Thallium

204.38

204.97400

231-138-1

0077

3288|1707|3089

DTXSID2036035

Bluish-white, very soft, inelastic, easily fusible, heavy metal|Soft, blue-white metal|Somewhat softer than lead; when freshly melted resembles tin in whiteness; oxidizes rapidly, turning gray, then brownish black form an oxide coating

0

0.11250

Clear colorless rod

11.8 g/cm³

304 °C

1473 °C

420°F

Solubility in water: none

In the presence of water, a hydroxide is formed. Thallium is therefore stored under petroleum spirit, glycerine, or deaerated water. On prolonged storage under water with free access of air, metallic thallium becomes covered with large crystals of thallium(I) carbonate, and the water becomes saturated with this salt. To protect against oxidation, rods of thallium are coated with paraffin.

0.0000006 mmHg

Oral-Human TDL0: 5.714 mg/kg; Unknown-Human LDL0: 4.412 mg/kg

Incombustible substance

Molar heat capacity: 26.32 J/mol K at 25 °C, 100 kPa (760 mm Hg)|Standard enthalpy of fusion: 4.14 kJ/mol|Standard enthalpy of formation (gas): 182.2 kJ/mol|Naturally occurring isotopes: 203 (29.50%), 205 (70.50%); oxidizes superficially in air forming a coating of Tl2O (thallium(I) oxide); forms alloys with other metals and readily amalgamates with mercury; may be distilled in a stream of hydrogen; begins to volatilize at 174 °C; may be distilled in a stream of hydrogen|For more Other Experimental Properties (Complete) data for THALLIUM, ELEMENTAL (20 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Flammable in the form of powder or dust. Insoluble in water.

Metals, Less Reactive

Strong Reducing Agent

THALLIUM is a reducing agent. Reacts so vigorously with fluorine that the metal becomes incandescent [Mellor 5:421 1946-47].

Dust explosion possible if in powder or granular form, mixed with air.

795 kJ/mol

II

6.1

UN 3288 6.1/PG 2

3

26/28-33-53-36/37/38-20/22-36/38-23/25

13-28-45-61-36/37/39-36/37-26

XG3425000

Xn,T+,T

Treasury is ventilated, low temperature and dry; stored separately from alkali, acid and food additives

Stable.

P260-P264-P284-P301 + P310-P310

H300 + H330-H373-H413

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational exposure or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic, and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.|Sweep spilled substance into sealable containers. Carefully collect remainder, then remove to safe place. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. (Extra personal protection: P3 filter respirator for toxic particles.)|Reuse: Return to the suppliers. Recommendable methods: Solidification, & landfill. Not recommendable method: Thermal destruction. Peer review: Convert sol cmpd to insol form, solidify and landfill. (Peer-review conclusions of an IRPTC expert consultation (May 1985))

FLUORINE ACTS SO VIGOROUSLY ON THALLIUM THAT THE METAL BECOMES INCANDESCENT.|Varies. Thallium metal reacts violently with strong acids (such as hydrochloric, sulfuric and nitric) and strong oxidizers (such as chlorine, bromine, and fluorine). Reacts with other halogens at room temperature.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 151 [Substances - Toxic (Non-combustible)]: Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. Containers may explode when heated. Runoff may pollute waterways. (ERG, 2016)|Not combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire. Finely dispersed particles form explosive mixtures in air.|Flammable - 3rd degree

|Danger|H300: Fatal if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]|P260, P264, P270, P271, P273, P284, P301+P310, P304+P340, P310, P314, P320, P321, P330, P403+P233, P405, and P501|H300 (100%): Fatal if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]|Aggregated GHS information provided by 161 companies from 6 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.|H340: May cause genetic defects [Danger Germ cell mutagenicity]|P201, P202, P260, P263, P264, P270, P281, P307+P311, P308+P313, P314, P321, P405, and P501

Excerpt from ERG Guide 151 [Substances - Toxic (Non-combustible)]: As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids. SPILL: Increase, in the downwind direction, as necessary, the isolation distance shown above. FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2016)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 151 [Substances - Toxic (Non-combustible)]: Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Cover with plastic sheet to prevent spreading. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS. (ERG, 2016)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 151 [Substances - Toxic (Non-combustible)]: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer. It may provide little or no thermal protection. Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides limited protection in fire situations ONLY; it is not effective in spill situations where direct contact with the substance is possible. (ERG, 2016)|Protective gloves. Protective clothing. Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap. Refer for medical attention. Safety goggles, or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.|Employees should be provided with and required to use impervious clothing, gloves, face shields (eight-inch minimum), and other appropriate protective clothing necessary to prevent skin contact with soluble thallium compounds where skin contact may occur. Employees should be provided with and required to use dust and splash proof safety goggles where soluble thallium compounds may contact the eyes. /Thallium and thallium compounds/|Persons ... should wear ... protective equipment, & resp protective equipment ... where there is a possibility of ... inhalation of airborne dust. A complete set of working clothes is essential; these clothes should be kept in accommodations separate from that employed for ordinary clothes. /Thallium and compounds/|GENERAL INFORMATION: First Responders should use a NIOSH-certified Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN) Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) with a Level A protective suit when entering an area with an unknown contaminant or when entering an area where the concentration of the contaminant is unknown. Level A protection should be used until monitoring results confirm the contaminant and the concentration of the contaminant.NOTE:Safe use of protective clothing and equipment requires specific skills developed through training and experience.

