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:     Erbium Sulfide

Formula:              Er₂S₃

CAS Number:       12159-66-9

II.  HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Component:   Erbium Sulfide 

Percent (%):                    0-100 

OSHA/PEL:                       N/E 

ACGIH/TLV:                      N/E

HMIS Ratings:   

Health:                             2         

Flammability:                  3          

Reactivity:                       1

III.  PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                  N/E or N/A

Melting Point:                 N/E or N/A

Specific Gravity:            N/E 

Solubility in H₂O:            N/E

Appearance and Odor:   Brown-tan powder, rotten egg odor.

IV.  FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/E or N/A 

Method Used:  Flammable solid

Explosive Limits:  Lower:  N/E  Upper:  N/E

Extinguishing Media:  Use Class D or other suitable metal extinguishing agent.  DO NOT USE WATER!

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 and Explosion Hazards:  Flammable when exposed to flame or spontaneous chemical reaction.  When heated to decomposition, erbium sulfide may emit highly toxic fumes of SO_x.  May react violently and explosively on contact with powerful oxidizing agents.  May ignite in air at room temperature, others require a higher temperature or the presence of an oxidizer.  May react with water, moisture, steam or acids to produce toxic and flammable vapors of hydrogen sulfide.

V.  HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

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

Erbium 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 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 (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, eighth edition).

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.

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.

Ingestion:  May affect the coagulation rate of blood.

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

Eye:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Routes of Entry:  Inhalation, skin, eyes and ingestion.

Target Organs:  May affect the respiratory system, blood and skin.

Carcinogenicity:  NTP? No, IARC Monographs? No, OSHA Regulated? No

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

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

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

INGESTION:  Give 1-2 glasses of milk or water and induce vomiting; seek 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 mils soap and water; seek medical attention if irritation persists.

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

VI.  REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Unstable

Conditions to Avoid:  Air and moisture

Incompatibility (Material to avoid):  Air, moisture, acids, oxidizing materials.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Hydrogen sulfide and oxides of sulfur.

Hazardous Polymerization:  Will not occur.

VII.  SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES

Steps to Be Taken in Case Material Is Released or Spilled:  Wear appropriate respiratory and protective equipment specified in Section VIII-CONTROL MEASURES.  Isolate spill area, provide ventilation and extinguish sources of ignition.  Vacuum up spill using a high efficiency particulate absolute (HEPA) air filter and place in a closed container for proper disposal.  Take care not to raise dust.  Use non-sparking tools.

Waste Disposal Method:  Dispose of in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations.

VIII.  SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  In dusting conditions, use a NIOSH/MSHA approved dust respirator.

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

Protective Gloves:  Rubber 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 Storing:  Erbium sulfide is water and moisture sensitive.  Handle and store

in a controlled environment and inert gas such as argon.  Store in a cool dry place in a tightly sealed container.  Wash thoroughly after handling.

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 use tobacco or food in work area.  Wash thoroughly before eating and smoking.  Do not blow dust off clothing or skin with compressed air.  Maintain eyewash capable of sustained flushing, safety drench shower and facilities for washing.

DOT Regulations:

Hazard Class:                         4.1

Identification Number:          UN3178

Packing Group:                      II

Proper Shipping Name:         Flammable solid, inorganic, n.o.s., (erbium sulfide)

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.

Prepared by:          S. Dierks

Dated:                  April 2006