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 Telluride

Formula:              Dy₂Te₃

CAS Number:       12159-43-2

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Component:   Dysprosium Telluride

Percent (%):                   0-100

OSHA/PEL:                      0.1mg(Te)/m³

ACGIH/TLV:                     0.1mg(Te)/m³

HMIS Ratings:

Health:                            3

Flammability:                 0

Reactivity:                      0

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                  N/E

Melting Point:                 N/E

Specific Gravity:            N/E

Solubility in H₂O:            N/E

Appearance and Odor:   Black powder, odor unknown.

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/A

Autoignition Temperature:  N/A or N/E

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

Extinguishing Media:  Use suitable extinguishing media for surrounding materials 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 & Explosion Hazard:  When heated to decomposition or on contact with acids or acid fumes, dysprosium telluride may emit highly toxic fumes.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

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

Dysprosium is considered a rare earth metal.  These metals are moderately to highly toxic.  The symptoms of the 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)

Elemental tellurium has relatively low toxicity.  It is converted in the body to dimethyl telluride which imparts a garlic-like odor to the breath and sweat.  Heavy exposures may, in addition, result in headache, drowsiness, metallic taste, loss of appetite, nausea, tremors, convulsions, and respiratory arrest.  (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials)

Acute Effects:

Inhalation: May cause irritation to the respiratory tract and mucous membrane, dry mouth, garlic odor to breath, sweat and urine, nausea and vomiting.  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, dry mouth, suppression of sweat, garlic odor to breath and urine.

Skin:  May cause irritation, rashes and skin granulomas.

Eye:  May cause moderate irritation.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  Prolonged or repeated inhalation may cause writhing, ataxia, walking on toes with arched back, sedation, pulmonary edema and lung granuloma.  May cause anorexia, nausea, depression to the central nervous system and somnolence.

Ingestion:  May act as a blood anticoagulant.  May cause anorexia, nausea, depression to the central nervous system and somnolence.

Skin: May cause dermatitis, sensitivity to heat, itching and skin lesions.

Eye: No chronic health effects recorded.

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

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure: Pre-existing lung 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 immediate medical attention.

INGESTION:  Give 1-2 glasses of milk or water and induce vomiting.  Seek immediate medical advice.  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.

EYES:  Flush with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.  Seek medical attention.

VI.   REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  No data

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid):  No data

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Toxic metal oxide fumes.

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 or vacuum up 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:  Disposal must be made in accordance with all Federal, State, and Local regulations.

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  NIOSH approved dust-mist-fume respirator.

Ventilation:  Handle in a controlled and enclosed process.  Use local exhaust to maintain concentration at low levels.  General exhaust is not recommended.

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:  Handle under dry protective gas.  Store in tightly closed containers.  Empty container may contain hazardous residues.  Avoid inhalation or skin contact.  Wash thoroughly after handling.

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

DOT Regulations:

Hazard Class:                      6.1

Identification Number:       UN3288

Packing Group:                   III

Proper Shipping Name:      Toxic solid, inorganic, n.o.s., (Dysprosium telluride).

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:                  April 2008