Thallium metal may burn but does not readily ignite. Extinguish fire using an agent suitable for type of surrounding. ...

1. Ventilate area of spill. ... 2. For small quantities, sweep onto paper or other suitable material, place in sealed container for disposal. Large quantities may be reclaimed; However, if this is not practical, collect spilled material in the most convenient & safe manner & deposit in sealed containers for disposal. 3. Liquids containing sol thallium compounds may be absorbed in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or a similar material & deposited in sealed containers for disposal. /Thallium and thallium cmpd/

Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.|Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap. Refer for medical attention.|Where thallium compounds must be used, strict safety precautions should be observed to prevent ingestion, inhalation or skin contact. Food, drink and cigarettes ... prohibited at the work site. /Thallium and thallium compounds/

Sweep spilled substance into sealable containers. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.

Separated from strong acids, fluorine, other halogens and food and feedstuffs. Store only in original container. Well closed.

A harmful concentration of airborne particles can be reached quickly.

Ingestion could cause effects on the gastrointestinal tract and nervous system. Ingestion could cause hair loss. Ingestion of large amounts could cause death. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated.|Thallium is not classifiable as a carcinogen, and it is not suspected to be a carcinogen. It is unknown whether chronic or repeated exposure to thallium increases the risk of reproductive toxicity or developmental toxicity. Chronic high level exposure to thallium through inhalation has been reported to cause nervous system effects, such as numbness of fingers and toes. Thallium may cross the placental barrier in humans and may be associated with fetal mortality, particularly if exposure occurs during the period of organ development (organogenesis). Thallium is excreted into breast milk of nursing mothers.

PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST.

Use ventilation.

Protective gloves.

Wear safety spectacles.

Pure thallium is a bluish-white metal that is found in trace amounts in the earth's crust. In the past, thallium was obtained as a by-product from smelting other metals; however, it has not been produced in the United States since 1984. Currently, all the thallium is obtained from imports and from thallium reserves..In its pure form, thallium is odorless and tasteless. It can also be found combined with other substances such as bromine, chlorine, fluorine, and iodine. When it's combined, it appears colorless-to-white or yellow..Thallium is used mostly in manufacturing electronic devices, switches, and closures, primarily for the semiconductor industry. It also has limited use in the manufacture of special glass and for certain medical procedures.

Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or greater than its reportable quantity of 1000 lb or 454 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is (800) 424-8802. The rule for determining when notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV. D.3.b). No reporting of releases of this hazardous substance is required if the diameter of the pieces of the solid metal released is larger than 100 micrometers (0.004 inches).

most toxic

Thallium inhibits enzymes, but nothing is really known of a biochemical lesion. In fatal cases, there usually is extensive peripheral paralysis and cardiovascular involvement. The immediate cause of death may be peripheral respiratory failure of cardiac arrest. /Thallium/

TECHNICAL GRADE MAY CONTAIN ALL THE FLUE DUST ELEMENTS, PARTICULARLY, LEAD, ZINC, NICKEL, CADMIUM, INDIUM, GERMANIUM, SELENIUM, TELLURIUM, AND ARSENIC.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 151 [Substances - Toxic (Non-combustible)]: Highly toxic, may be fatal if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through skin. Avoid any skin contact. Effects of contact or inhalation may be delayed. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause pollution. (ERG, 2016)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 151 [Substances - Toxic (Non-combustible)]: Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved and take precautions to protect themselves. Move victim to fresh air. Call 911 or emergency medical service. Give artificial respiration if victim is not breathing. Do not use mouth-to-mouth method if victim ingested or inhaled the substance; give artificial respiration with the aid of a pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other proper respiratory medical device. Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes. In case of contact with substance, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes. For minor skin contact, avoid spreading material on unaffected skin. Keep victim calm and warm. Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion or skin contact) to substance may be delayed. (ERG, 2016)|GENERAL INFORMATION: Initial treatment (following external decontamination) is primarily supportive and includes internal decontamination. In cases of ingestion, repeated administration (up to 4 doses; 1 dose every 2 to 3 hours) of activated charcoal (in the absence of Prussian blue) is recommended. Charcoal binds to thallium, keeping it within the intestinal tract; thallium is thereby prevented from being absorbed and it passes out of the body more readily. The usual dose for adults or children is 0.5 to 1.0 g/kg by mouth (per dose).

Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap.

