Lead azide
Agent Name
Lead azide
CAS Number
13424-46-9
Formula
N6-Pb
Major Category
Other Uses
Synonyms
Lead azide (PbN6); Lead diazide; Lead(2+) azide; RD 1333; UN0129; [ChemIDplus]
Category
Explosives
Description
White needles or powder; [CAMEO]
Sources/Uses
Used on the tip of an explosive catheter in micro-explosion cystolithotripsy; [ChemIDplus] Used in military ammunition and in blasting caps; [Sax] Used as a primer in explosives; [Merck Index, 5401]
Comments
Unstable when dry, and may explode after shock, heat, or friction; [CAMEO] Emits fumes of lead and nitrogen oxides when heated; [Sax] Keep submerged in water when handling; Explodes at 660 deg F; Reported cause of explosions in laboratories after azide poured down sinks and comes in contact with lead in pipes; [Hawley] Workers handling this substance are at risk for lead poisoning; [NJ-HSFS] See "AZIDES." See "Lead" and linked occupational diseases.
Restricted
Lead azide (dry) is forbidden for transport by any means; [HMT]
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
BEI
Lead in blood = 200 ug/L (20 ug/100 ml); sampling time not critical; [ACGIH]
TLV (ACGIH)
0.05 mg/m3, as Pb
PEL (OSHA)
0.05 mg/m3, as Pb
Adverse Effects
Neurotoxin
Predominantly motor
Hepatotoxin
Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion
Nephrotoxin
Yes
Reproductive Toxin
Yes
IARC Carcinogen
Probable (2a)
Other Poison
Chemical Asphyxiant
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Diseases
Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent: