osmium tetroxide

H300: Fatal if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]

H310: Fatal in contact with skin [Danger Acute toxicity, dermal]

H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage [Danger Skin corrosion/irritation]

H330: Fatal if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation]

P260, P262, P264, P270, P271, P280, P284, P301+P316, P301+P330+P331, P302+P352, P302+P361+P354, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P316, P320, P321, P330, P361+P364, P363, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

H300 (100%): Fatal if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]

H310 (100%): Fatal in contact with skin [Danger Acute toxicity, dermal]

H314 (100%): Causes severe skin burns and eye damage [Danger Skin corrosion/irritation]

H330 (100%): Fatal if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation]

H334 (70.7%): May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled [Danger Sensitization, respiratory]

P233, P260, P262, P264, P270, P271, P280, P284, P301+P316, P301+P330+P331, P302+P352, P302+P361+P354, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P316, P320, P321, P330, P342+P316, P361+P364, P363, P403, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Aggregated GHS information provided per 58 reports by companies from 6 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website.

H301: Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]

H318: Causes serious eye damage [Danger Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H370: Causes damage to organs [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]

H372: Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]

H373: May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]

P260, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P280, P284, P301+P316, P301+P330+P331, P302+P361+P354, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P308+P316, P316, P317, P319, P320, P321, P330, P363, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.

First rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, then remove contaminated clothes and rinse again. Refer for medical attention .

First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.

Rinse mouth. Give nothing to drink. Rest. Refer for medical attention .

Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Osmium tetroxide:

Eye: IRRIGATE IMMEDIATELY - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately.

Skin: SOAP WASH IMMEDIATELY - If this chemical contacts the skin, immediately wash the contaminated skin with soap and water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing, wash the skin with soap and water, and get medical attention promptly.

Breathing: RESPIRATORY SUPPORT - If a person breathes large amounts of this chemical, move the exposed person to fresh air at once. If breathing has stopped, perform artificial respiration. Keep the affected person warm and at rest. Get medical attention as soon as possible.

Swallow: MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately. (NIOSH, 2024)

General First Aid:

· Call 911 or emergency medical service.

· Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination.

· Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely.

· Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult.

· If victim is not breathing:

-- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance.

-- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).

-- If no pulse detected or no respiratory medical device available, provide continuous compressions. Conduct a pulse check every two minutes or monitor for any signs of spontaneous respirations.

· Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes.

· For minor skin contact, avoid spreading material on unaffected skin.

· In case of contact with substance, remove immediately by flushing skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes.

· For severe burns, immediate medical attention is required.

· Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact) to substance may be delayed.

· Keep victim calm and warm.

· Keep victim under observation.

· For further assistance, contact your local Poison Control Center.

· Note: Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) should be done by trained professionals.

Specific First Aid:

· For corrosives, in case of contact, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 30 minutes. Additional flushing may be required.

In Canada, an Emergency Response Assistance Plan (ERAP) may be required for this product. Please consult the shipping paper and/or the "ERAP" section.

(General first aid procedures)

Eye: Irrigate immediately - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately.

Skin: Soap wash immediately - If this chemical contacts the skin, immediately wash the contaminated skin with soap and water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing, wash the skin with soap and water, and get medical attention promptly.

Breathing: Respiratory support

Swallow: Medical attention immediately - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:

SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2 or water spray.

LARGE FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2, alcohol-resistant foam or water spray. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Dike runoff from fire control for later disposal.

FIRE INVOLVING TANKS, RAIL TANK CARS OR HIGHWAY TANKS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Do not get water inside containers. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames. (ERG, 2024)

In case of fire in the surroundings, use appropriate extinguishing media.

If material on fire or involved in fire: Extinguish fire using agent suitable for type of surrounding fire. (Material itself does not burn or burns with difficulty.) Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible. Solid streams of water may spread the fire.

In case of fire in the surroundings: all extinguishing agents allowed.

· CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.

· Keep unauthorized personnel away.

· Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.

· Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.

· ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area.

· 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.

· Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers.

· DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:

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 the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank 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, 2024)

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.

· For highlighted materials: see Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.

· For non-highlighted materials: increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

· If tank, rail tank car or highway tank 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.

Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus. Ventilation. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Sweep spilled substance into covered containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations. Do NOT absorb in saw-dust or other combustible absorbents.

Ventilate area of spill or leak. Collect material liquid containing osmium tetroxide should be absorbed in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or a similar material.

Sweep spilled substance into containers; if appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting then remove to safe place. Do NOT absorb in saw-dust or other combustible absorbents.

Environmental considerations: Land spill: Dig a pit, pond, lagoon, holding area to contain liquid or solid material. /SRP: If time permits, pits, ponds, lagoons, soak holes, or holding areas should be sealed with an impermeable flexible membrane liner./ Cover solids with a plastic sheet to prevent dissolving gin rain or fire fighting water.

Environmental considerations: Water spill: Use natural barriers or oil spill control booms to limit spill travel. Remove trapped material with suction hoses.

For more Cleanup Methods (Complete) data for OSMIUM TETROXIDE (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste number P087, must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.[

Cautiously make a 5% solution of the material in water or dilute acid. There may be a vigorous, exothermic reaction and fumes may be generated due to hydrolysis of the material. Control any reaction by cooling and by the rate of addition. Gradually add dilute ammonium hydroxide to pH 10. Filter off any precipitate for disposal in a chemical landfill. If no precipitation occurs, gradually adjust the pH from 10 to 6, stopping when precipitation occurs.

Excess osmium tetroxide solutions can be rendered safer by reaction with sodium sulfite to produce insoluble osmium dioxide. Ethanol will also react to produce the dioxide. Corn oil or sodium sulfide may also be used to deactivate osmium tetroxide. Osmium-containing waste should be placed in a tightly sealed, labeled container and handled according to your institution's waste disposal guidelines. For more information on disposal procedures, see Chapter 7 of this volume.

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.

In the event of skin contact, immediately wash with soap and water and remove contaminated clothing. In case of eye contact, promptly wash with copious amounts of water for 15 minutes (lifting upper and lower lids occasionally) and obtain medical attention. If osmium tetroxide is ingested, obtain medical attention immediately.If large amounts are inhaled, move the person to fresh air and seek medical attention at once.

SRP: Local exhaust ventilation should be applied wherever there is an incidence of point source emissions or dispersion of regulated contaminants in the work area. Ventilation control of the contaminant as close to its point of generation is both the most economical and safest method to minimize personnel exposure to airborne contaminants.

SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses in industry is conflicting. The benefit or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.

SRP: Contaminated protective clothing should be segregated in such a manner so that there is no direct personal contact by personnel who handle, dispose, or clean the clothing. Quality assurance to ascertain the completeness of the cleaning procedures should be implemented before the decontaminated protective clothing is returned for reuse by the workers. Contaminated clothing should not be taken home at end of shift, but should remain at employee's place of work for cleaning.

For more Preventive Measures (Complete) data for OSMIUM TETROXIDE (11 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. 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. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS. (ERG, 2024)

Separated from combustible substances, reducing agents and food and feedstuffs. Ventilation along the floor.

Separated from combustible and reducing substances, food and feedstuffs. Ventilation along the floor.

Because of its high acute toxicity, osmium tetroxide should be handled in the laboratory using the "basic prudent practices" of Chapter 5.C, supplemented by the additional precautions for work with compounds of high toxicity (Chapter 5.D). In particular, all work with osmium tetroxide should be conducted in a fume hood to prevent exposure by inhalation, and splash goggles and impermeable gloves should be worn at all times to prevent eye and skin contact. Osmium tetroxide as solid or solutions should be stored in tightly sealed containers, and these should be placed in secondary containers.

· Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

· Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer when there is NO RISK OF FIRE.

· Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection.

