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:     Dysprosium Oxide

Formula:              Dy₂O₃

CAS Number:       1308-87-8

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Components:  Dysprosium Oxide

Percent (%):                    0-100

OSHA/PEL:                       N/E

ACGIH/TLV:                      N/E

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                   N/E or N/A

Melting Point:                  2340 ^oC

Specific Gravity:             7.81 g/cc

Solubility in H₂O:            Negligible

Appearance and Odor:   White powder, no odor.

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA 

Flash Point:  N/A

Autoignition Temperature:  N/A

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

Extinguishing Media:  Use suitable extinguishing media for surrounding material and type of fire.

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 and Explosion Hazards:  None known.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

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

Dysprosium 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.  May lead to production of skin and lung granulomas.

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause upper respiratory tract irritation.

Ingestion:  Considered to have low toxicity by ingestion.

Skin:  May cause irritation.

Eye:  May cause irritation.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause writhing, ataxia, labored respiration, walking on toes with arched back, sedation, pneumonconiosis, hemoglobinemia and lung granuloma

Ingestion:  May affect the coagulation rate of the blood.

Skin:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Eye:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Inhalation:  No data

Ingestion:  No data

Skin:  Can cause slight irritation.

Eye:  Can cause particle irritation.

Target Organs:  May affect the blood and lungs

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.  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:  None known

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid):  Strong acids

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  None known

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.  Scoop up or 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.

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

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection: NIOSH approved respirator.

Ventilation:  Use local exhaust to maintain concentration at or below the PEL, TLV.  General exhaust is recommended.

Eye Protection:  Safety glasses.

Protective Gloves:  Rubber gloves.

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.  Keep containers tightly sealed.

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:

Hazard Class:     None

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:                  November 2008