate medical advice.
III-Ingestion :
Do not induce vomiting; immediately call
for medical help.
Seek immediate medical advice.
IV-Skin :
Brush off material, wash affected area
thoroughly with soap and water, and wash contaminated clothing
before reuse. Seek medical advice.
V-Eyes :
Flush with copious amounts of water,
including under eyelids, for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical
attention.
Reactivity Data
:
I-Stability :
Stable
II-Conditions to Avoid
:
Moisture
III-Incompatibility (Materials to
Avoid) :
Acids
IV-Hazardous Decomposition Products
:
Toxic thallium fumes.
V-Hazardous Polymerization
:
Will not occur.
Spill or Leak Procedures
:
I-Steps to Be Taken in Case Material
Is Released or Spilled :
Isolate area, wear appropriate
protective equipment. Carefully scoop
up material, vacuum powder using HEPA
filter, avoid raising dust. Thoroughly clean spill area.
II-Waste Disposal Method
:
Dispose of in accordance with State,
Federal and Local regulations.
Special Protection
Information :
I-General Protective and Hygienic
Measures :
The usual precautionary measures for
handling chemicals should be followed.
Keep away from foodstuffs, beverages and
feed.
Remove all soiled and contaminated
clothing immediately.
Wash hands before breaks and at the end
of work.
Store protective clothing separately.
II-Respiratory Protection (Specify
Type) :
NIOSH approved full face respirator with
high efficiency filters.
III-Ventilation :
Use local exhaust to maintain
concentration at low exposure levels. General exhaust is not
recommended.
IV-Protective Gloves
:
Neoprene or nitrile protective
gloves
V-Eye Protection :
Approved non-vented safety
goggles
VI-Other Protective Equipment
:
Protective clothing to prevent skin
contact or clothing contamination.
Handling and Storage
:
I-Handling :
A-Information for Safe Handling
:
Keep container tightly sealed.
Store in cool, dry place in tightly
closed containers.
Ensure good ventilation at the
workplace.
Open and handle container with care.
B-Information about Protection
against Explosions and Fires :
The product is not flammable
II-Storage :
A-Requirements to be Met by
Storerooms and Receptacles :
No special requirements.
B-Information about Storage in One
Common Storage Facility :
Do not store together with acids.
C-Further Information about Storage
Conditions :
Keep container tightly sealed.
Store in cool, dry conditions in well
sealed containers.
Store under lock and key and with access
restricted to technical experts or their assistants only.
Ecological Information
:
General Note :
Do not allow material to be released to
the environment without proper governmental permits.
Special Precautions
:
Precautions to Be Taken in Handling
and Storage :
Wash thoroughly after handling, keep
container closed, thallium compounds
are extremely poisonous, avoid all
contact.
Disclaimer :
The above information is believed to be
correct, but does not purport to be all inclusive and shall be
used only as a guide.
The author shall not be held liable for
any damage resulting from handling or from contact with the above
product.
References :
1-Occupational Medicine,Carl Zenz,
last edition.
2-Clinical Environmental Health and
Toxic Exposures, Sullivan & Krieger; last edition.
3-Sax's Dangerous Properties of
Industrial Materials, Lewis C., last edition.
4-Toxicologie Industrielle et
Intoxications Professionnelles, Lauwerys R.R. last
edition.
5-Chemical Hazards of the Workplace,
Proctor & Hughes, 4th edition
6- Alfa Aesar, A Johnson Matthey
Company, MSDS, Thallium Oxide, June 2004
Edouard Bastarache M.D.
Occupational & Environmental Medicine
Author of "Substitutions for Raw Ceramic Materials"
Tracy, Québec, CANADA
edouardb@sorel-tracy.qc.ca
http://www.sorel-tracy.qc.ca/~edouardb/
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