Bismuth

9.78 @ 20 °C/4 °C

9.8 @25 °C

Gray white soft metal

HEXAGONAL SILVER-WHITE CRYSTALS

GRAYISH WHITE WITH REDDISH TINGE AND BRIGHT METALLIC LUSTER

PINKISH-SILVER, HARD, BRITTLE METAL

For more Solubility (Complete) data for BISMUTH, ELEMENTAL (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

INSOL IN COLD OR HOT WATER; SOL IN NITRIC ACID, AQUA REGIA, HOT SULFURIC ACID

SOL IN CONCENTRATED HYDROCHLORIC ACID

1564 DEG +/-5 °C, 760 MM HG

1564 °C @760 [mm Hg]

271 °C

271 °C

271.3 °C

78 mm Hg at 1266 °C; 7.8 mm at 1053 °C; 0.78 mm Hg at 893 °C

78 [mm Hg] @1266 °C

Dry Powder; Other Solid; Large Crystals

Gray-white, soft and brittle metal; [Merck Index, 1257]

SUPERFICIALLY OXIDIZED BY AIR, FREQUENTLY BECOMING IRIDESCENT

WHEN HEATED IN AIR IT FORMS BISMUTH TRIOXIDE

POOR CONDUCTOR OF ELECTRICITY; HAS GREATEST HALL EFFECT OF ANY METAL, THAT IS, ITS RESISTANCE INCREASES WHEN PLACED IN A MAGNETIC FIELD

THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY (0.018 CAL/SEC/CC @ 250 °C) IS LOWEST OF ALL METALS EXCEPT MERCURY

EXPANDS 3.32% ON SOLIDIFICATION; ATOMIC NUMBER: 83

For more Other Experimental Properties (Complete) data for BISMUTH, ELEMENTAL (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Not Classified；Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria by 324 of 382 companies

Aggregated GHS information provided per 382 reports by companies from 6 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory.；Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 324 of 382 reports by companies.；There are 4 notifications provided by 58 of 382 reports by companies with hazard statement code(s).；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.

Danger

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]

P260, P264, P270, P308+P316, P319, P321, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Chemical: Bismuth

Bismuth is listed on the EPA's Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) system. Manufacturers and importers of Bismuth are required to report information about their production and use of this chemical to the EPA under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). (40 eCFR Part 711)

Status: Active Update: 24-01-2023 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/14679；Status: Active Update: 03-02-2016 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/16865

Bismuth: Does not have an individual approval but may be used under an appropriate group standard

POWDERED BISMUTH BURNS SPONTANEOUSLY IN GASEOUS CHLORINE. WITH LIQUID CHLORINE, BISMUTH IGNITES @ 80 °C.

FLAMMABLE IN POWDER FORM

Bismuth is a hepatotoxic agent. [Zimmerman, p. 4] Ingestion of high doses of bismuth may cause stomatitis, hyperpigmentation of oral mucosa, kidney dysfunction, myoclonus, and encephalopathy. [Ford, p. 740] Elemental bismuth is nontoxic. Bismuth salts are toxic after ingestion. In cases of acute poisoning after ingestion, patients suffer abdominal pain and acute renal failure. In cases of chronic poisoning after repeated ingestion of medications containing bismuth, encephalopathy has been reported. Lipid soluble, organic compounds such as bismuth subsalicylate and bismuth subgallate are toxic to the CNS; Water soluble, organic compounds such as bismuth triglycollamate are toxic to the kidneys; Insoluble, inorganic compounds such as bismuth subnitrate and bismuth subcarbonate have minimal toxicity. [Goldfrank , p. 1233-4]

Not Classified

Specific target organ toxicity - Single exposure - Category 1 (nervous system, kidney, articulation of the bone)；Specific target organ toxicity - Repeated exposure - Category 1 (nervous system, articulation of the bone, kidney)

WHEN BISMUTH IS HEATED WITH PERCHLORIC ACID @ 100 °C OR BELOW, THE METAL DISSOLVES SLOWLY, BUT @ 110 °C BROWN COATING FORMS, WHICH ON FURTHER HEATING EXPLODES VIOLENTLY. THE PREPARATION OF A SALT FROM THESE TWO CHEMICALS IS DANGEROUS.

FUSED AMMONIUM NITRATE WITH POWDERED BISMUTH IS OFTEN A VIOLENT & SOMETIMES AN EXPLOSIVE REACTION.

Reaction with (Bi(OH)3 plus Al(OH)3), coprecipitated and H2 reduced produces a spontaneously flammable product.

