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:     Scandium

Formula:              Sc

CAS Number:       7440-20-2

II.  HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Component:   Scandium 

Percent (%):                   0-100 

OSHA/PEL:                       N/E or N/A 

ACGIH/TLV:                     N/E or N/A

III.  PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                  2836 ^oC

Melting Point:                 1541 ^oC

Specific Gravity:             2.989 g/cc 

Solubility in H₂O:            Insoluble

Appearance and Odor:   Silver-gray solid or powder, no odor

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:  DO NOT USE WATER or halogenated extinguishers.  Use special powder for metal fires.

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 & Explosion Hazard:  Scandium dust is flammable when exposed to heat or flame or oxidizing agents.  May react violently in air and to halogens.  Reacts slowly with water to liberate hydrogen gas.

V.  HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

To the best of our knowledge the chemical, physical and toxicological properties of scandium have not been thoroughly investigated and reported.

Scandium is considered to have similar properties as rare earth metals.  These metals are moderately to highly toxic.  The symptoms of toxicity of the rare earth metals include writhing, ataxia, labored respiration, walking on the toes with arched back, and sedation.  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)

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause irritation to the respiratory system and mucous membranes.  Dusts may cause asthma attacks and lung damage such as lung granulomas.  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.

Carcinogenicity:  NTP:  No         IARC:  No             OSHA:  No

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

INHALATION:  Remove from exposure, keep warm and quiet, give oxygen if breathing is difficult, seek immediate medical attention.  

INGESTION:  Give 1-2 glasses of milk or water, induce vomiting, seek immediate medical attention.  Never induce vomiting or give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.

SKIN:  Remove any contaminated clothing, brush material off of skin, flush with running water, wash carefully with soap and water.   Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

EYE:  Flush with copious amounts of water for 15 minutes, seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

VI.  REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  None

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid):  Acids, oxidizing agents, water/moisture, air, halogens.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  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 equipment specified in section VIII.  Isolate spill area and provide adequate ventilation.  Vacuum up spill using a high efficiency particulate absolute (HEPA) air filter or sweep or scoop up and place in a closed container.  Take care not to raise dust.

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

VIII.  SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  NIOSH approved dust respirator

Ventilation:  Handle in a dry, controlled atmosphere under a protective gas, such as argon.  Use local exhaust to maintain concentration of exposure at low levels.  General exhaust is not recommended.

Protective Gloves:  Rubber gloves

Eye Protection:  Safety glasses

Other Protective Clothing or Equipment:  Protective work clothing.

IX.  SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage:  Handle and store under dry protective gas.  Keep container tightly sealed.  Store in cool, dry place in tightly closed containers.  Do not store together with oxidizing and acidic materials.  Protect from air and water/moisture.  Store away from halogens.  Finely divided metal can oxidize rapidly, store in oil or argon.

Work Practices:  Implement engineering and work practice controls to reduce and maintain concentration of exposure.  Handle in a controlled, inert 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.

DOT Regulations:

Rod, Ingot:

         Hazard Class:                  None

Pieces, Foil:

        Hazard Class:                   4.1

        Identification Number:    UN3178

        Packing Group:                III

        Proper Shipping Name:   Flammable solid, inorganic, n.o.s. (Scandium)

Powder:

        Hazard Class:                   4.1

        Identification Number:    UN3089

        Packing Group:                 II

        Proper Shipping Name:    Metal powder, flammable, n.o.s. (Scandium)

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