TIH (Toxic Inhalation Hazard) - Term used to describe gases and volatile liquids that are toxic when inhaled. Some are TIH materials themselves, e.g., chlorine, and some release TIH gases when spilled in water, e.g., chlorosilanes. [ERG 2016].

AEGL 1: Notable discomfort, irritation, or certain asymptomatic non-sensory effects. However, the effects are not disabling and are transient and reversible upon cessation of exposure (Unit: ppm)

AEGL 2: Irreversible or other serious, long-lasting adverse health effects or an impaired ability to escape (Unit: ppm)

AEGL 3: Life-threatening health effects or death (Unit: ppm)

NR = Not recommended due to insufficient data.

AEGLs Status: Interim

0.00060 [ppm]

0.0084 [ppm]

4.0 [ppm]

0.0002 ppm (0.002 mg/m³)

0.0006 ppm (0.006 mg/m³)

TWA 0.002 mg/m3 (0.0002 ppm) ST 0.006 mg/m3 (0.0006 ppm)

0.002 [mg/m3], as Os

0.002 mg/m³

TWA 0.002 mg/m3 See Appendix G

1 mg/m3 (NIOSH, 2024)

1.0 [mg/m3], as Os

Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs: It has been suggested that 1 mg/m3 is tolerable for 30 minutes [Flury and Zernik 1931]. Workers exposed to 0.1 to 0.6 mg/m3 suffered from lacrimation and disturbances of vision and in some cases, headache, conjunctivitis, and cough [McLaughlin et al. 1946].

1 mg/cu m

See: 20816120

0.0016 [mg/m3]

0.0047 [mg/m3]

8 hr Time Weighted Avg (TWA): 0.0002 ppm; 15 min Short Term Exposure Limit (STEL): 0.0006 ppm. /Osmium tetroxide, as Os/

(as Os): 0.0002 ppm as TWA; 0.0006 ppm as STEL

0.0002 ppm [1979]

0.0006 ppm [1979]

Small Fire

· Dry chemical, CO2 or water spray.

Large Fire

· Dry chemical, CO2, alcohol-resistant foam or water spray.

· If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.

· Dike runoff from fire control for later disposal.

Fire Involving Tanks, Rail Tank Cars or Highway Tanks

· Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles.

· Do not get water inside containers.

· Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out.

· Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank.

Osmium tetroxide appears as a colorless or yellow solid with a pungent odor of chlorine. Begins to sublime below melting point. Soluble in alcohol. Toxic by inhalation and a strong irritant to the eyes and mucous membranes.

Colorless, crystalline solid or pale-yellow mass with an unpleasant, acrid, chlorine-like odor; Note: A liquid above 105 degrees F; [NIOSH]

COLOURLESS-TO-PALE-YELLOW SOLID IN VARIOUS FORMS WITH PUNGENT ODOUR.

Colorless, crystalline solid or pale-yellow mass with an unpleasant, acrid, chlorine-like odor.

Colorless, crystalline solid or pale-yellow mass with an unpleasant, acrid, chlorine-like odor. [Note: A liquid above 105 °F.]

Pale yellow solid; monoclinic crystals

Dimorphic compd with both crystalline and amorphous forms

Colorless, crystalline solid, or pale-yellow mass [Note: A liquid above 105 degrees F].

Acrid, chlorine-like odor

Unpleasant odor.

266 °F at 760 mmHg (NIOSH, 2024)

130.0 °C at 760 mm Hg; begins to sublime and distill well below bp

131.2 °C @760 [mm Hg]

105 °F (NIOSH, 2024)

6 % at 77 °F (NIOSH, 2024)

Sol in benzene, alcohol, ether, ammonium hydroxide, and phosphorus oxychloride; solubility in carbon tetrachloride @ 25 deg: 375 g/100 g

Solubility (g/100 cc solvent): 5.70 g in water @ 10 °C; 6.23 g in water @ 25 °C; 250 +/- 10 g in carbon tetrachloride @ 20 °C

