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

Melting Point:                  2340 ^oC

Specific Gravity:             7.81 g/cc

Solubility in H₂O:            Insoluble

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 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 collapse.

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 collapse.

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.

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):  Acids

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  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.  Eliminate all sources of ignition.  Isolate spill area and provide ventilation.  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 State, Federal, and Local regulations.

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection: NIOSH approved respirator.

Ventilation:  Use local exhaust to maintain concentration at low exposure levels.

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. Open and handle containers with care. Do not store together with acids. 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:          February 2012