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:     Yttrium Chloride, Anhydrous

Formula:              YCl₃

CAS Number:       10361-92-9

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Components:   Yttrium Compounds

Percent (%):                      0-100

OSHA/PEL:                         1 mg/m³

ACGIH/TLV:                        1 mg/m³

HMIS Ratings:

Health:                               1

Flammability:                    0

Reactivity:                         0

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                   1507 ^oC                                                  

Melting Point:                   721 ^oC

Specific Gravity:              2.67 @ 20

Solubility in H₂O:             820 g/l @ 50

Appearance and Odor:    Off-white powder or pieces, no odor.

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point (Method used):  N/A

Ignition Temperature:  N/A

Explosion Limits:  Lower:  N/A         Upper:  N/A

Extinguishing Media: Not combustible.  Use extinguishing method suitable for surrounding fire.

Special Fire Fighting Procedures:  Firefighters should wear NIOSH/MSHA approved self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing.  Cool containers exposed to fire with water.

Unusual Fire & Explosion Hazard:  Under fire conditions, toxic, corrosive fumes are emitted.

Hazardous Decomposition Materials (under fire conditions):  Hydrogen chloride, chlorine

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

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

Yttrium is similar to the lanthanons and may have an anticoagulant effect on blood.  Exposure to lanthanons may also lead to sensitivity to heat, itching,, increased awareness of odor and taste, and liver damage.

The chloride ion generally has a very low toxicity.

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  Low acute inhalation toxicity.  May cause upper respiratory tract irritation.

Ingestion:  Harmful if ingested.  May cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, irritation.

Skin:  Skin absorption not likely.  Slightly irritating.  May cause redness, and inflammation.

Eye:  Severe irritant.  Can cause redness, irritation, tissue destruction.

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

Medical Conditions Possibly Aggravated by Exposure:  Inhalation of product may aggravate existing chronic respiratory problems such as asthma, emphysema or bronchitis.

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

INHALATION:  If respiratory irritation or distress occurs, remove victim to fresh air.  Seek medical attention if respiratory irritation or distress continues.

INGESTION:  If victim is conscious and alert, give 2-3 glasses of water to drink and induce vomiting.  Do not induce vomiting or give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.  Seek immediate medical attention.  Do not leave victim unattended.  Vomiting may occur spontaneously.  To prevent aspiration of swallowed product, lay victim on side with head lower than waist.  If vomiting occurs and the victim is conscious, give water to further dilute the chemical.

SKIN:  In case of contact, immediately wash with plenty of soap and water for at least 5 minutes.  Seek medical attention if irritation develops or persists.  Remove contaminated clothing and shoes.  Clean contaminated clothing and shoes before re-use.

EYES:  Hold eyelids open and flush with a steady, gentle stream of water for at least 15 minutes.  Seek medical attention if irritation develops or persists or if visual changes occur.

Notes To Physician:  All treatments should be based on observed signs and symptoms of distress in the patient.  Consideration should be given to the possibility that overexposure to materials other than this product may have occurred.  Treat symptomatically.  No specific antidote available.

VI.   REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to be Avoided: Dusting conditions, and open flames.  Water/moisture. 

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid):  Strong Acids, Strong bases, moisture, strong oxidizing agents

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Hydrogen chloride, chlorine

Hazardous Polymerization:  Will not occur

VII.   SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES

Steps to be Taken if Spilled or Released:  Wear appropriate protective equipment specified in section VIII.  Keep unprotected persons away.  Ensure adequate ventilation.  Sweep or vacuum up spill using a high efficiency particulate absolute (HEPA) air filter and place in an appropriate closed container.  Clean up residual material by washing area with water.

Waste Disposal Method:  Dispose of in accordance with Local, State and Federal Waste Disposal Regulations.

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

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

Ventilation:  Handle under dry protective gas in an enclosed process.  Use local exhaust to maintain concentration at low levels.

Eye/Face Protection:  Chemical safety glasses with side shields or splash proof goggles.  An emergency eye wash must be readily available in the work area.

Skin Protection:  Skin contact should be minimized through use of gloves and suitable long-sleeved clothing (ie.  Shirts and pants).  Consideration must be given both to durability as well as permeation resistance.

IX.   SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage:  Handle under dry protective gas.  Keep container tightly sealed.  Store in an area that is dry.  Store in tightly closed containers.  Do not store together with oxidizing and acidic materials.  Do not store together with alkalies (caustic solutions).  This product is hygroscopic.  Protect from humidity and water.  Store under dry inert gas.

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.

Warning Statements:  Severe eye irritant.  Harmful if inhaled.

Transportation Status:  Not regulated by DOT.

TSCA Inventory Status:  Listed

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:                    September 2004