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:    Erbium Fluoride

Formula:             ErF₃

CAS Number:      13760-83-3

II.  HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Component:    Erbium Fluoride 

Percent (%):                    0-100 

OSHA/PEL:                        2.5 mg(F)/m³ 

ACGIH/TLV:                      2.5 mg(F)/m³

HMIS Ratings:   

Health:                             3        

Flammability:                  0        

Reactivity:                       0          

III.  PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                   2200 ^oC 

Melting Point:                  1350 ^oC

Specific Gravity:             N/E

Solubility in H₂O:            Insoluble 

Appearance and Odor:   Rose colored, crystalline pieces/powder, no odor

IV.  FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/A

Autoignition Temperature:  N/A

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

Extinguishing Media:  Use extinguishing media suitable for surrounding materials and type of fire.

Special Firefighting Procedures:  Firefighters must wear full face, self-contained breathing apparatus with full protective clothing to prevent contact with skin and eyes.

Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards:  Erbium fluoride may emit toxic fumes of fluorine and/or hydrogen fluoride when heated to decomposition or in contact with acids/acid fumes.

V.  HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

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

Erbium 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.  The production of lung and skin granulomas after exposure to the rare earth elements  requires extensive protection to prevent such exposure.

Inorganic fluorides are generally highly irritating and toxic.  Chronic fluorine poisoning, or ‘fluorosis’, occurs among miners of cryolite, and consists of sclerosis of the bones, caused by fixation of the calcium by fluorine.  There may also be some calcification of the ligaments.  The teeth are mottled and there is osteosclerosis and ostemalacia.  Large doses can cause very severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, aggravate attacks of asthma, and cause severe bone changes, making normal movements painful.  Some signs of pulmonary fibrosis are noted.  Some enzyme system effects are reported.  Irritant to the eyes, skin and mucous membranes.  Loss of weight, anorexia, wasting and dental defects are among the common findings in chronic fluorine poisoning.  There may be an eosinophilia and impairment of growth in young workers.  Symptoms of intoxication include gastric, intestinal, circulatory, respiratory and nervous complaints and rashes.  (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials)

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause irritation to the respiratory tract and mucous membrane.  Dusts may cause asthma attacks and lung damage such as lung granulomas and pulmonary edema.  Large doses may cause immediate defecation, writhing, loss of muscle coordination, labored respiration, sedation, hypotension, dyspnea, hyperemia, liver edema and necrosis, portal congestion, pleural effusion, granulomatous peritonitis with serious and hemorrhagic ascites, respiratory and cardiac failure.

Ingestion:  May cause gastrointestinal irritation.

Skin:  May cause irritation, rashes and skin granulomas.

Eye:  May cause irritation.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause fluorosis, pulmonary fibrosis, severe bone changes, hyperemia, cellular eosinophilia and vascular granulomata, acute chemical pneumonitis, subacute bronchitis and focal hypertrophic emphysema.

Ingestion:  May affect renal and hepatic functions, the coagulation rate of the blood, circulatory, enzyme and nervous system.

Skin:  May cause dermatitis, sensitivity to heat, itching and skin lesions.

Eye:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Medical Conditions Possibly Aggravated by Overexposure:  Pre-existing lung disorders.

Carcinogenicity:  NTP:  No    IARC:  No       OSHA:  No

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

INHALATION:  Remove to fresh air, keep warm and quiet, give oxygen if breathing is difficult and 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, brush material off skin, wash with soap and water.  Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

EYES:  Flush eyes with water, including under eyelids for at least 15 minutes.  Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

VI.  REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  None

Incompatibility (Materials to Avoid):  Acids, reducing agents, water/moisture.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Fumes of fluorine, hydrogen fluoride, fluorine gas and erbium oxides.

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 specified in section VIII.  Sweep or scoop up spill and place in a container for disposal.  Take care not to raise dusts.

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

VIII.  SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  NIOSH approved respirator.

Ventilation:  Use local exhaust to control dusts and maintain exposures below TLV.  General exhaust is recommended

Protective Gloves:  Neoprene, PVC, butyl

Eye Protection:  Safety glasses

Other Protective Clothing or Equipment:  Normal lab wear

IX.  SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage:  Store in a tightly sealed container.  Store in a cool, dry location.  Wash thoroughly after handling.

Other Precautions:  Hygroscopic.  Store away from water/moisture.  Store away from reducing agents.

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.

DOT Regulations:

Hazard Class:              None

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:                   July 2007