CAN REACT WITH ACID OR ACID FUMES TO EMIT TOXIC FUMES

For more Hazardous Reactivities and Incompatibilities (Complete) data for BISMUTH, ELEMENTAL (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

IN GENERAL, MATERIALS...TOXIC AS STORED OR WHICH CAN DECOMP INTO TOXIC COMPONENTS...SHOULD BE STORED IN COOL...VENTILATED PLACE, OUT OF...SUN, AWAY FROM...FIRE HAZARD...BE PERIODICALLY INSPECTED & MONITORED. INCOMPATIBLE MATERIALS SHOULD BE ISOLATED...

120 [mg/m3]

1300 [mg/m3]

7900 [mg/m3]

In large, controlled trials of bismuth-based quadruple therapy in patients with H. pylori infection, adverse event rates were similar in patients receiving therapy that included bismuth as those on triple H. pylori regimens without bismuth. Monotherapy with bismuth for digestive complaints and diarrhea has not been linked to significant adverse events or elevations in serum ALT or bilirubin, but few studies have assessed liver tests routinely during the brief use of bismuth for episodes of diarrhea or to prevent travelers diarrhea. Further, in the many case reports of bismuth neurotoxicity, there was no mention of hepatotoxicity, and where this information was provided, liver tests were reported to be normal.；Despite the lack of evidence of liver injury in recent studies of bismuth therapy, several reports of both liver and kidney injury have been reported in the past which were attributed to bismuth. Most of these reports dealt with therapy of syphilis using injections of arsenicals and bismuth. Many of the cases were exposed to other possible hepatotoxins (arsenic), but all were reported from the 1920s and 1940s and may have been acute hepatitis B or C contracted because of inadequate sterilization of needles and syringes used in the injection therapy.；Likelihood score: E (unlikely cause of clinically apparent liver injury).；Drug Class: Trace Elements and Metals；Other Related Drugs in the Class: Iron, Lead

AQUATIC FATE: Water free from air does not affect metallic bismuth and the element preserves its metallic luster; in aerated water bismuth becomes covered with a layer of oxide Bi2O3(1).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: At environmental temperatures, bismuth metal is unaffected by air, even if the latter is moist, as long as no condensation of water occurs on its surface, in which case first white bismuthous hydroxide, Bi(OH)3, is formed and then yellow trioxide, Bi2O3, is formed if the air is free from carbon dioxide or a white basic carbonate is formed if the air contains carbon dioxide(1).

Neurotoxin - Other CNS neurotoxin；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.

OCCURRENCE IN EARTH'S CRUST: APPROX 0.2 PPM.

OLDEST KNOWN DEPOSITS OF BISMUTH ARE IN GERMAN ERZEBERGE, BUT BISMUTH ORES ARE FOUND MOST WIDELY IN SOUTH AMERICA, CHINA, KOREA, JAPAN, SOUTH AFRICA & AUSTRALIA. BISMUTH OCCURS IN FREE STATE...AND AS BISMUTH GLANCE (BI253), TETRADYMITE...BISMUTH OCHRE...

...THERE MAY BE MENTAL CHANGES, NERVOUSNESS, BLOOD CHANGES, LYMPHOCYTOSIS & BONE MARROW DEPRESSION FOLLOWING PROLONGED INHALATION OF BISMUTH DUST.

Bismuth pigmentation has been found in the colon, vagina, and the skin.

IV INJECTION OF ELEMENTAL BISMUTH (0.50 MG/KG) CAUSED A SLIGHT DECREASE IN BLOOD PRESSURE & HEART RATE. HIGHER DOSES (1.8 MG/KG) RESULTED IN HEART BLOCK, & ALL FUNDAMENTAL FUNCTIONS OF THE HEART WERE AFFECTED, INCLUDING EXCITABILITY, CONDUCTIVITY & CONTRACTILITY.

Water free from air does not affect it and the element preserves its metallic luster; in aerated water it becomes covered with a layer of oxide, Bi2O3. At room temperature, bismuth is unaffected by air, even if the latter is moist, as long as no condensation of water occurs on its surface, in which case first white bismuthous hydroxide, Bi(OH)3, is formed and then yellow trioxide, Bi2O3, is formed if the air is free from carbon dioxide or a white basic carbonate is formed if the air contains carbon dioxide(1).

