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:     Praseodymium Oxide

Formula:              Pr₂O₃

CAS Number:       12036-32-7

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Components:  Praseodymium Oxide

Percent (%):                    0-100

OSHA/PEL:                        N/E

ACGIH/TLV:                      N/E

HMIS Ratings:

Health:                             2

Flammability:                  0

Reactivity:                       0

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                    N/A

Melting Point:                   Decomposes

Specific Gravity:              7.07 g/cc

Solubility in H₂O:             Insoluble

Appearance and Odor:    Yellow-green powder or pieces, no odor.

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/A

Autoignition Temperature:  N/E

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 and full protective clothing to prevent contact with skin and eyes.

Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazard:  None recorded

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

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

Praseodymium oxide 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 granulomas after exposure to them requires extensive protection to prevent such exposure.  (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials)

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

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 failure.

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 Possibly Aggravated by Overexposure:  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 develops or persists.

EYE:  Flush eyes with lukewarm water, including under upper and lower eyelids, for at least 15 minutes.  Seek medical attention if irritation develops or persists.

VI.   REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  No data

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid):  No data

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  No data

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.  Vacuum up spill using a high efficiency particulate absolute (HEPA) air filter and place in a closed container for proper disposal.  Avoid creating dusting conditions.

Waste Disposal Method:  Dispose of in accordance with local, state and federal waste disposal regulations.

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection (Specify Type):  Use a NIOSH/MSHA approved dust respirator.

Ventilation:  Use local exhaust to maintain concentration of exposure at low levels.  General exhaust is recommended.

Protective Gloves:  Rubber gloves

Eye Protection:  Safety glasses

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.  Avoid breathing dusts.  Avoid direct or prolonged contact with skin and eyes.  Wash hands thoroughly after handling.  Do not rub eyes with soiled hands.  Do not eat, drink or smoke in the work area.

Other Precautions:  Dry powders can build static electricity charges when subjected to the friction of conveying, mixing or sliding.  To prevent ignition, provide adequate precautions, such as electrical grounding, or inert atmospheres when material is used in the presence of flammable materials.

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:      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 damages resulting from handling or from contact with the above product.

Issued by:                           S. Dierks

Revised/Verified:                  January 2009