In water, 7.24 (g/100 g) at 25 °C

Solubility in water, g/100ml at 25 °C: 6

(77 °F): 6%

5.1 (NIOSH, 2024) - Denser than water; will sink

5.10 (Calculated)

Relative density (water = 1): 4.9

5.1 @25 °C

Relative vapor density (air = 1): 8.8

7 mmHg (NIOSH, 2024)

7.0 [mmHg]

11 mm Hg at 27 °C

Vapor pressure, kPa at 27 °C: 1.5

11 [mm Hg] @27 °C

Readily vaporizes from aqueous solution even at room temperature

Rapidly reduced in presence of organic matter.

Easily converted to osmium dioxide or even metallic osmium; with alkalis it forms unstable compounds

When heated to decomposition, it emits toxic fumes of /osmium/.

12.60 eV

Odor Threshold Low: 0.0019 [mg/m3]

Odor threshold from NJ "Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet"

Air odor threshhold: 0.0019 ppm v/v. Water odor threshhold: 0.012 ppm w/v (amount in water that generates the air odor threshhold in a closed system).

Volatility at 25 °C v/v: 12,000 ppm; Safe dilution factor for saturated vapor at 25 °C: 61,000,000 (volatility/threshhold limit value); Odor safety factor: 0.10 threshhold limit value/odor threshhold; Water-air distribution ratio: 580.

Metals -> Metals, Inorganic Compounds

Soluble in water.

Oxidizing Agents, Strong

Strong Oxidizing Agent

OSMIUM TETROXIDE is incompatible with hydrochloric acid and easily oxidizes organic materials. Contact with other materials may cause fire. (NIOSH, 2024). Reacts explosively with 1-methylimidazole [J. Chem. Soc., Dalton Trans., 1979, 1084].

Contact with hydrochloric acid will cause formation of poisonous chlorine gas. Contact with easily oxidized organic materials may cause fires and explosions.

Hydrochloric acid, easily oxidized organic materials [Note: Begins to sublime below BP. Contact with with other materials may cause fire].

Explodes on contact with 1-methylimidazole.

CAUTION: Osmium tetroxide, OsO4, a volatile, extremely poisonous substance, is formed from almost any osmium compound under acid conditions in the presence of air.

Hydrochloric acid, easily oxidized organic materials [Note: Begins to sublime below BP. Contact with other materials may cause fire.]

The acute toxicity of osmium tetroxide is high, and it is a severe irritant of the eyes and respiratory tract. Exposure to osmium tetroxide vapor can damage the cornea of the eye. Irritation is generally the initial symptom of exposure to low concentrations of osmium tetroxide vapor, and lacrimation, a gritty feeling in the eyes, and the appearance of rings around lights may also be noted. In most cases, recovery occurs in a few days. Concentrations of vapor that do not cause immediate irritation can have an insidious cumulative effect; symptoms may not be noted until several hours after exposure. Contact of the eyes with concentrated solutions of this substance can cause severe damage and possible blindness. Inhalation can cause headache, coughing, dizziness, lung damage, and difficult breathing and may be fatal. Contact of the vapor with skin can cause dermatitis, and direct contact with the solid can lead to severe irritation and burns. Exposure to osmium tetroxide via inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion can lead to systemic toxic effects involving liver and kidney damage. Osmium tetroxide is regarded as a substance with poor warning properties. Chronic exposure to osmium tetroxide can result in an accumulation of osmium compounds in the liver and kidney and damage to these organs. Osmium tetroxide has been reported to cause reproductive toxicity in animals; this substance has not been shown to be carcinogenic or to show reproductive or developmental toxicity in humans.

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol or vapour and by ingestion.

inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact

Burning sensation. Cough. Headache. Wheezing. Shortness of breath. Visual disturbances. Symptoms may be delayed.

Redness. Skin burns. Pain. Skin discoloration. Blisters.

