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:     Lanthanum

Formula:              La

CAS Number:       7439-91-0

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Components:   Lanthanum

Percent (%):                     0-100

OSHA/PEL:                         N/E

ACGIH/TLV:                        N/E

HMIS Ratings (Powder):

Health:                               2

Flammability:                    4

Reactivity:                         2

HMIS Ratings (Solid):

Health:                              1

Flammability:                   2

Reactivity:                        2

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                    3457 ^oC

Melting Point:                   921 ^oC

Specific Gravity:              6.14 g/cc

Solubility in H₂O:              Decomposes

Appearance and Odor:     Gray metallic powder, silver solid, no odor.

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/A

Flammability:  Highly flammable

Autoignition Temperature:  N/E

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

Extinguishing Media:  Dry powder, Class D extinguisher.  DO NOT USE WATER.

Special Firefighting Procedures:  Firefighters must wear a full face, self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing to prevent contact with skin any eyes.

Unusual Fire & Explosion Hazard:  Product will burn under fire conditions.  May react with water liberating flammable, explosive hydrogen gas.  As a powder or dust, lanthanum may ignite spontaneously.  Oxidizes rapidly in moist air.  Can react vigorously with oxidizing materials.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

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

Lanthanum 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.  The production of skin and lung granulomas after exposure requires extensive protection to prevent such exposure.  (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:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Eye:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Medical Conditions Possibly Aggravated by Exposure:  Inhalation 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 victim to fresh air, keep warm and quiet and 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.  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.

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

VI.   REACTIVITY DATA 

Stability:  Stable

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

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid):  Air, strong acids, strong oxidizing agents, acid chlorides, halogens, water/moisture.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Metal oxide fumes, hydrogen.  Powders or thin foils will react with water at room temperature to produce flammable, explosive H₂ (hydrogen gas).

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 gear specified in section VIII.  Eliminate all sources of ignition.  Evacuate area.  Provide ventilation.  Sweep or scoop up and place in an appropriate container.  Use non-sparking tools.  Vacuuming should be prohibited except for very small spills.  Always use a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter.  Do not let quantities of flammable materials accumulate in vacuum.  Clean up residual material by washing area with water.  Do not flush to drain.  Take care not to raise dust.

Waste Disposal Method:  In accordance with Local, State and Federal regulations.

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION 

Respiratory Protection:  NIOSH-approved dust respirator.

Ventilation:  Powder: Handle in a controlled process.  Handle under an inert 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 gear suitable to prevent contamination.

IX.   SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS 

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage:  Store under inert gas.  Store in a cool, dry place in tightly closed containers.  Air and moisture sensitive.  Store away from oxidizers and other materials listed under incompatibility.  Wash hands thoroughly after handling.  Do not rub eyes with soiled hands.  Do not eat, drink, or smoke in the work area.

Other Precautions:  Avoid breathing dusts or vapors.  Avoid direct or prolonged contact with skin and eyes.  Use non-sparking tools and grounded/bonded equipment and containers when transferring.  Subject to rapid oxidation in air and will deteriorate in the presence of moisture.  Will ‘fingerprint’ easily.  Pinholes may occur in thin foils as metal ages.

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.

SARA Title III Hazard Classification:  Fire Hazard, Reactive Hazard.

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

TSCA Listed:  Yes 

DOT Regulations:

Solid Forms:

         Hazard Class:                      4.1

         Identification Number:       UN3178

         Packing Group:                   III

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

Powder and Foil:

         Hazard Class:                     4.3

         Identification Number:      UN3132

         Packing Group:                   I

         Proper Shipping Name:      Water reactive solid, flammable, n.o.s. (Lanthanum)

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:                  January 2009