MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

I. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION

Manufacturer/Supplier:

ESPI Metals

1050 Benson Way, Ashland, OR 97520

Toll Free (800) 638-2581 * Fax (541) 488-8313

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Product Name:      Cerium III Nitrate

Formula:               Ce(NO₃)₃ A 6H₂O

CAS Number:        10294-41-4

II.  HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Component: Cerium Nitrate 

Percent (%):                 0-100

OSHA/PEL:                     N/E 

ACGIH/TLV:                    N/E

HMIS Ratings:   

Health:                            1

Flammability:                 0    

Reactivity:                      2

III.  PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                  N/E

Melting Point:                 200 ^oC (decomposes)

Specific Gravity:             1.67 g/cc

Solubility in H₂O:            Very soluble

Appearance and Odor:   White crystalline powder, acidic odor.

IV.  FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/A

Autoignition Temperature:  N/A

Flammable Limits:  Upper:  N/A       Lower:  N/A

Extinguishing Media:  Use suitable extinguishing media for surrounding materials and type of fire.

Special Fire Fighting Procedures:  Firefighters must wear full face, self-contained breathing apparatus with full protective clothing to prevent contact with skin and eyes.  Fumes from fire are hazardous.  Isolate runoff to prevent environmental pollution.

Unusual Fire & Explosion Hazard:  When heated to decomposition cerium nitrate may emit toxic fumes of Ce, CeO₂, and NO_x.  Cerium nitrate is an oxidizer and its heat of reaction with reducing agents or combustibles may cause ignition.

V.  HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

To the best of our knowledge the chemical, physical and toxicological properties of cerium nitrate have not been thoroughly investigated and recorded.

Cerium is considered a rare earth metal.  These metals are moderately to highly toxic.  The symptoms of toxicity of the rare earth elements include writhing, ataxia, labored respiration, walking on the toes with the arched back and sedation.  The rare earth elements exhibit low toxicity by ingestion exposure.  However, the intraperitoneal route is highly toxic while the subcutaneous route is poison to moderately toxic.  The production of skin and lung granulomas after exposure to them requires extensive protection to prevent such exposure.

Small doses of nitrates may cause weakness, general depression, headache and mental impairment.  Larger doses may cause dizziness, abdominal cramps, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, convulsions and collapse

Cerium salts increase the blood coagulation rate.  Exposure to cerium salts may increase sensitivity to heat, itching and skin lesions.  Large doses to experimental animals have caused writhing, ataxia, labored respiration, sedation, hypotension and death by cardiovascular collapse.

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause irritation to the respiratory tract and mucous membrane.  Dusts may cause asthma attacks and lung damage such as lung granulomas.  Large doses may cause  writhing, loss of muscle coordination, labored respiration, sedation, hypotension and cardiovascular collapse.

Ingestion:  May cause gastrointestinal irritation. Large amounts taken by mouth may cause dizziness, abdominal cramps, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, weakness, convulsions and collapse.

Skin:  May cause irritation, rashes and skin granulomas.

Eye:  May cause irritation.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  Prolonged or repeated  inhalation may cause writhing, loss of muscle coordination, labored respiration, sedation, hypotension and cardiovascular collapse.  Small, repeated doses may lead to weakness, general depression, headache and mental impairment.

Ingestion:  May affect the coagulation rate of the blood.

Skin:  May cause dermatitis, sensitivity to heat, itching and skin lesions.

Eye:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Carcinogenicity:  NTP:  No       IARC:  No         OSHA:  No

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure:  Pre-existing respiratory disorders.

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

INHALATION:  Remove victim to fresh air; keep warm ad quiet; give oxygen if breathing is difficult and seek medical attention.

INGESTION:  Give 1-2 glasses of milk or water and induce vomiting; seek immediate medical attention.  Never induce vomiting or give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.

SKIN:  Remove contaminated clothing; brush material off skin; wash affected area with mild soap and water; seek medical attention.

EYE:  Flush eyes with lukewarm water, lifting upper and lower eyelids, for at least 15 minutes.  Seek medical attention.

VI.  REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  Water/moisture

Incompatibility (Materials to Avoid):  Reducing agents, organic materials, metal powders, easily oxidized materials, water/moisture.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Fumes of Ce, CeO₂, NO_x.

Hazardous Polymerization:  Will not occur

VII.  SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES

Waste Disposal Method:  Dispose of in accordance with Local, State and Federal Waste Disposal Regulations.

VIII.  SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection (Specify Type):  NIOSH approved dust respirator.

Ventilation:  Use local exhaust to maintain concentration of exposure at low levels.  Handle in a dry, controlled atmosphere.  Handle in an inert gas such as argon.  General exhaust is not recommended.

Protective Gloves:  Impervious gloves.

Eye Protection:  Safety glasses

Other Protective Clothing or Equipment:  Protective gear suitable to prevent contamination.

IX.  SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage:  Store in cool, dry area.  Store in tightly sealed container.  Wash thoroughly after handling.

Other Precautions:  Store away from flammable substances.  Store away from reducing agents.  Store away from water/moisture.  This material is hygroscopic.  Keep container tightly sealed.

Warnings:  Cerium nitrate can reduce the ignition temperature of flammable substances.  Cerium nitrate is an oxidizer and its heat of reaction with reducing agents or combustibles may cause ignition.  Cerium nitrate itself is not flammable

Work  Practices:  Implement engineering and work practice controls to reduce and maintain concentration of exposure at low levels.  Use good housekeeping and sanitation practices.  Do not us tobacco or food in work area.  Wash thoroughly before eating and smoking.  Do not blow dust off clothing or skin with compressed air.  Maintain safety drench shower, eyewash capable of sustained flushing and facilities for washing.

DOT Regulations:

Hazard Class:                     5.1

Identification Number:      UN1477

Packing Group:                  III

Proper Shipping Name:      Nitrates, inorganic, n.o.s. (Cerium III nitrate)

The above information is believed to be correct, but does not purport to be all inclusive and shall be used only as a guide.  ESPI shall not be held liable for any damage resulting from handling or from contact with the above product.

Issued by:             S. Dierks

Date:                    February 2007