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

E-Mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Product Name:     Holmium Oxide

Formula:              Ho₂O₃

CAS Number:       12055-62-8

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

None

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                   N/A

Melting Point:                  N/A

Specific Gravity:              8.40

Solubility in H₂O:             Insoluble

Appearance and Odor:    Light orange solid (powder)/odorless

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point (Method used):  N/A

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

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

Special Fire Fighting Procedures:  Wear a NIOSH/MSHA approved self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing.

Unusual Fire & Explosion Hazards:  None

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Exposure Limits in Air:  (No specific TWA cited.  Suggested TWA for particulates not otherwise regulated.)

Chemical Name:             ACGIH (TLV):     OSHA (TWA):

Particulates                      10 mg/m³            15 mg/m³

not otherwise                    (TWA)                 total dust

regulated                          total dust            5 mg/m³ respirable

Carcinogenicity:  This product does not contain any ingredient designated by IARC, NTP, ACGIH or OSHA as a probable human carcinogen.

Significant Laboratory Data with Possible Relevance to Man:  No additional data found.

Medical Conditions Possibly Aggravated by Overexposure:  None found.

Effects of Over Exposure:  Swallowing:  LOW ACUTE ORAL TOXICITY.  For holmium oxide, the acute oral/rat LD50 is greater than 1000 mg/kg.

Skin Absorption:  LOW ACUTE DERMAL TOXICITY.  No data was found for this product, but, based on data for other rare earth oxides, it is expected to have low acute dermal toxicity.

Inhalation:  LOW ACUTE INHALATION TOXICITY.  No data was found for this product, but based on data for other rare earth oxides, it is expected to have low acute inhalation toxicity.

Skin Contact:  NON-IRRITATING.  No data was found for this product, but, based on data for other rare earth oxides, it is expected to be non-irritating.

Effects of Repeated Overexposure:  Long term inhalation of rare earth oxide dusts may lead to congestion, coughing, granuloma in lungs and hemoglobanemia.

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

EYES:  In case of contact, immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes using an eyewash fountain.  Lift upper and lower lids and rinse well under them.  Get medical attention if irritation develops or persists.

SKIN:  In case of contact, immediately wash with soap and plenty of water for at least 5 minutes.  Remove contaminated clothing and shoes.  Thoroughly clean contaminated clothing and shoes before reuse.  Get medical attention if irritation develops or persists.

INHALATION:  Remove from area of exposure.  Get medical attention as needed.

INGESTION:  If swallowed and victim is fully conscious, induce vomiting immediately by giving two glasses of water and sticking finger down throat.  GET IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION.

Note to Physician:  All treatments should be based on observed signs and symptoms of distress in the patient.  Consideration should be given to the possibility that overexposure to materials other than this product may have occurred.  Treat symptomatically.  No specific information found.

VI.   REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid):  Strong acids

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  N/A

Hazardous Polymerization:  Will not occur

VII.   SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES

Steps to Be Taken in Case Material Is Released or Spilled:  Wear appropriate protective gear.  Sweep up into appropriate container.  Avoid creating dusting conditions.

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

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection (Specify Type):  Use a NIOSH/MSHA approved dust mask under dusting conditions.

Ventilation:  Provide adequate ventilation.  Use local exhaust under dusting conditions.

Protective Clothing:  Work clothing and gloves.

Eye Protection:  Safety Glasses with side shields.  DO NOT WEAR CONTACT LENSES.

Other Protective Equipment:  Maintain a sink and eyewash fountain in the work area.

IX.   SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Warning Statements:  Nuisance particulate.  Chronic exposure to high concentrations may cause damage to mucous membranes and respiratory tract.

SARA Title III Hazard Classification:  Delayed (Chronic) Health Hazard.

Handling and Storage:  Store in a cool, dry place in tightly closed containers.  Avoid breathing dusts.  Avoid direct or prolonged contact with skin and eyes.  Wash hands thoroughly after handling.  Do not rub eyes with soiled hands.  Do not eat, drink or smoke in the work area.

Other Precautions:  Dry powders can build static electricity charges when subjected to the friction of conveying, mixing or sliding.  To prevent ignition, provide adequate precautions, such as electrical grounding, or inert atmospheres when material is used in the presence of flammable materials.

Regulatory Status: TSCA Inventory Status:  Product is TSCA certified.

Transportation Status:  DOT - Not regulated.

Reportable Quantity (RQ) under U.S. EPA CERCLA:  Not listed.

Specifically Listed under SARA Title III:  Not listed.

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

Dated:                  April 1993