Redness. Pain. Blurred vision. Loss of vision. Severe deep burns.

Abdominal cramps. Burning sensation. Shock or collapse. See Inhalation.

irritation eyes, respiratory system; lacrimation (discharge of tears), visual disturbance; conjunctivitis; headache; cough, dyspnea (breathing difficulty); dermatitis

Eyes, skin, respiratory system

Occupational hepatotoxin - Secondary hepatotoxins: the potential for toxic effect in the occupational setting is based on cases of poisoning by human ingestion or animal experimentation.

Nephrotoxin - The chemical is potentially toxic to the kidneys in the occupational setting.

Dermatotoxin - Skin burns.

Lacrimator (Lachrymator) - A substance that irritates the eyes and induces the flow of tears.

Chronic Bronchitis - Chronic bronchitis is persistent coughing and production of phlegm for at least 3 months out of the year for at least two successive years. (American Thoracic Society).

Toxic Pneumonitis - Inflammation of the lungs induced by inhalation of metal fumes or toxic gases and vapors.

Max concentration said to be tolerated without after-effects is 0.1 ppm in air for 1 1/2 hr or 0.0001 ppm for 6 hr.

LCLo (rat) = 40 ppm/4H

LD50 Rat ip 14.1 mg/kg

LD50 Mouse oral 162 mg/kg

LD50 Mouse ip 13.5 mg/kg

Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway. Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if needed. 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 normal saline 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 ... . Cover skin burns with dry sterile dressings after decontamination ... . /Poison A and B/

Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious, has severe pulmonary edema, or is in respiratory arrest. Positive pressure ventilation techniques with a bag valve mask device may be beneficial. Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias as necessary ... . Start an IV with D5W /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use lactated Ringer's if signs of hypovolemia are present. Watch for signs of fluid overload. Consider drug therapy for pulmonary edema ... . For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid cautiously. Watch for signs of fluid overload ... . Treat seizures with diazepam (Valium) ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Poison A and B/

Initial medical screening: Employees should be screened for history of certain medical conditions which might place employee at increased risk from osmium tetroxide exposure: Eye disease: osmium tetroxide is an eye irritant and in workers has caused symptoms and signs of keratitis epithelia with corneal edema. Persons with pre-existing eye disorders may be more susceptible to the effects of disease; Pulmonary disease: In persons with impaired pulmonary function, especially those with obstructive airway diseases, the breathing /of osmium tetroxide may result in/ exacerbation of symptoms due to its irritant properties Kidney disease: osmium tetroxide causes mild kidney damage in animals. Persons with pre-existing kidney disease may be more susceptible to the effects of this agent; Skin disease: osmium tetroxide is a primary skin irritant. Persons with pre-existing skin disorders may be more susceptible to the effects of this agent.

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ /A 1946 report described/ concentrations of osmium tetroxide ranging from 0.1 to 0.6 mg/cu m /were found/ in the air of a precious metal refining plant. The workers suffered from lacrimation and vison disturbances such as gritty feeling in the eyes and the appearance of rings around lights. Some employees complained of headache, conjunctivitis and cough.

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Osmium tetroxide vapors ... /in low concentration caused/ bronchitis, bronchial spasms and difficulty in breathing ... Longer exposure can result in damage to cornea, blindness... inflammatory disorders of lungs and kidneys. Upon contact it discolors the skin green or black and causes dermatitis and ulceration.

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ With sufficient concentration.../eye/ irritation with lacrimation and sensation of foreign body is induced... This may be accompanied by irritation of nose and throat. Respiratory irritation...and with repeated exposure asthma may develop.

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Concentrations of vapor which do not cause immediate sensation of irritation have insidious cumulative action with latent period... Symptoms and signs are... keratitis epithelialis with corneal epithelial edema. Victim sees halos or colored rings around lights, suffers blurring of vision and painful scratchy sensation in eyes.

