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:     Dysprosium Fluoride                                          

Formula:              DyF₃

CAS Number:       13569-80-7

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Component:   Dysprosium Fluoride

Percent (%):                   0-100

OSHA/PEL:                      2.5 mg(F)/m³

ACGIH/TLV:                     2.5 mg(F)/m³

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                   2200 ^oC

Melting Point:                  1360 ^oC

Specific Gravity:             N/E

Solubility in H₂O:             Insoluble                                              

Appearance and Odor:    White powder, no odor.

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point/Method:  N/A

Autoignition Temperature:  N/A

Flammable Limits:  N/A

Extinguishing Media:  Not combustible.  Use extinguishing method suitable for surrounding fire.

Special Fire Fighting Procedures:  Wear NIOSH/MSHA approved self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing.  Cool containers exposed to fire with water.

Unusual Fire & Explosion Hazard:  Under fire conditions toxic fumes of hydrogen fluoride and/or fluorine may be emitted.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

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

Dysprosium 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.

Fluorides may cause salivation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain, followed by weakness, tremors, shallow respiration, convulsions and coma. May cause brain and kidney damage. Chronic fluoride poisoning can cause severe bone changes, loss of weight, anorexia, anemia and dental defects.

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause upper respiratory tract irritation.

Ingestion:  May cause gastrointestinal irritation.

Skin:  May cause irritation, rashes, and skin granulomas.

Eye:  May cause irritation.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause fluorosis, pulmonary fibrosis, severe bone changes, hyperemia, cellular eosinophilia and vascular granulomata, acute chemical pneumonitis, subacute bronchitis and focal hypertopic emphysema.

Ingestion:  May affect renal and hepatic functions, the coagulation rate of the blood, circulatory, enzyme and nervous system.

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

Eye:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Medical Conditions Possibly 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

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

INHALATION:  If respiratory irritation or distress occurs remove victim to fresh air.  Seek medical attention if respiratory irritation or distress continues.

INGESTION:  If victim is conscious and alert, give 1 - 2 glasses of water to drink.  Do not give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.  Seek medical attention.  Do not leave victim unattended.

SKIN:  In case of contact, wash with plenty of soap and water.  Seek medical attention if irritation develops or persists.

EYES:  Rinse particulate matter from eye.  Seek medical attention if irritation develops or persists or if visual changes occur.

VI.   REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  This material is stable under normal handling and storage conditions described in Section IV.

Conditions to Avoid:  Dusting conditions.  Open flame.

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid):  Moisture, strong acids.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Hydrogen fluoride, fluorine.

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 and provide ventilation.  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.

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

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  NIOSH approved respirator.

Ventilation:  Use local exhaust to maintain concentration at or below the PEL, TLV.

Eye Protection:  Safety glasses.

Protective Gloves:  Rubber gloves.

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

IX.   SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage:  Store in tightly closed containers.  Store in an area that is dry.  Dry powders can build static electricity charges when subjected to the friction of conveying, mixing or sliding.  Provide adequate precautions, such as electrical grounding, or inert atmospheres when material is used in the presence of flammable materials to prevent ignition.  Avoid direct or prolonged contact with skin and eyes.  Avoid breathing dusts.

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.

TSCA Listed:       Yes

DOT Regulations:

Hazard Class:    None

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:                  December 2005