ELECTRONIC SPACE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL

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MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

I            PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION

Trade Name:                    Gadolinium Chloride                                                    Formula:            GdCl₃ 

CAS#:                                10138-52-0                                                                   Synonym(s):       Gadolinium Trichloride     

Chemical Family:             Metal chloride

II           HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

OSHA Hazardous (H)/Non-Hazardous (NH): H                   Percent: 100                      TLV & PEL:      Not set 

HMIS Hazard Rating:     Health: 2; Flammability: 0; Reactivity: 1; Personal Protection: E

III         PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point (0 ^oC):        No data found                                                               Melting Point (^oC):          609

Density (gm/cc): 4.52                                                                               Vapor Pressure:               Not applicable

Solubility in water:          Soluble                                                                          Reaction with Water:      None

Appearance and Odor:   White crystals, odorless

IV         FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point (Method Used): N/A                                                                          Autoignition Temperature: N/A

Flammable Limits: Upper: N/A Lower: N/A

Flammability: Non-flammable

Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, CO₂. DO NOT use water.

Special Fire Fighting Procedures: Wear a NIOSH/MSHA approved self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing to prevent contamination of skin and eyes.

Unusual Fire & Explosion Hazards: When heated to decomposition, this material emits very toxic fumes of cl-.

V           HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Toxicity Data:    skn-rbt: 500 mg MOD; eye-rbt: 1 mg/1H MLD; ipr-mus LDSO: 378 mg/kg 

Routes of Entry: Inhalation, skin, ingestion.

Carcinogenicity: None

Medical Conditions possibly aggravated by Overexposure: Respiratory disorders.

Effects of Overexposure (Acute and Chronic):

Inhalation: May cause sneezing, coughing, difficulty breathing, and irritation of the mucus membrane of the respiratory tract. Lung granuloma may result.

Skin Contact: May cause irritation, itching, inflammation and dermatitis. Skin granuloma may develop.

Eye Contact: May cause burning sensation, irritation, redness and watering of the eyes if comes in contact.

Other: Gd compounds: The rare earths are moderate to highly toxic. Symptoms of toxicity include writhing, ataxia, labored respiration, walking on the toes with arched back and sedation. Lung and skin granulomas may develop with overexposure.

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

EYES: Flush eyes with lukewarm water for 15 minutes. Seek medical attention immediately.

SKIN: Brush material off skin. Wash affected area with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately.

INHALATION: Remove victim to fresh air. Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. Seek medical attention immediately.

INGESTION: Give 1 - 2 glasses of milk or water and induce vomiting. Seek immediate medical attention.

VI         REACTIVITY DATA

Stability: Stable

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid): Strong acids, strong bases, oxidizers.

Conditions to Avoid: Heat, flame and incompatible materials.

Hazardous Decomposition Products or Byproducts: Gadolinium, gadolinium oxide, Cl-, Cl₂

Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur.

VII        SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES

Steps to be Taken in Case Material is Released or Spilled: Wear a self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing. Isolate the area where the spill occurred and insure that proper ventilation is available and that water/moisture is kept out of the area. Vacuum up the spill using a high efficiency unit and place in a container for proper disposal. Take care not to raise dust.

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

VIII      SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection: Wear a NIOSH-approved dust-mist-fume cartridge respirator.

Ventilation: Provide adequate ventilation. Use local exhaust as needed to maintain airborne exposure below control limits. General exhaust not recommended.

Protective Clothing: Work clothing and neoprene gloves 

Eye Protection: Safety glasses.

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

IX         SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Other Precautions: Store in cool dry place, in tightly sealed containers. Air and moisture sensitive. Store away from oxidizers and other materials listed under incompatibility. STORE UNDER ARGON OR OTHER INERT ENVIRONMENT. 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. Avoid creating dusts as this product, like most materials in powder form, is capable of creating a dust explosion.

TSCA Inventory Status: Product is TSCA certified.

Transportation Status: POWDER AND THIN FOIL: Flammable solid, n.o.s. (gadolinium metal), UN 1325.

              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:                  January 1991