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:     Lutetium                                                                               

Formula:               Lu

CAS Number:        7439-94-3

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Component:   Lutetium

Percent (%):                    0-100

OSHA/PEL:                       N/E

ACGIH/TLV:                      N/E

HMIS Ratings(Powder):

Health:                             1

Flammability:                  4

Reactivity:                       2

HMIS Ratings(Solid):

Health:                             1

Flammability:                  2

Reactivity:                       2

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                   3402 ^oC                                                                  

Melting Point:                  1663 ^oC

Specific Gravity:               9.84 g/cc                                                 

Solubility in H₂O:             Insoluble

Appearance and Odor:     Silver metallic solid or powder, no odor.

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/A

Flammability:  Flammable solid

Autoignition Temperature:  N/E

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

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

Special Firefighting Procedures:  Firefighters must wear full face, self-contained breathing apparatus with full protective clothing.

Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards:  Product will burn under fire conditions.  May react with water liberating flammable, explosive hydrogen gas.  Like 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 lutetium have not been thoroughly investigated and reported.

Lutetium 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 respiratory tract and mucous membranes.  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 failure. 

Ingestion:  Low toxicity by ingestion due to poor absorption.  May cause gastrointestinal irritation.

Skin:  May cause irritation, rashes, skin granulomas.

Eye:  May cause irritation.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  Prolonged or repeated inhalation may cause writhing, loss of muscle coordination, labored respiration, sedation, hypotension and cardiovascular failure.

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       ACGIH:  No 

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

INHALATION:  Remove 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 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):  Acids, oxidizing agents, halogens, air, water/moisture.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Metal oxide fumes, hydrogen.

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 Waste Disposal Regulations.

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  In dusting conditions, use a NIOSH approved respirator.

Ventilation:  Handle in a dry, controlled atmosphere.  Handle in an inert gas such as argon.  Use local exhaust as needed to maintain airborne exposure below control limits.  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

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.  Wash hands throughly after handling.  Do not rub eyes with soiled hands.  Do not eat, drink or smoke in the work area.

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.

Work Practices:  Do not store, use, and/or consume foods, beverages, tobacco products, or cosmetics in areas where this material is stored.  Wash hands and face carefully before eating, drinking, using tobacco, applying cosmetics, or using the toilet.  Wash exposed skin promptly to remove accidentally splashes of contact with this material.  Maintain a sink, safety shower and eyewash fountain in the work area.  Have oxygen readily available.

Warning Statements:  FLAMMABLE SOLID.  UNDER FIRE CONDITIONS, MAY REACT WITH WATER TO PRODUCE  FLAMMABLE, EXPLOSIVE HYDROGEN GAS.  DUSTS IN HIGH CONCENTRATIONS ARE IGNITABLE AND MAY BE IRRITABLE TO SKIN, EYES OR THE RESPIRATORY TRACT.

DOT Regulations:

Solid Forms:

         Hazard Class:                   None

Foil:

         Hazard Class:                   4.1

         Identification Number:    UN3178

         Packing Group:                II

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

Powder:

        Hazard Class:                    4.1

        Identification Number:     UN3089

        Packing Group:                 II

        Proper Shipping Name:    Metal powders, flammable, n.o.s. (Lutetium)

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:                  September 2011