ELECTRONIC SPACE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL

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MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

I            PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION

Trade Name:      Erbium Chloride                                                                         Chemical Formula:          ErCl₃ . nH₂0

Synonyms:          Erbium Chloride Hexahydrate, Erbium Trichloride

II           HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Ingredient (s): Erbium Chloride (3+)                                                                    CAS #:                           10025-75-9

OSHA Hazardous(H)/Non-Hazardous (NH): H                                                 Percent:                             >99%

Sara Title III Hazard Classification: Immediate (Acute) Health Hazard.

WARNING STATEMENTS: SEVERE EYE IRRITANT.

III         PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point ^oF:              Decomposes                                                                  Specific Gravity:              Not available

Melting Point:                  Progressive dehydration starting at 212.                       Solubility in H₂O:            Soluble

Appearance and Odor:    Pink crystalline solid/odorless                                      %, Volatile by volume:    Not available

Vapor Pressure:               17.5 (for water component)                                          pH:                                    4.5 to 5.8 (aqueous)

IV         FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point (Method used): Not applicable

Flammable Limits: LFL: N/A     UFL: N/A

Extinguishing Media: Water fog, Dry chemical, Foam, CO₂.

Other: Use extinguishing media appropriate to surrounding fire conditions.

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

Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards: Under fire conditions and at high temperatures, highly toxic fumes of hydrogen chloride gas emitted.

V           HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Exposure Limits in Air: (TLV or suggested control figure):

Chemical Name(s):          ACGIH (TLV):                OSHA (PEL):

Particulates                        10 mg/m³                           15 mg/m³

Not otherwise                    (TWA)                               total dust

Regulated                           total dust                            5 mg/m³ respirable

Effects of Single Overexposure:

Swallowing: Studies performed on mice have shown rare earth chlorides to have low toxicity. Hydrates of rare earth chlorides are not tolerated as well after ingestion. LD50 (mouse) anhydrous: 4417 (mg/kg)

Skin Absorption: No data found

Inhalation: No data found for rare earth chlorides. Good industrial hygiene practice recommends limiting exposure to all respirable particulates.

Skin Contact: SEVERE IRRITANT ON ABRADED SKIN. Studies on this and other rare earth chlorides have shown these materials to be non-irritating to intact skin but extremely irritating to abraded skin.

Eye Contact: SEVERE EYE IRRITANT. Studies on this and other rare earth chlorides have shown these materials to be very irritating to the eye.

Effects of Repeated Overexposure: No toxic effects noted after chronic oral exposure in studies performed on animals.

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

Significant Laboratory Data With Possible Relevance to Man: No additional data found.

Medical Conditions Possibly Aggravated by Overexposure: No additional data found.

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

EYES: In case of contact, immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes using an eyewash fountain. Lift upper and lower lids and rinse well under them. Get immediate medical attention, preferably an eye specialist.

SKIN: In case of contact, immediately wash with soap and plenty of water for at least 5 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing and shoes. Thoroughly clean contaminated clothing and shoes before reuse. Get medical attention if irritation develops or persists.

INHALATION: Remove from area of exposure. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. GET IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION.

INGESTION: If swallowed and victim is fully conscious, induce vomiting immediately by giving two glasses of water and sticking finger down throat. Get medical attention.

NOTE 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 information found.

VI         REACTIVITY DATA

Stability: Stable

Conditions to Avoid: Dusting conditions

Incompatibility (materials to avoid): Strong acids, strong oxidizing materials, strong bases.

Hazardous Decomposition Products or Byproducts: Toxic fumes of hydrogen chloride gas are released at decomposition temperatures.

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. Sweep up into appropriate container for disposal or recovery. Avoid creating dusting conditions. Ventilate area. Neutralize spill area with calcium carbonate hydroxide solution.

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

VIII      SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection: Under conditions requiring respiratory protection use a NIOSH/MSHA approved air purifying respirator with particulate filter.

Ventilation: Provide adequate ventilation. Use local exhaust as needed.

Protective Clothing: Work uniform and gloves.

Eye Protection: Chemical Workers goggles.

Other: DO NOT WEAR CONTACT LENSES.

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

IX         SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Other Handling and Storage Conditions: SEVERE EYE IRRITANT. SEVERE IRRITANT TO ABRADED SKIN. HYGROSCOPIC. Store in tightly closed containers in cool dry place. Avoid breathing dusts. Avoid all direct contact with skin and eyes. Change contaminated clothing promptly and launder before reuse. 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.

Regulatory Status: TSCA Inventory Status: Product is TSCA certified. Listed under CAS #: 10138-41-7 for anhydrous erbium chloride.

Transportation Status: Not regulated.

Reportable Quantity (RQ), under U.S. EPA CERCLA: None listed.

Specifically Listed under SARA Title III: Not 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.

Prepared by:        S. Dierks

Dated:                  Jan 1995