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:    Yttrium

Formula:              Y

CAS Number:       7440-65-5

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Components:  Yttrium

Percent (%):                    0-100

OSHA/PEL:                       1 mg/m³

ACGIH/TLV:                      1 mg/m³

HMIS Ratings:

Health:                            1

Flammability:                  2

Reactivity:                       1

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                    3338 ^oC

Melting Point:                   1522 ^oC

Specific Gravity:               4.47 g/cc

Solubility in H₂O:              Insoluble

Appearance and Odor:     Steel gray metal, no odor.

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/A

Flammability:  Flammable solid

Autoignition Temperature:  N/E

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

Extinguishing Media:  Do not use water.  Use CO₂ or metal fire agent

Special Firefighting Procedures:  Firefighters must wear full face, self-contained breathing apparatus with full protective clothing to prevent contact with skin and eyes.

Unusual Fire & Explosion Hazard:  Yttrium is a flammable solid.  Under fire conditions, yttrium may react with water liberating flammable, explosive hydrogen gas.  Thin foils are ignitable by spark or static electricity.  Yttrium, in powder or dust form, 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 chemical, physical and toxicological properties of yttrium have not been thoroughly investigated and reported.

Yttrium is similar to the lanthanons and may have an anticoagulant effect on blood.  Exposure to lanthanons may also lead to sensitivity to heat, itching, increased awareness of odor and taste, and liver damage.

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.

Ingestion:  May cause gastrointestinal irritation.

Skin:  May cause irritation.

Eyes:  May cause irritation.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  Prolonged or repeated inhalation may cause writhing, loss of muscle coordination, labored respiration, sedation, hypotension, fibrosis and cardiovascular collapse.

Ingestion:  May affect the coagulation rate of the blood.

Skin:  None recorded.

Eyes:  None recorded.

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

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

Carcinogenicity:  NTP:  No               IARC:  No             OSHA:  No

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

INHALATION:  Remove 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.  Do not 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 develops or persists.

EYES:  Flush eyes with 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:  Air, light, water/moisture.

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid):  Acids, halogens, bases, water/moisture.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Hydrogen, metal oxide fume.

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.  Keep away from ignition sources.  Sweep or scoop up and place in a closed container for proper disposal.  Use non-sparking tools.  Take care not to raise dust.

Waste Disposal Method:  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 environment.  Handle in an inert gas such as argon.  Use local exhaust to maintain concentration at low exposure levels.  General exhaust is not recommended.

Protective Gloves:  Impervious gloves.

Eye/Face Protection:  Safety glasses.

Other Protective Clothing or Equipment:  Protective work clothing.

IX.   SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage:  Finely divided metal can oxidize rapidly.  Store under an inert gas such as argon.  Store in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry area.  Wash thoroughly after handling.  Store away from air.  Do not store together with acids.  Store away from oxidizing agents.  Store away from halogens.  Do not store together with alkalies (caustic solutions).  Avoid contact with air/oxygen.

Other Precautions:  Avoid breathing dusts or vapors.  Avoid direct or prolonged contact with skin and eyes.  Use non-sparking tools and grounded/bonded equipment and containers when transferring.  Subject to oxidation at elevated temperatures and will deteriorate in the presence of moisture.  Will “fingerprint” easily.  Pinholes may occur in thin foils as metal ages.

Work Practices:  Implement engineering and work practice controls to reduce and maintain concentration of exposure.  Use good housekeeping and sanitation practices.  Do not use tobacco or food in work area.  Wash thoroughly before eating or 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. 

TSCA Listed:                                 Yes

DOT Regulations:

Solid Forms:

         Hazard Class:                     None

Thin Foils:

         Hazard Class:                     4.1

         Identification Number:       UN3178

         Packing Group:                   III

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

Powders:

         Hazard Class:                     4.1

         Identification Number:      UN3089

         Packing Group:                   II

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

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:                  June 2011