Chemical: Bismuth

Bismuth is listed on the EPA's Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) system. Manufacturers and importers of Bismuth are required to report information about their production and use of this chemical to the EPA under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). (40 eCFR Part 711)

Status: Active Update: 24-01-2023 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/14679；Status: Active Update: 03-02-2016 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/16865

Bismuth: Does not have an individual approval but may be used under an appropriate group standard

BISMUTH

Bismuth [CS]; Bismuth [EPC]

Used as a metal alloy, catalyst, and semiconductor; Also used to make cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, thermocouplers, galvanometers, type metal for printing, solders, mirrors, and uranium fuel; [HSDB] Bismuth medications include bismuth subsalicylate used to treat traveler's diarrhea and bismuth subgallate used as an internal deodorant by patients with ileostomies and colostomies; [Goldfrank, p. 1233]

Metal Preparation and Pouring [Category: Foundry]；Soldering [Category: Heat or Machine]；Semiconductor Manufacturing [Category: Industry]

IN SAFETY DEVICES IN FIRE DETECTION & EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS; CATALYST FOR MAKING ACRYLIC FIBERS; IN PRODN OF MALLEABLE IRONS; CARRIER FOR RADIOACTIVE URANIUM FUEL IN ATOMIC REACTORS

IN TYPE METAL FOR THE PRINTING INDUSTRY

MFR OF BISMUTH SALTS, STEREOTYPE METAL, FUSIBLE BOILER PLUGS, ELECTRIC FUSES & LOW-MELTING SOLDERS; IN TEMPERING BATHS FOR STEEL, "SILVERING" MIRRORS, & IN DENTAL TECHNIQUE

ALLOYING AGENT; COMPONENT OF FUSIBLE & OTHER ALLOYS; CHEM INT FOR PHARMACEUTICALS & OTHER CHEMICALS; WIRE USED IN THERMOCOUPLERS, GALVANOMETERS; ADDITIVE (HARDENER) FOR LEAD, TIN & CADMIUM

(1972) 1.2X10+8 GRAMS (METAL, ALLOYS, WASTE)

(1975) 5.85X10+7 GRAMS (METAL, ALLOYS, WASTE)

(1985) 2.27X10+8 g

(1972) 7.1X10+8 GRAMS

(1975) 6.04X10+8 GRAMS

(1985) 8.17X10+9 g

2023: 2,500,000 - <4,000,000 lb；2022: 2,500,000 - <4,000,000 lb；2021: 2,500,000 - <4,000,000 lb；2020: 2,500,000 - <4,000,000 lb

(1972) 1.05X10+9 GRAMS (CONSUMPTION)

(1975) 6.38X10+8 GRAMS (CONSUMPTION)

APPROXIMATELY 57.8% IN PHARMACEUTICALS (INCL INDUST & LAB CHEMS) AND COSMETICS; 21.5% IN FUSIBLE ALLOYS; 18.9% F0R METALLURGICAL ADDITIVES; 0.8% IN OTHER ALLOYS; 0.4% IN EXPERIMENTAL USES; 0.6% IN OTHER USES (1976)

ABOUT 64.5% OF BI IS CONSUMED IN THE UNITED STATES AS LOW MELTING ALLOYS & METALLURGICAL ADDITIVES INCL ELECTRONIC & THERMOELECTRIC APPLICATIONS. THE REMAINDER IS USED FOR CATALYSTS, PEARLESCENT PIGMENTS IN COSMETICS, PHARMACEUTICALS & INDUSTRIAL CHEMICALS.

Pharmaceuticals & Chemicals, 59%; Manufacturing of parts for machinery, 23%; Primary metal industries, 16%; and Other uses, 2% (1985)

DEBISMUTHIZING OF LEAD BULLION BY (A) FRACTIONAL CRYSTALLIZATION, (B) ELECTROLYTIC (BETTS) REFINING, OR (C) ADDITION OF CALCIUM OR MAGNESIUM (BETTERTON-KROLL PROCESS) WHICH REMOVES BISMUTH.

IT CAN...BE EXTRACTED BY ROASTING.../LEAD OR COPPER/ SULFIDE TO OXIDE & REDUCING THIS WITH CHARCOAL IN CRUCIBLES OR REVERBERATORY FURNACE.

...OBTAINED AS BY-PRODUCT FROM PROCESSING OF LEAD, COPPER, & TIN ORES.

...BY TREATING SOLN OF BISMUTH CHLORIDE IN HYDROGEN CHLORIDE WITH HYPOPHOSPHOROUS ACID, WASHING AND DRYING. CONTAINS NOT LESS THAN 98.5% METALLIC BISMUTH. /PRECIPITATED BISMUTH/

Primary Metal Manufacturing；Other (requires additional information)；Synthetic Dye and Pigment Manufacturing

Bismuth: ACTIVE

CURRENT WORLD PRODUCTION IS ABOUT 4000-5000 TONS & THE MAIN PRODUCING COUNTRIES ARE JAPAN, BOLIVIA, PERU & MEXICO.

PURIFICATION: BY ADDITION OF MOLTEN CAUSTIC, ZINC, & FINALLY CHLORINE (TO MAKE REMOVABLE CHLORIDES OF IMPURITIES).