LEAD STEARATE

Description

Lead stearate is an organic lead compound. Itis a white powder with a slight fatty odor. Molecularweight = 1734.87; Freezing/Melting point = 116℃; Flashpoint = 232℃. Hazard Identification (based on NFPA-704M Rating System): Health 2, Flammability 1, Reactivity 0.Insoluble in water.

Chemical Properties

Lead stearate is an organic lead compound. It is a white powder with a slight fatty odor.

Potential Exposure

It is used as a stabilizer for plastics and rubber processing; in extreme-pressure lubricants and as a drier in varnishes

First aid

If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove anycontact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least15 min, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts theskin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediatelywith soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. Ifthis chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure,begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR ifheart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medicalfacility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention. Give large quantities of water and inducevomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit.Note to physician: Administer saline cathartic and anenema. For relief of colic, administer antispasmodic (calcium gluconate, atropine, papaverine). Consider morphinesulfate for severe pain.Whole blood lead levels, circulating plasma/erythrocytelead concentration ratio, urine ALA, and erythrocyte protoporphyrin fluorescent microscopy may all be useful in monitoring or assessing lead exposure. Chelating agents, such asedetate disodium calcium (Ca EDTA) and penicillamine(not penicillin), are generally useful in the therapy of acutelead intoxication.Antidotes and special procedures for lead: Persons with significant lead poisoning are sometimes treated with CaEDTA while hospitalized. This “chelating” drug causes arush of lead from the body organs into the blood and kidneys, and thus has its own hazards, and must be administered only by highly experienced medical personnel undercontrolled conditions and careful observation. Ca EDTA orsimilar drugs should never be used to prevent poisoningwhile exposure continues or without strict exposure control,as severe kidney damage can result.

storage

Color Code—Blue: Health Hazard/Poison: Storein a secure poison location. Prior to working with thischemical you should be trained on its proper handling andstorage. Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, wellventilated area away from heat, oxidizers, strong acids.Dust may explode at high temperature. Lead is regulated byan OSHA Standard 1910.1025. All requirements of the standard must be followed.

Shipping

UN2811 Toxic solids, organic, n.o.s., Hazard Class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1-Poisonous materials, Technical Name Required

Incompatibilities

Dust may form explosive mixture with air; keep away from high heat and sources of ignition. Incompatible with oxidizers (chlorates, nitrates, peroxides, permanganates, perchlorates, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, etc.); contact may cause fires or explosions. Keep away from alkaline materials, strong bases, strong acids, oxoacids, and epoxides

Short Term Exposure

Ingestion of large amounts of leadmay lead to seizures, coma, and death. The effects of exposure to fumes and dusts of inorganic lead may notdevelop quickly. Symptoms may include decreased physicalfitness, fatigue, sleep disturbance, headache, aching bonesand muscles, constipation, abdominal pains, and decreasedappetite. These effects are reported to be reversible if exposure ceases. Inhalation of large amounts of lead may lead toseizures, coma, and death. Between 1 oz and 1 lb of leadstearate may be fatal.Note: Lead is a cumulative poison. Increasing amounts canbuild up in the body, eventually reaching a point wheresymptoms and disability occur. Lead dust carried home oncontaminated clothing can result in exposure and symptomsin other family members. Standards only protect for inhalation exposure. Extra precautions should be taken if skinexposure also occurs.

Long Term Exposure

While lead stearate has not beenidentified as a teratogen, or a reproductive hazard, lead andcertain lead compounds have been determined to be teratogens and may also cause reproductive damage such asreduced fertility and interfere with menstrual cycles. Handlewith extreme caution. Lead can accumulate in the bodyover a period of time. Therefore, long-term exposures tolower levels can result in a buildup of lead in the body andmore severe symptoms. These may include anemia, paleskin, a blue line at the gum margin, decreased handgripstrength, abdominal pain, severe constipation, nausea,vomiting, and paralysis of the wrist joint. Prolonged exposure may also result in kidney and brain damage. If the nervous system is affected, usually due to very high exposures,the resulting effects include severe headache, convulsions,coma, delirium, and death. In nonfatal cases, recovery isslow and not always complete. Alcohol ingestion and physical exertion may bring on symptoms. Lead exposureincreases the risk of high blood pressure.

Personal Protective Methods

Wear protective gloves andclothing to prevent any reasonable probability of skin contact. Use any barrier that will prevent contamination fromthe dust. 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. Work clothingshould be HEPA vacuumed before removal. Contact lensesshould not be worn when working with this chemical. Weardust-proof chemical goggles and face shield unless fullface-piece respiratory protection is worn. Employees shouldwash immediately with soap when skin is wet or contaminated. Provide emergency showers and eyewash.

Fire Extinguishing

This chemical is a noncombustiblesolid. Use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray, oralcohol foam extinguishers. Poisonous fumes including leadare produced in fire. If material or contaminated runoffenters waterways, notify downstream users of potentiallycontaminated waters. Notify local health and fire officialsand pollution control agencies. Containers may explode infire. From a secure, explosion-proof location, use waterspray to cool exposed containers. If cooling streams areineffective (venting sound increases in volume and pitch,tank discolors, or shows any signs of deforming), withdrawimmediately to a secure position. If employees are expectedto fight fires, they must be trained and equipped in OSHA1910.156. The only respirators recommended for firefighting are self-contained breathing apparatuses that have fullface-pieces and are operated in a pressure-demand or otherpositive-pressure mode.