Thulium Oxide
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: Thulium Oxide
Formula: Tm2O3
CAS Number: 12036-44-1
II. HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS
Hazardous Component: Thulium Oxide
Percent (%): 0-100
OSHA/PEL: N/E
ACGIH/TLV: N/E
HMIS Ratings:
Health: 2
Flammability: 0
Reactivity: 1
III. PHYSICAL DATA
Boiling Point: N/E or N/A
Melting Point: 2400 oC
Specific Gravity: 8.88
Solubility in H2O: Insoluble
Appearance and Odor: Green-white powder and pieces, no odor.
IV. FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA
Flash Point: N/E or N/A
Method Used: Non-flammable
Explosive Limits: Lower: N/A Upper: N/A
Extinguishing Media: Use suitable extinguishing agent for surrounding materials and type of fire.
Special Firefighting Procedures: Firefighters must wear full face, self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing to prevent contact with skin and eyes. Fumes from fire are hazardous. Isolate runoff to prevent environmental pollution.
Unusual Fire & Explosion Hazard: Absorbs water and carbon dioxide from the air. On heating it changes to a reddish incandescence, then yellow and white.
V. HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION
Effects of Exposure:
To the best of our knowledge the chemical, physical and toxicological properties of thulium oxide have not been thoroughly investigated and reported.
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 (animal testing). The rare earth elements exhibit low toxicity by ingestion exposure. However, the intraperitoneal route is highly toxic while the subcutaneous route is poison to moderately toxic. The production of skin and lung granulomas after exposure to them requires extensive protection to prevent such exposure. (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, eighth edition.)
Acute Effects:
Inhalation: May cause irritation to the respiratory tract and mucous membrane. Dusts may cause asthma attacks and lung damage such as lung granuloma. Large doses may cause writhing, loss of muscle coordination, labored respiration, sedation, hypotension and cardiovascular collapse.
Ingestion: May cause gastrointestinal irritation.
Skin: May cause irritation, rashes and 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 collapse.
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 Possibly Aggravated by Exposure: Pre-existing respiratory disorders.
Carcinogenicity: NTP: No IARC: No OSHA: No
EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:
INHALATION: Remove victim 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. Never induce vomiting or give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
SKIN: Remove contaminated clothing, brush material off skin, wash with plenty of soap and water for at least 5 minutes. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.
EYE: 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.
VI. REACTIVITY DATA
Stability: Stable
Conditions to Avoid: Protect from moisture and carbon dioxide.
Incompatibility (materials to avoid): Strong acids.
Hazardous Decomposition Products (Thermal Decomposition): None recorded.
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. Isolate spill area and provide ventilation. Vacuum up spill using a high efficiency particulate absolute (HEPA) air filter and place in an appropriate closed container. 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 (Specify Type): Wear NIOSH/MSHA approved respirator.
Ventilation: Handle in a dry, controlled environment. Use local exhaust to maintain concentration at low exposure levels. General exhaust is not recommended.
Protective Gloves: Rubber gloves
Eye Protection: Safety glasses
Other Protective Equipment: Wear protective clothing to prevent contamination of skin and clothes.
IX. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage: Protect from moisture and carbon dioxide. Handle and store in a controlled environment. Store in a cool, dry area. Store in tightly sealed containers. Wash thoroughly after handling.
Work Practices: Implement engineering and work practice controls to reduce and maintain concentration of exposure. Handle in a controlled, dry atmosphere. Minimize exposure by using local exhaust and an enclosing process if/when possible. Use good housekeeping and sanitation practices. Do not use tobacco or food in work area. Wash thoroughly before eating or 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.
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: March 2000
ALLOYS 
