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:     Cerium Fluoride

Formula:              CeF₃

CAS Number:       7758-88-5

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Components:   Cerium 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:                       2327 ^oC

Melting Point:                      1430 ^oC

Specific Gravity:                 6.16 g/cc

Solubility in H₂O:                Insoluble 

Appearance and Odor:       White crystalline powder and pieces, no odor.

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/A

Autoignition Temperature:  N/A

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

Extinguishing Media:  Use:  Not applicable.  Use suitable extinguishing media for surrounding materials and type of fire.

Special Fire Fighting Procedures:  Firefighters must wear full face, self-contained breathing apparatus with 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:  When heated to decomposition or comes in contact with acids/acid fumes, cerium fluoride may emit toxic fumes of fluorine, hydrogen fluorine vapors and fluorine gas.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Health Hazards (Acute and Chronic):

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

Cerium 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 the 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.

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, causes 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  osteomalacia.  Large doses can cause very severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, aggravate attacks of asthma and severe bone changes, making normal movements painful.  Some signs of pulmonary fibrosis are noted.  Some enzyme system effects are reported.  Irritants to the eyes, skin and mucous membranes.  Loss of weight, anorexia, anemia, wasting and cachexia 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. 

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 and granulomatous peritonitis with serious and hemorrhagic ascites, respiratory and cardiac failure. 

Ingestion:  May cause gastrointestinal irritation.