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

E-Mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Product Name:    Terbium

Formula:              Tb

CAS Number:       7440-27-9

II.  HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Component:     Terbium

Percent (%):                      0-100

OSHA/PEL:                          N/E  

ACGIH/TLV:                        N/E

HMIS Ratings (Powder):

Health:                                2

Flammability:                      3

Reactivity:                           2

III.  PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                      3122 ^oC

Melting Point:                     1356 ^oC

Specific Gravity:                 8.23

Solubility in H₂O:                Insoluble

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

IV.  FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/A

Autoignition Temperature:  N/A

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

Extinguishing Media:  Dry powder, Class D extinguisher.  DO NOT USE WATER.

Special Fire Fighting Procedures:  Firefighters should wear a NIOSH/MSHA approved self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing.

Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards:  Product will burn under fire conditions.  May react with water liberating flammable, explosive hydrogen gas.  Like all organic and most dry chemicals, as a powder or dust, this product (when mixed with air in critical proportions and in the presence of an ignition source) may present an explosion hazard.

V.  HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

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

Terbium 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 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 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:  None recorded.

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

Medical Conditions Possibly Aggravated by Overexposure:  Inhalation of product may aggravate existing chronic respiratory problems such as asthma, emphysema or bronchitis.

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

EYES:  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:  Dusting conditions, electric arcs, open flame, spark, moisture.

Incompatibility (Material to avoid):  Air, strong acids, strong oxidizing agents, acid chlorides, halogens, chlorates, bromates, iodates.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Metal oxide fume, 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 gear specified in section VIII.  Sweep or scoop up and place in an appropriate container.  Use non-sparking tools.  Vacuuming should be prohibited except for very small spills.  Always use a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter.  Do not let quantities of flammable materials accumulate in vacuum.  Clean up residual material by washing area with water.  Do not flush to drain.  Take care not to raise dust.

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 mask.

Ventilation:  Handle in a dry, controlled atmosphere.  Handle in an inert gas such as argon.  Use local exhaust as needed to maintain airborne exposure below control limits.  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 for 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.  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.

Warning Statements:  Flammable Solid When a Powder or Thin Foil.  All forms will react with dilute acids emitting flammable/explosive hydrogen gas.

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.  

TSCA Listed:  Yes

DOT Regulations:

Solid Forms:

          Hazard Class:                    None

Thin foils:

          Hazard Class:                    4.1

          Identification Number:     UN3178

          Packing Group:                  II

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

Powders:

          Hazard Class:                    4.1

          Identification Number:     UN3089

          Packing Group:                  II

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

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

Revised/Verified:        September 2011