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 Nitrate                              

Formula:              La(NO₃)₃

CAS Number:       10277-43-7

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Components:  Lanthanum Nitrate

Percent (%):                    0-100

OSHA/PEL:                        N/E

ACGIH/TLV:                      N/E

HMIS Ratings:

Health:                             1

Flammability:                  0

Reactivity:                       1

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                   126 ^oC

Melting Point:                  40 ^oC

Specific Gravity:             N/E                                                        

Solubility in H₂O:             N/E

Appearance and Odor:   White crystalline powder and pieces, no odor.

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/E or N/A

Method Used:  Non-flammable

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

Extinguishing Media:  Use suitable extinguishing media for surrounding material and type of fire.

Special Firefighting Procedures:  Firefighters must wear full face, self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing to prevent contact with skin and eyes.  Fumes from fire are hazardous.  Isolate runoff to prevent environmental pollution.

Unusual Fire & Explosion Hazards:  Lanthanum nitrate is an oxidizer and its heat of reaction with reducing agents or combustibles may cause ignition.  Promotes fire.  In case of fire, nitrogen oxides and/or metal oxide fume may be released.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

To the best of our knowledge the chemical, physical and toxicological properties of lanthanum nitrate 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.  However, the intraperitoneal route is highly toxic while the subcutaneous route is poison to moderately toxic.  The production of skin and lung granulomas after exposure to them requires extensive protection to prevent such exposure.

Small doses of nitrates may cause weakness, general depression, headache and mental impairment.  Larger doses may cause dizziness, abdominal cramps, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, convulsions and collapse.

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause irritation to the upper respiratory system.

Ingestion:  May cause nausea, headache, cramp, dizziness.

Skin:  May cause irritation.

Eye:  May cause moderate irritation.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause writhing, ataxia, labored respiration, walking on toes with arched back, sedation, pulmonary edema and lung granuloma.  Repeated or prolonged exposure to ammonia gas may cause swelling of mouth and throat to the point of asphyxiation, permanent injury and death.

Ingestion:  May act as a blood anticoagulant.

Skin:  No data

Eye:  No data

Target Organs:  May affect the respiratory system, skin.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure:  Pre-existing lung and skin disorders.

Carcinogenicity:  NTP:  No     IARC:  No     OSHA:  No

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

INHALATION:  Remove victim to fresh air, keep warm and quiet, give oxygen if breathing is difficult and seek immediate medical attention.

INGESTION:  Seek immediate medical attention.

SKIN:  Remove contaminated clothing, brush material off skin, wash affected area with mild soap and water, seek medical attention.

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

VI.   REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  Water/moisture

Incompatibility (Material to avoid):  Reducing agents, easily oxidized materials, acids, water/moisture, aluminum/aluminum alloys.  Reacts with reducing agents, reacts with flammable substances.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Metal oxide fume, nitrogen oxides.

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.  Isolate spill area and provide ventilation.  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:  Disposal must be made in accordance with Federal, State and Local regulations.

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection (Specify Type):  Use a NIOSH/MSHA approved respirator when high concentrations are present.

Ventilation:  Handle in an enclosed process under dry argon.  Use local exhaust to maintain concentration at or below the PEL, TLV.   Mechanical exhaust is recommended.

Protective Gloves:  Rubber gloves

Eye Protection:  Tightly sealed safety glasses or goggles.  Full face protection.

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

IX.   SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage:  Handle and store under dry argon.  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:  This product can reduce the ignition temperature of flammable substances.  This substance is an oxidizer and its heat of reaction with reducing agents or combustibles may cause ignition.  Store away from flammable substances.  Store away from reducing agents.  Do not store together with acids.  This product is hygroscopic.  Store away from water/moisture.

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 the work area.  Wash thoroughly before eating or 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.

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

Date:                    September 2004