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 Sulfide

Formula:              Ce₂S₃

CAS Number:       12014-93-6

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Component:        Cerium Sulfide         Particles not otherwise rated 

Percent (%):                        0-100                       0-100  

OSHA/PEL:                            N/E                         15 mg/m³ 

ACGIH/TLV:                           N/E                        10 mg/m³

HMIS Ratings:

Health:               2

Flammability:    3

Reactivity:         1

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                     N/E or N/A

Melting Point:                    1890 ^oC

Specific Gravity:                5.02 g/cc at 11 ^oC

Solubility in H₂O:                Insoluble 

Appearance and Odor:       Red to dark brown crystalline powder, pcs, 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 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 Hazard:  Flammable when exposed to flame or by spontaneous chemical reaction.  When heated to decomposition, cerium sulfide may emit highly toxic fumes of sulfur oxides.  Many sulfides ignite easily in air at room temperature, others require a higher temperature or the presence of an oxidizer.  Upon contact with steam or acids, hydrogen sulfide may be evolved, which can form explosive mixtures with air.  May ignite violently and explosively on contact with powerful oxidizing agents.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

To the best of our knowledge the chemical, physical and toxicological properties of cerium sulfide 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 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.

Sulfides of the heavy metals are generally insoluble and hence have little toxic action except through the liberation of hydrogen sulfide.  (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, eighth edition.)

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause irritation to the upper respiratory system.

Ingestion:  Considered to have low toxicity by ingestion.

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

Eye:  May cause moderate irritation.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause writhing, ataxia, labored respiration, walking on toes with arched back, sedation, pulmonary edema and lung granulomas.

Ingestion:  May act as a blood anticoagulant.

Skin:  May cause skin granulomas.

Eye:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Target Organs:  May affect the blood, lungs and skin.

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

Carcinogenicity:  IARC:  No             NTP:  No               ACGIH:  No          OSHA:  No

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

INHALATION:  Remove from area of exposure, keep warm and quiet, give oxygen if breathing is difficult, 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.

EYE:  Flush eyes with lukewarm water, lifting upper and lower lids for at least 15 minutes using an eyewash fountain, seek medical attention.

VI.   REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  None

Incompatibility (Materials to Avoid):  Steam, acids and oxidizing agents.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Hydrogen sulfide, oxides of sulfides.

Hazardous Polymerization:  Will not occur

VII.   SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES

Steps to Be Taken in Case Material Is Released or Spilled:  Wear appropriate protective gear.  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:  Use a NIOSH/MSHA approved dust respirator.

Ventilation:  Use local exhaust to maintain concentration at low exposure levels.  General exhaust is not recommended.  Handle in a controlled atmosphere.  Handle in an inert atmosphere.

Eye Protection:  Safety glasses

Protective Gloves:  Rubber gloves.

Other Protective Clothing:  Protective gear suitable to prevent contamination.

IX.   SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Handling and Storage:  Store in a cool, dry place in tightly closed containers.  Avoid breathing dusts.  Avoid direct or prolonged contact with skin and eyes.  Wash hands thoroughly after handling.  Do not rub eyes with soiled hands.  Do not eat, drink or smoke in the work area.

Other Precautions:  Dry powders can build static electricity charges when subjected to the friction of conveying, mixing or sliding.  To prevent ignition, provide adequate precautions, such as electrical grounding, or inert atmospheres when material is used in the presence of flammable materials.

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:                  June 1994