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:    Praseodymium

Formula:             Pr

CAS Number:       7440-10-0

II.  HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Component:      Praseodymium        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 total dust

III.  PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                3512 ^oC

Melting Point:                931 ^oC

Specific Gravity:           6.77 g/cc

Solubility in H₂O:           Decomposes

Appearance and Odor:  Silver metallic, no odor

IV.  FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/A

Autoignition Temperature:  N/E

Explosive Limits:  Lower:  N/A         Upper:  N/A

Extinguishing Media:  Dry powder, Class D extinguisher.  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 & Explosion Hazard:  May react with water or steam when heated to produce flammable hydrogen gas.  May react with air.

V.  HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

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

Praseodymium 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 immediate defecation, writhing, loss of muscle coordination, labored respiration, sedation, hypotension and cardiovascular failure.

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 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

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 mild soap and water, seek medical attention if irritation persists.

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

VI.  REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  Avoid heat, moisture.

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid):  Air, water, halogens, acids and oxidizing agents.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Hydrogen gas.

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.  Isolate spill area and provide ventilation.  Sweep up and place in an appropriate closed container.  Vacuuming should be prohibited.  Use non-sparking tools.  Clean up residual material by washing area with water.

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

VIII.  SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  NIOSH-approved dust respirator.

Ventilation:  Use local exhaust to maintain concentration at low levels.  Handle in a inert gas such as argon, in a controlled process.

Protective Gloves:  Rubber gloves

Eye Protection:  Safety glasses

Other Protective Equipment:   Protective gear suitable to prevent contamination.

IX.  SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage:  Praseodymium metal is air and moisture sensitive.  Handle in an inert gas such as argon and store under oil.

Other Precautions:  Thin foils and finely divided metal can oxidize rapidly in air.

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. 

SARA Title III:  Sec. 302 (EHS):  No       Sec. 304 RQ:  No Sec. 313:  No

HMIS Ratings:  Health:  2     Flammability:  0   Reactivity:  2        

HMIS Protective Equipment:  G: glasses, gloves, combination respirator

DOT Regulations:

Pieces, Ingot, Rod, Sheet:

             Hazard Class:                   None

Powders:

            Hazard Class:                    4.2

            Identification Number:     UN1383

            Packing Group:                 I

            Proper Shipping Name:    Pyrophoric metal, n.o.s. (praseodymium)

Thin Foils: 

            Hazard Class:                    4.1

            Identification Number:     UN3178

            Packing Group:                 III

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

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:                    December 2005