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:     Samarium Oxide

Formula:              Sm₂O₃

CAS Number:       12060-58-1

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Components:  Samarium 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/E

Melting Point:                   N/E

Specific Gravity:              8.347 g/cc

Solubility in H₂O:             Insoluble

Appearance and Odor:    White to yellowish powder or pieces, no odor.

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/A

Flammability:  Non-flammable

Autoignition Temperature:  N/A

Flammable Limits:  Upper:  N/A       Lower:  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 & Explosion Hazard:  When heated to decomposition samarium oxide may emit toxic fumes.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

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

Samarium 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.  Rare earth oxides are much less toxic than the chlorides or citrates.  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 upper respiratory system and mucous membranes.

Ingestion:  Considered to have low toxicity by ingestion.

Skin:  May cause irritation.

Eyes:  May cause irritation.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause writhing, ataxia, labored respiration, walking on the toes with arched back, sedation, pneumoconiosis, hemoglobinemia and lung granulomas.

Ingestion:  May act as a blood anticoagulant.

Skin:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Eye:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Target Organs:  May affect the blood and lungs.

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 medical attention if symptoms persist. 

INGESTION:  Give 1-2 glasses of milk or water and induce vomiting, seek medical attention if symptoms persist.  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 symptoms persist.

EYES:  Flush eyes with lukewarm water, including under upper and lower eyelids, for at least 15 minutes.  Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

VI.   REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  Water/moisture

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid):  Strong acids, oxidizing agents, water/moisture, carbon dioxide.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  None known

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 are and provide ventilation.  Scoop or vacuum up spill using a HEPA 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 Waste Disposal Regulations.

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  NIOSH approved dust respirator.

Ventilation:  Use local exhaust to maintain airborne 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 tightly sealed container.  Store in a cool, dry area.  Wash thoroughly after handling.

Other Precautions:  This material is hygroscopic.  Keep containers tightly sealed.  Protect from moisture.  Do not store together with oxidizing and acidic 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.

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

Issue Date:            February 2008