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:    Neodymium

Formula:             Nd

CAS Number:      7440-00-8

II.  HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Components:      Neodymium      Particulates not otherwise regulated             

Percent:                                0-100               0-100     

OSHA/PEL:                            N/E                  15 mg/m³ (dust), 5 mg/m³(resp)

ACGIH/TLV:                           N/E                  10 mg/m³

HMIS Ratings (Powder):

Health:                  1

Flammability:       3

Reactivity:            1

HMIS Ratings (Solid):

Health:                 1

Flammability:      1

Reactivity:           1

III.  PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                    3074 ^oC

Melting Point:                   1021 ^oC

Specific Gravity:               7.008 g/cc

 Solubility in H₂O:              Decomposes

Appearance and Odor:     Silver solid, gray powder, no odor.

IV.  FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/A

Autoignition Temperature:  N/E

Flammable Limits:  Upper:  N/E        Lower:  N/E                                                            

Flammability:  Highly flammable

Extinguishing Media:  Use dry powder or class D extinguisher.  DO NOT USE WATER.

Special Firefighting Procedures:  Firefighters must wear full face, self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing.

Unusual Fire & Explosion Hazard:  Flammable in the form of dust when exposed to heat, flame or by chemical reaction.  Slight explosion hazard in the form of dust when exposed to heat or flame.  Reacts violently with air, moisture, halogens, nitrogen, phosphorus above 400 ^oC.  Contact with strong acids may evolve hydrogen gas.

V.  HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

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

Neodymium 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.  The production of skin and lung granulomas after exposure requires extensive protection to prevent such exposure.  (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials)

Acute Effects:

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

Ingestion:  Low toxicity by ingestion due to poor absorption.  May cause gastrointestinal irritation.

Skin:  May cause irritation, rashes, 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 failure.

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.

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

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

Carcinogenicity:  NTP:  No      IARC:  No             OSHA:  No            ACGIH:  No

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

INHALATION:  Remove to fresh air, keep warm and quiet, give oxygen if breathing is difficult, 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 and brush material off skin, wash affected area with soap and water, seek medical attention if irritation develops or persists.

EYES:  Flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes using an eyewash fountain.  Lift upper and lower lids and rinse well under them.  Get medical attention if irritation develops or persists.

VI.  REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  Air and moisture sensitive.

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid):  Strong acids, strong oxidizing agents, halogens, air, moisture, phosporus, and nitrogen.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Hydrogen gas, metal oxide fume.

Hazardous Polymerization:  Will not occur.

VII.  SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES

Steps to be Taken in Case Material is Released or Spilled:  Eliminate all sources of ignition.  Evacuate area.  Wear appropriate protective equipment specified in section VIII.  Sweep into appropriate container.  Avoid creating dust.  DO NOT use ‘shop’ vacuum as this may cause a fire.  Ventilate area.  Wash spill area after material pickup is complete.

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

VIII.  SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  NIOSH-approved dust respirator.

Ventilation:  Handle in a controlled process.  Handle under an inert gas such as argon.  Use local exhaust to maintain concentration of exposure at low 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 Storage:  Store in a cool, dry place in tightly closed containers.  Air and moisture sensitive.  Store away from oxidizers and other materials listed under incompatibility.  STORE UNDER ARGON OR OTHER INERT ENVIRONMENT.  Avoid breathing dusts.  Avoid direct or prolonged contact with skin and eyes.  Wash hands thoroughly after handling.  Do not rub eyes with soiled hands.

Other Precautions:  Avoid creating dusts as this product, like most materials in powder form, is capable of creating a dust explosion.

Work Practices:  Do not store, use, and/or consume foods, beverages, tobacco products, or cosmetics in areas where this material is stored.  Wash hands and face carefully before eating, drinking, using tobacco, applying cosmetics, or using the toilet.  Wash exposed skin promptly to remove accidentally splashes of contact with this material.  Maintain a sink, safety shower and eyewash fountain in the work area.  Have oxygen readily available. 

DOT Regulations:

Ingot, Pieces, Sheet, Rod, Targets:

             Hazard Class:                    None

Thin Foil:

             Hazard Class:                    4.1

             Identification Number:     UN3178

             Packing Group:                 III

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

Powder: 

             Hazard Class:                   4.1

             Identification Number:    UN3089

             Packing Group:                 II

             Proper Shipping Name:    Metal powder, flammable, n.o.s. (Neodymium)

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:                    May 2006