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:     Lanthanum Chloride

Formula:              LaCl₃

CAS Number:       10099-58-8

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Components:  Lanthanum Chloride

Percent (%):                    100

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                   1000.0 ^oC

Melting Point:                  860.0 ^oC

Specific Gravity:              3.84 gm/cc at 25 ^oC

Solubility in H₂O:             Very soluble

Appearance and Odor:    White, powder, odorless

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA  

Flash Point (Method used):  Not Applicable

Flammable Limits:  LEL:  N/A          UEL:  N/A

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

Special Fire Fighting Procedures:  Fire fighters must wear full face, self-contained breathing apparatus with full protective clothing to prevent contact with skin and eyes.  Fumes from fire are hazardous.  Isolate runoff to prevent environmental pollution.

Unusual Fire & Explosion Hazard:  When heated to decomposition, Lanthanum Chloride may emit toxic fumes of chlorine.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Over Exposure (Acute and Chronic):

Lanthanum 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.  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.

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 immediate defecation, writhing, loss of muscle coordination, labored respiration, sedation, hypotension and cardiovascular failure.

Ingestion:  Moderately toxic by ingestion.  May cause gastrointestinal irritation.  Chronic ingestion may affect the coagulation of the blood.

Skin:  May cause irritation, rashes and skin granulomas.  Chronic exposure may cause dermatitis, sensitivity to heat, itching and skin lesions.

Eyes:  May cause irritation.

Signs and Symptoms of Exposure:

Inhalation:  May cause writhing, loss of muscle coordination, labored respiration, sedation, hypotension and cardiovascular failure.

Ingestion:  May cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal burning and cramp-like pain.

Skin:  May cause redness, itching and burning.

Eyes:  May cause redness, itching, burning and watering.

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

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

Carcinogenicity:  This product does not contain any ingredient designated by IARC, NTP, ACGIH or OSHA as a probable human  carcinogen.

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.

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:  None

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid):  None recorded

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Fumes of chlorine

Hazardous Polymerization:  Will not occur

VII.   SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES

Steps to be Taken in Case Material is Released or Spilled:  Wear appropriate protective gear.  Isolate spill area and provide ventilation.  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:  In accordance with Local, State and Federal regulations.

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection (Specify Type):  In dusting conditions, use a NIOSH/MSHA approved respirator.

Ventilation:  Provide adequate ventilation.  Use local exhaust to maintain concentration at low levels.  General exhaust recommended.

Protective Clothing:  Work clothing and rubber gloves.

Eye Protection:  Safety glasses.

Other Protective Equipment:  Maintain a sink, safety shower and eyewash fountain in the work area.  Have oxygen readily available.

Work Hygienic Maintenance 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.

IX.   SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Other Handling and Storage Conditions:  Store in a cool, dry place in tightly closed containers.

Some of the chemicals listed herein are research or experimental substances which may be toxic, as defined by various governmental regulations.  In accordance with Environmental Protection Agency regulations and the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA), these materials should only by handled by, or under the direct supervision of, a “technically qualified individual”, as defined in 40 CFR 710.2(aa).

The above information is accurate to the best of our knowledge.  However, since data, safety standards, and government regulations are subject to change, and the conditions of handling and use or misuse are beyond our control, ESPI makes no warranty, neither expressed nor implied, with respect to the completeness or continuing accuracy of the information contained herein, and disclaims all liability for reliance thereon.  Users should satisfy themselves that they have all current data relevant their particular use.

Prepared by:          S. Dierks

Dated:                   August 1993