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 hydride

Formula:              CeH_2-3

CAS Number:       12643-00-4

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS 

Hazardous Components:   Cerium Hydride

Percent (%):                      0-100

OSHA/PEL:                         N/E

ACGIH/TLV:                        N/E

III.   PHYSICAL DATA 

Boiling Point:                    N/E or N/A                                                           

Melting Point:                   Ignites

Specific Gravity:               N/E

Solubility in H₂O:              Decomposes violently to for H₂ gas and Ce(OH)₃

Appearance and Odor:     Dark black amorphous powder, no odor.

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA 

Flash Point:  N/E or N/A                                                                                   

Flammable Limits:  Upper:  N/E        Lower:  N/E

Extinguishing Media:  Use Class D or other metal extinguishing agent.  DO NOT USE WATER.

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 Hazards:  DANGEROUS WHEN WET.  May react violently on contact with powerful oxidizing agent.  May ignite spontaneously in moist air.  When heated or on contact with moisture or acids, an exothermic reaction evolving hydrogen occurs.  Danger burns in nitrogen.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION 

Effects of Exposure:

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

The greatest exposures are likely to be during manufacturing of cerium.  Exposed workers have experienced sensitivity to heat, itching and skin lesions.  Large doses to experimental animals have caused writhing, ataxia (loss of muscle coordination), labored respiration, sedation, hypotension and death by cardiovascular collapse.  The salts of cerium increase the blood coagulation rate.  (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, eighth edition)

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 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, eighth edition)

Hydrides have variable toxicity.

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause severe irritation to the respiratory tract and mucous membrane.  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 severe irritation, rashes and skin granulomas.

Eye:  May cause severe 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 Generally 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.

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 affected area with mild soap and water.  Seek medical  attention if irritation persists.

EYES:  Flush with lukewarm water, lifting upper and lower eyelids, for at least 15 minutes.  Seek medical attention if irritation persists.

VI.   REACTIVITY DATA 

Stability:  Unstable

Conditions To Avoid - Instability:  Air and moisture

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid):  Strong acids, water, moisture, oxidizing agents.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Hydrogen gas and Ce(OH)₃

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, provide ventilation and extinguish sources of ignition.  Vacuum up spill using a high efficiency particulate absolute (HEPA) air filter and place in a closed container for proper disposal.  Take care not to raise dust.  Use non-sparking tools.

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

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION 

Respiratory Protection:  NIOSH approved dust respirator.

Ventilation:  Use local exhaust to maintain concentration at or below the PEL, TLV.  Handle in a controlled atmosphere, in an inert gas such as argon. General exhaust is not recommended

Protective Gloves:  Neoprene, PVC, Butyl gloves

Eye Protection:  Safety glasses

Other Protective Clothing or Equipment:  Protective gear suitable to prevent contamination.

IX.   SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS 

Precautions To Be Taken in Handling and Storing:  Store in tightly sealed container.  Cerium hydride reacts with water and moisture.  Handle and store in a controlled environment and inert gas such as argon.  Wash thoroughly after handling.

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.

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 damages resulting from handling or from contact with the above product.

Issued by:                     S. Dierks

Revised/Verified:            December 2003