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:     Holmium

Formula:               Ho

CAS Number:        7440-60-0

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS 

Hazardous Components:   Holmium

Percent (%):                     0-100

OSHA/PEL:                        N/E

ACGIH/TLV:                       N/E

HMIS Ratings (Powder):

Health:                              2

Flammability:                    3

Reactivity:                         1

III.   PHYSICAL DATA 

Boiling Point:                   2700 ^oC                                                                  

Melting Point:                  1474 ^oC

Specific Gravity:              8.795 g/cc

Solubility in H₂O:             Insoluble

Appearance and Odor:     Silver-colored solid, gray 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 dry powder or class D extinguisher.  DO NOT USE WATER.

Special Fire Fighting Procedures:  Firefighters must wear full face, self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing.

Unusual Fire & Explosion Hazard:  Finely divided metal can oxidize rapidly.  Product will burn under fire conditions.  May react with water liberating flammable, explosive hydrogen gas.  Like all organic and most dry chemicals, as a powder or dust, this product (when mixed with air in critical proportions and in the presence of an ignition source) may present an explosion hazard.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION 

Effects of Exposure:

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

Holmium 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.  May lead to production of skin and lung granulomas. (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials)

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause irritation to the upper respiratory system.

Ingestion:  Considered to have low toxicity by ingestion.

Skin:  May cause irritation.

Eye:  May cause moderate irritation.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause writhing, ataxia, labored respiration, sedation, pulmonary edema and lung granuloma.

Ingestion:  May act as a blood anticoagulant.

Skin:  None recorded.

Eye:  None recorded.

Target Organs:  Respiratory system, blood, skin. 

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure:  Inhalation of product  may aggravate existing chronic respiratory problems such as asthma, emphysema or bronchitis.

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

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

INHALATION:  Remove to fresh air, keep warm and quiet, give oxygen if breathing is difficult, seek medical attention if respiratory irritation or distress continues.

INGESTION:  Give 1-2 glasses of milk or water and induce vomiting, seek medical attention.  Do not induce vomiting or give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.

SKIN:  Remove contaminated clothing, brush material off skin, wash with plenty of soap and water.  Seek medical attention if irritation develops or persists.

EYE:  Flush eyes with lukewarm water, lifting upper and lower eyelids, for at least 15 minutes.  Seek medical attention if irritation develops or persists or if visual changes occur.

VI.   REACTIVITY DATA 

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  Dusting conditions, electric arcs, open flame, spark, moisture.

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid):  Air, strong acids, strong oxidizing agents, acid chlorides, halogens, chlorates, bromates, iodates.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Hydrogen (decomposition type: hydrolysis).

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.  Scoop up or 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 regulations.

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION 

Respiratory Protection:  NIOSH approved respirator.

Ventilation:  Handle in a controlled, enclosed environment in an inert gas such as argon.  Use local exhaust to maintain low levels of exposure.  General exhaust is not recommended.

Protective Gloves:  Rubber gloves

Eye Protection:  Safety glasses

Other Protective Clothing or Equipment:  Protective clothing to prevent contact with skin.

IX.   SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage:  Store in a cool, dry place in tightly closed containers.  Air and moisture sensitive.  Store away from oxidizers and other materials listed under incompatibility.  STORE UNDER ARGON OR OTHER INERT ENVIRONMENT.  Avoid breathing dusts.  Avoid direct or prolonged contact with skin and eyes.  Do not rub eyes with soiled hands.

Other Precautions:  Avoid creating dusts as this product, like most materials in powder form, is capable of creating a dust explosion.  Use non-sparking tools and grounded/bonded equipment and containers when transferring.  Foils are subject to oxidation at elevated temperatures and will deteriorate in the presence of moisture.  Will 'fingerprint' easily.  Pinholes may occur in thin foils as metal ages.

Warning Statements:  FLAMMABLE SOLID WHEN A POWDER OR THIN FOIL.  REACTS WITH WATER AND DILUTE ACIDS TO PRODUCE FLAMMABLE, EXPLOSIVE HYDROGEN GAS.  DUSTS IN HIGH CONCENTRATIONS MAY CAUSE SKIN, EYE AND RESPIRATORY TRACT IRRITATION.

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:

Solid Forms:

         Hazard Class:                     None

Thin Foil:

        Hazard Class:                      4.1

        Identification Number:       UN3178

        Packing Group:                   II

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

Powder:

       Hazard Class:                      4.1

       Identification Number:       UN3089

       Packing Group:                   II

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

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

Revised/Verified:                  June 2011