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:     Gadolinium Fluoride

Formula:              GdF₃

CAS Number:       13765-26-9

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Component:  Gadolinium Fluoride

Percent (%):                  0-100

OSHA/PEL:                     2.5 mg(F)/m³

ACGIH/TLV:                    2.5 mg(F)/m³

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                    N/A

Melting Point:                   N/A

Specific Gravity:              7.06 g/cc

Solubility in H₂O:             Insoluble

Appearance and Odor:    White Powder, no odor

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/A

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

Extinguishing Media:  Not applicable.  Use fire extinguishing agent for surrounding material and type of fire.

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:  When heated to decomposition, or comes in contact with acids/acid fumes, gadolinium fluoride may emit toxic fumes of fluorine, hydrogen fluoride vapors and fluorine gas.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

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

Gadolinium 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 irritation to the respiratory tract and mucous membrane.  Dusts may cause asthma attacks and lung  damage such as lung granulomas and pulmonary edema.  Large doses may cause immediate defecation, writhing, loss of muscle coordination, labored respiration, sedation, hypotension, dyspnea, hyperemia, liver edema and necrosis, portal congestion, pleural effusion and granulomatous peritonitis with serous and hemorrhagic ascites, respiratory and cardiac failure.

Ingestion:  May cause gastrointestinal irritation.

Skin:  May cause irritation, rashes and skin granulomas.

Eyes:  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 function, the coagulation rate of the blood, circulatory, enzyme and nervous system.

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

Eyes:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Medical Conditions Aggravated by Overexposure:  Pre-existing respiratory disorders.

Target Organs:  May affect the skeleton, kidneys, central nervous system, liver, respiratory system, skin.

Carcinogenicity:  NTP:  No     IARC Monographs:  No     OSHA Regulated:  No

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

INHALATION:  Remove victim 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 give anything by mouth or induce vomiting in an unconscious person.

SKIN:  Remove contaminated clothing, brush material off skin and 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 minuets.  Seek Medical Attention if  symptoms persist.

VI.   REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  None

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid):  Acids

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Fumes of fluorine, hydrogen fluoride, fluorine gas and oxides of gadolinium.

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 VIII Special Protection Information.  Isolate spill area and provide ventilation.  Vacuum up spill area using a high efficiency particulate absolute (HEPA) air filter and place in a closed container for proper disposal.  Avoid creating dusting conditions.

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

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection: NIOSH approved respirator.

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

Eye Protection:  Safety glasses.

Protective Gloves:  Rubber gloves.

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

IX.   SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Other Handling and Storage Conditions:  Store in tightly closed containers.  Wash thoroughly after handling.  Store in a cool, dry place.

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:                  May 2004