For more Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for OSMIUM TETROXIDE (11 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ ... Rabbits exposed for 30 min to osmium tetroxide /at a/ concentration /of/ 130 mg/cu m or more, succumbed after 4 days from pulmonary edema.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ /In rabbits exposed 30 min to vapors/ ... irritation of mucous membranes occurred ... /and/ semi-comatose condition ... developed; this showed transient recovery /followed by/ ... death. Lung showed ... bronchopneumonia ... /and/ bronchi were ... ulcerated ... Kidney ... showed ... swelling and granulation of tubular epithelium.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ Eyes ... examined by instillation of 1 or 2 drops of 1% aq solution of tetroxide into conjunctival sac. ... Within 24 hr lids became edematous and there was ... discharge. Later ... superficial ulcers appeared around edges of now receding brown-stained area.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Subchronic or Prechronic Exposure/ Toxic effects of osmium tetroxide on bone marrow of guinea pigs exposed to vapors from ampoules containing 50 mg osmium tetroxide 8 hr/day for approximately 60 days were examined. The guinea pigs suffered from a chronic anemia with an initial hyperactivity of the bone marrow. Marked sclerosis and collapse of lung tissue, bronchial compression, congestion, and degeneration of the liver, sclerosis of the spleen, and fatty degeneration of the kidneys and adrenals were observed in rabbits chronically exposed 8 hr/day to vapors of the aqueous solution containing 50 mg /osmium tetroxide/ and killed after 45-60 days.

For more Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for OSMIUM TETROXIDE (12 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

LC50 Nitocra spinipes ((Harpacticoidea Crustacea) 10-50 ug/L/96 hr; static

EC50 Tubifex tubifex (Tubificid worm; intoxication, immobilization) 14 ug/L/24 hr (95% confidence interval: 9-21 ug/L); static /Technical product/

EC50 Tubifex tubifex (Tubificid worm; intoxication, immobilization) 9 ug/L/48 hr (95% confidence interval: 7-12.1 ug/L); renewal /Technical product/

EC50 Tubifex tubifex (Tubificid worm; intoxication, immobilization) 6.7 ug/L/96 hr (95% confidence interval: 5.1-7.2 ug/L); renewal /Technical product/

This substance may be hazardous to the environment. Special attention should be given to crustacea.

UNCLAIMED OSMIUM TETROXIDE FROM COPPER SMELTERS ... REACHES WASTEWATER STREAMS

Osmium tetroxide is the most industrially important osmium compound(1); its use as an oxidation catalyst(1) may result in the release of osmium compounds through various waste streams(SRC).

LC50 Nitocra spinipes ((Harpacticoidea Crustacea) 10-50 ug/L/96 hr; static

EC50 Tubifex tubifex (Tubificid worm; intoxication, immobilization) 14 ug/L/24 hr (95% confidence interval: 9-21 ug/L); static /Technical product/

EC50 Tubifex tubifex (Tubificid worm; intoxication, immobilization) 9 ug/L/48 hr (95% confidence interval: 7-12.1 ug/L); renewal /Technical product/

EC50 Tubifex tubifex (Tubificid worm; intoxication, immobilization) 6.7 ug/L/96 hr (95% confidence interval: 5.1-7.2 ug/L); renewal /Technical product/

This substance may be hazardous to the environment. Special attention should be given to crustacea.

UNCLAIMED OSMIUM TETROXIDE FROM COPPER SMELTERS ... REACHES WASTEWATER STREAMS

Osmium tetroxide is the most industrially important osmium compound(1); its use as an oxidation catalyst(1) may result in the release of osmium compounds through various waste streams(SRC).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: Osmium tetroxide is a volatile osmium compound(1). It would not be expected to persist in the environment(SRC), since osmium tetroxide is readily reduced by organic matter(1).

UNCLAIMED OSMIUM TETROXIDE FROM COPPER SMELTERS THAT REACHES WASTEWATER STREAMS IS PROBABLY RAPIDLY REDUCED BY ORGANIC MATTER TO NONTOXIC OSMIUM DIOXIDE OR OS METAL, WHICH WOULD SETTLE OUT IN THE SEDIMENT OF WATER COURSE.

