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
E-Mail: sales@espimetals.com
Trade Name: Thulium
Formula: Tm
CAS#: 7440-30-4
II. HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS
Hazardous Component: %: OSHA/PEL: ACGIH/TLV:
Thulium 0-100 N/E N/E
Particulates not otherwise regulated 0-100 15 mg/m3 total dust, 5 mg/m3 respirable 10 mg/m3 total dust
SARA Title III Hazard Classification: Fire Hazard, Reactive Hazard.
HMIS Ratings (Foil): Health: 1 Flammability: 2 Reactivity: 2
HMIS Ratings (Powder): Health: 1 Flammability: 3 Reactivity: 2
III. PHYSICAL DATA
Boiling Point: 1950 oC
Melting Point: 1545 oC
Specific Gravity: 9.321 g/cc
Vapor Density: N/A
Vapor Pressure: N/A
Solubility in H2O: Insoluble
Appearance and Odor: Silver solid, gray metallic powder, no odor.
% Volatiles: N/A
IV. FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA
Flash Point: N/A
Autoignition Temperature: N/E
Flammable Limits: Upper: N/E Lower: N/E
Flammability: Highly flammable
Extinguishing Media: Class D extinguisher or other suitable metal extinguishing agent. DO NOT USE WATER.
Special Firefighting Procedures: Firefighters must wear full face, self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing.
Unusual Fire & Explosion Hazard: Avoid creating fine dusts, because as a powder, this product is capable of creating a dust explosion. Contact with water liberates extremely flammable gases. Spontaneously flammable in air.
V. HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION
Effects of Exposure:
To the best of our knowledge the chemical, physical and toxicological properties of thulium have not been thoroughly investigated and recorded.
Thulium 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. The rare earth elements exhibit low toxicity by ingestion exposure. The production of skin and lung granulomas after exposure requires extensive protection to prevent such exposure. (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials)
Acute Effects:
Inhalation: May cause irritation to the respiratory tract and mucous membranes. Dusts may cause asthma attacks and lung damage such as lung granulomas. Large doses may cause immediate defecation, writhing, loss of muscle coordination, labored respiration, sedation, hypotension and cardiovascular failure.
Ingestion: Low toxicity by ingestion due to poor absorption. May cause gastrointestinal irritation.
Skin: May cause irritation, rashes, skin granulomas.
Eye: May cause irritation.
Chronic Effects:
Inhalation: Prolonged or repeated inhalation may cause writhing, loss of muscle coordination, labored respiration, sedation, hypotension and cardiovascular failure.
Ingestion: May affect the coagulation rate of the blood.
Skin: May cause dermatitis, sensitivity to heat, itching and skin lesions.
Eye: No chronic health effects recorded.
Target Organs: May affect the respiratory system, blood and skin.
Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure: Pre-existing respiratory disorders.
Carcinogenicity: NTP: No IARC: No OSHA: No ACGIH: No
EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:
INHALATION: Remove to fresh air, keep warm and quiet, give oxygen if breathing is difficult, seek medical attention.
INGESTION: Give 1-2 glasses of milk or water and induce vomiting, seek medical attention. Never induce vomiting or give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
SKIN: Remove contaminated clothing and brush material off skin, wash affected area with soap and water, seek medical attention if irritation develops or persists.
EYES: 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 medical attention if irritation develops or persists.
VI. REACTIVITY DATA
Stability: Stable
Conditions to Avoid: Air and moisture sensitive.
Incompatibility (Materials to Avoid): Air, moisture, acids, oxidizing materials, and halogens.
Hazardous Decomposition Products or Byproducts: Hydrogen gas, metal oxide fume.
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 gear specified in section VIII. Eliminate all sources of ignition. Evacuate area. Provide ventilation. Sweep into appropriate container. Avoid creating dust. Wash spill area after material pickup is complete. Use non-sparking tools.
Waste Disposal Method: In accordance with Local, State and Federal waste disposal regulations.
VIII. SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION
Respiratory Protection (Specify Type): In dusting conditions, use a NIOSH/MSHA approved dust mask.
Ventilation: Provide adequate ventilation. Use local exhaust as needed to maintain airborne exposure below control limits.
Protective Gloves: Rubber
Eye Protection: Safety glasses with side shields, chemical workers dust-proof goggles (under dusting conditions).
Other Protective Equipment: Normal Lab Wear
IX. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage: Store in a cool, dry place in tightly closed containers. Air and moisture sensitive. Store away from oxidizers and other materials listed under incompatibility. STORE UNDER ARGON OR OTHER INERT ENVIRONMENT. Avoid breathing dusts. Avoid direct or prolonged contact with skin and eyes. Do not rub eyes with soiled hands.
Other Precautions: Avoid creating dusts as this product, like most materials in powder form, is capable of creating a dust explosion.
Work Practices: Do not store, use, and/or consume foods, beverages, tobacco products, or cosmetics in areas where this material is stored. Wash hands and face carefully before eating, drinking, using tobacco, applying cosmetics, or using the toilet. Wash exposed skin promptly to remove accidentally splashes of contact with this material. Maintain a sink, safety shower and eyewash fountain in the work area. Have oxygen readily available.
DOT Regulations:
Ingot, Pieces, Sheet, Rod:
Hazard Class: None
Foil:
Hazard Class: 4.1
Identification Number: UN3178
Packing Group: III
Proper Shipping Name: Flammable solid, inorganic, n.o.s. (Thulium)
Powder:
Hazard Class: 4.1
Identification Number: UN3089
Packing Group: II
Proper Shipping Name: Metal powder, flammable, n.o.s. (Thulium)
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: May 2006