NIOSH Publication No. 2005-151:

NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards

September 2005

Magnesium oxide fume

CAS
1309-48-4

MgO

RTECS
OM3850000
Synonyms & Trade Names

Magnesia fume
DOT ID & Guide

Exposure
Limits

NIOSH REL: See Appendix D
OSHA PEL†: TWA 15 mg/m3
IDLH
750 mg/m3 See: 1309484
Conversion
Physical Description
Finely divided white particulate dispersed in air. [Note: Exposure may occur when magnesium is burned, thermally cut, or welded upon.]
MW: 40.3
BP: 6512°F
MLT: 5072°F
Sol(86°F): 0.009%
VP: 0 mmHg (approx)
IP: NA

Sp.Gr: 3.58
Fl.P: NA
UEL: NA
LEL: NA

Noncombustible Solid
Incompatibilities & Reactivities

Chlorine trifluoride, phosphorus pentachloride
Measurement Methods
NIOSH 7300, 7301, 7303; OSHA ID121
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Personal Protection & Sanitation
(See protection)
Skin: No recommendation
Eyes: No recommendation
Wash skin: No recommendation
Remove: No recommendation
Change: No recommendation

First Aid
(See procedures)


Breathing: Respiratory support

Respirator Recommendations
OSHA
Up to 150 mg/m3:
(APF = 10) Any particulate respirator equipped with an N95, R95, or P95 filter (including N95, R95, and P95 filtering facepieces) except quarter-mask respirators. The following filters may also be used: N99, R99, P99, N100, R100, P100. Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator
Up to 375 mg/m3:
(APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode
(APF = 25) Any powered air-purifying respirator with a high-efficiency particulate filter.
Up to 750 mg/m3:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator with an N100, R100, or P100 filter. Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
(APF = 50) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with a tight-fitting facepiece and a high-efficiency particulate filter*
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece
Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus
Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator with an N100, R100, or P100 filter. Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters./Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
Important additional information about respirator selection
Exposure Routes
inhalation, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms
Irritation eyes, nose; metal fume fever: cough, chest pain, flu-like fever
Target Organs
Eyes, respiratory system
See also: INTRODUCTION   See ICSC CARD: 0504   See MEDICAL TESTS: 0251