UNCLAIMED OSMIUM TETROXIDE FROM COPPER SMELTERS THAT REACHES WASTEWATER STREAMS IS PROBABLY RAPIDLY REDUCED BY ORGANIC MATTER TO NONTOXIC OSMIUM DIOXIDE OR OS METAL, WHICH WOULD SETTLE OUT IN THE SEDIMENT OF WATERCOURSE.

Osmium tetroxide can affect the body if it is inhaled or if it comes in contact with the eyes or skin. It can also affect the body if it is swallowed.

... EXPOSURES TO OSMIUM OCCUR /SRP: IN EM PATHOLOGY LAB PERSONNEL AND/ NEAR OPERATIONS OF ROASTING, SMELTING, & REFINING OF CU CONCENTRATES AS SUBLIMED OSO4... PROBABLY THE GREATEST LOSS OF OSO4 WOULD OCCUR IN THE SMELTING & REFINING PROCESSES, FROM WHICH NONE OF THE PRESENT CONTROL DEVICES WOULD RECOVER THE VAPORIZED OSO4.

Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste number P087, must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.[

Cautiously make a 5% solution of the material in water or dilute acid. There may be a vigorous, exothermic reaction and fumes may be generated due to hydrolysis of the material. Control any reaction by cooling and by the rate of addition. Gradually add dilute ammonium hydroxide to pH 10. Filter off any precipitate for disposal in a chemical landfill. If no precipitation occurs, gradually adjust the pH from 10 to 6, stopping when precipitation occurs.

Excess osmium tetroxide solutions can be rendered safer by reaction with sodium sulfite to produce insoluble osmium dioxide. Ethanol will also react to produce the dioxide. Corn oil or sodium sulfide may also be used to deactivate osmium tetroxide. Osmium-containing waste should be placed in a tightly sealed, labeled container and handled according to your institution's waste disposal guidelines. For more information on disposal procedures, see Chapter 7 of this volume.

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.

/GUIDE 154: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC AND/OR CORROSIVE (NON-COMBUSTIBLE)/ Health: TOXIC; inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact with material may cause severe injury or death. Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. 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.

/GUIDE 154: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC AND/OR CORROSIVE (NON-COMBUSTIBLE)/ Fire or Explosion: Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. Some are oxidizers and may ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated.

/GUIDE 154: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC AND/OR CORROSIVE (NON-COMBUSTIBLE)/ Public Safety: CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number ... . 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. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind. Keep out of low areas. Ventilate enclosed areas.

/GUIDE 154: SUBSTANCES - TOXIC AND/OR CORROSIVE (NON-COMBUSTIBLE)/ Protective Clothing: 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.

For more DOT Emergency Guidelines (Complete) data for OSMIUM TETROXIDE (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

UN 2471; Osmium tetroxide

No person may /transport,/ offer or accept a hazardous material for transportation in commerce unless that person is registered in conformance ... and the hazardous material is properly classed, described, packaged, marked, labeled, and in condition for shipment as required or authorized by ... /the hazardous materials regulations (49 CFR 171-177)./

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations are published by the IATA Dangerous Goods Board pursuant to IATA Resolutions 618 and 619 and constitute a manual of industry carrier regulations to be followed by all IATA Member airlines when transporting hazardous materials.

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code lays down basic principles for transporting hazardous chemicals. Detailed recommendations for individual substances and a number of recommendations for good practice are included in the classes dealing with such substances. A general index of technical names has also been compiled. This index should always be consulted when attempting to locate the appropriate procedures to be used when shipping any substance or article.

Unbreakable packaging. Put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container. Do not transport with food and feedstuffs. Severe marine pollutant.

Symbol: T+; R: 26/27/28-34; S: (1/2)-7/9-26-45

UN Hazard Class: 6.1; UN Pack Group: I