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 Sulfide

Formula:              La₂S₃

CAS Number:       12031-49-1

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Component:   Lanthanum Sulfide

Percent (%):                   0-100

OSHA/PEL:                      N/E

ACGIH/TLV:                     N/E

HMIS Hazard Rating:

Health:                            1

Flammability:                 1   

Reactivity:                      1

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                  N/E

Melting Point:                 2100 - 2150 ^oC

Specific Gravity:            4.911 g/cc

Solubility in H₂O:           Decomposes

Appearance and Odor:  Red to yellow powder, rotten egg odor in moist air.

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:  Do not use water.  Use agents for metal fires (graphite, MET-L-X, TEC), CO₂ or sand.

Special Fire Fighting 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:  In case of fire, toxic hydrogen sulfide and/or sulfur dioxide fumes may be released.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

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

Lanthanum 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)

Sulfides show variable toxicity.  The alkaline sulfides are similar in action to alkalies.  They cause irritation of the skin and are corrosive by ingestion.  The heavy metal sulfides are generally insoluble and show little toxic action except through the liberation of hydrogen sulfide.  Hydrogen sulfide, if generated, is toxic, a severe irritant and flammable.  Effects include conjunctivitis, headache, nausea, dizziness, coughing, pulmonary edema and possibly death.

Acute Effects:

Inhalation: May cause irritation to the upper respiratory system.

Ingestion: Considered to have low toxicity by ingestion.

Skin:  May cause irritation.

Eye:  May cause moderate irritation.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:   May cause writhing, ataxia, walking on toes with arched back, sedation, pulmonary edema and lung granuloma.

Ingestion: May act as a blood anticoagulant.

Skin: May cause skin granuloma.

Eye: No chronic health effects recorded.

Route(s) of Entry:  Inhalation, ingestion, skin, eyes

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:  Seek immediate medical advice.  

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:  Water/moisture

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid):  Water, steam, moisture, acids and oxidizing agents.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Hydrogen sulfide and oxides of sulfides.

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.  Avoid sources of ignition.  Do not use wet methods for clean up.

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 an inert gas such as argon in a controlled and enclosed process, such as a dry box or glove box to prevent contact with moisture.  Use local exhaust to maintain concentration at low levels.  General exhaust is not recommended.

Protective Gloves:  Neoprene

Eye/Face 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.

Other Precautions: May be hygroscopic.  Handle and store in an inert gas.  Protect from humidity and water.  Do not store together with acids.  Reacts with acids forming hydrogen sulfide.

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:                    4.3

Identification Number:     UN3134

Packing Group:                 III

Proper Shipping Name:    Water-reactive solid, toxic, n.o.s., lanthanum (III) sulfide.

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

Date:                    January 2006