Rinse with plenty of water (remove contact lenses if easily possible).

Immediate first aid: Ensure that adequate decontamination has been carried out. If patient is not breathing, start artificial respiration, preferably with a demand-valve resuscitator, bag-valve-mask device, or pocket mask, as trained. Perform CPR as necessary. Immediately flush contaminated eyes with gently flowing water. Do not induce vomiting. If vomiting occurs, lean patient forward or place on left side (head-down position, if possible) to maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration. Keep patient quiet and maintain normal body temperature. Obtain medical attention. /Thallium and Related compounds/|Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway (oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway, if needed). Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if necessary. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Monitor for pulmonary edema and treat if necessary ... . Monitor for shock and treat if necessary ... . Anticipate seizures and treat if necessary ... . For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with 0.9% saline (NS) during transport ... . Do not use emetics. For ingestion, rinse mouth and administer 5 ml/kg up to 200 ml of water for dilution if the patient can swallow, has a strong gag reflex, and does not drool. Administer activated charcoal ... . /Thallium and Related compounds/|Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious, has severe pulmonary edema, or is in severe respiratory distress. Positive-pressure ventilation techniques with a bag valve mask device may be beneficial. Consider drug therapy for pulmonary edema ... . Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias if necessary ... . Start IV administration of D5W /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use 0.9% saline (NS) or lactated Ringer's (LR) if signs of hypovolemia are present. For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid cautiously. Watch for signs of fluid overload ... . Treat seizures with diazepam or lorazepam ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Thallium and Related Compounds/

/EPIDEMIOLOGY STUDIES/ ... Data /were presented/ on the health of workers employed in a magnesium sea water battery plant; exposure to thallium was in the form of fume from alloying in the furnaces, skin contact in the strip-rolling of the thallium-magnesium alloy, and as a dust generated in the scrap-brushing of the alloy. Some workers had exposures above 0.1 mg/cu m as indicated by urinary thallium concentrations of up to 236 ug/L. A urine thallium concentration of 100 ug/L corresponds to a 40-hour/week exposure to 0.1 mg/cu m. There were no statistically significant differences in cardiovascular or gastrointestinal effects in the cohort of 86 exposed workers compared with 79 unexposed controls in the same factory. /Thallium alloy dusts/

Thallium

The substance can be absorbed into the body by ingestion.|Thallium can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact. Ingestion is an important route of exposure.

No acute symptoms expected.|See Ingestion Exposure.

See Ingestion Exposure.

Acute eye exposure is unlikely to result in any local or systemic effects other than mild local irritation.

Cardiovascular (Heart and Blood Vessels), Hepatic (Liver), Neurological (Nervous System), Renal (Urinary System or Kidneys), Respiratory (From the Nose to the Lungs)

60-70% ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY; BALANCE IN PHARMACEUTICALS, ALLOYS AND GLASS MANUFACTURING (1984)|Thallium consumption (estimated) statistics for the United States.

Grade: Technical, high-purity|Rods, 3/8" diameter X 1" long, 99.995% purity grade; 25- 100- & 500-G lots (metal); 99.9% & 99.99% pure rods and chunks (metal)

Thallium: ACTIVE|... In manufacture of highly refractive optical glass. Has been used in admixture with 97-98% of inert substances as poison for rats and other rodents.|IN 1984, CONSUMPTION DEMAND FOR THALLIUM WAS SUPPLIED 100% BY IMPORTS.

Palladium, about 5-10 ug as Pd(NO3)2, is confirmed as an effective matrix modifier for thallium. A pyrolysis temperature of 1000 °C can be used, which is a much higher temperature than could be used with the previously proposed matrix modifier, H2SO4. The recovery of thallium was quite good in the presence of large amounts of NaCl but was inadequate in the presence of KCl. Abandoning the pyrolysis step and the matrix modifier proved to be convenient for determining thallium in both an NaCl and a KCl matrix. Thallium was fully recovered in these matrices in the presence of about 30 ug of either salt, or about 0.15%, assuming a 20 mul sample.|Thallium is determined in natural waters by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry after preconcentration. Thallium is oxidized and retained as the tetrachlorothallate (III) ion on an anion exchange column, followed by elution with ammonium sulfite solution. A concentration factor of 400 is achieved. The detection limit of the method is 3.3 ng/l.|...Thallium ... determined in biotic matrices and in various coal samples after combustion in a stream of oxygen and dissolution of the volatilized elements and/or residue in 1 to 2 mL of a high-purity acid by differential pulse anodic and/or cathodic stripping voltametry from the same decomposition solution with only a few chemical adjustments. ... The detection limit ... /was/ 1 ng/g ... The results were in good agreement with those obtained by atomic absorption spectrometry after both wet decomposition and combustion.

Chemical Classes -> Inorganic substances|Fire Hazards -> Flammable - 3rd degree|Systemic Agents -> NIOSH Emergency Response Categories