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:     Thulium Sulfide

Formula:              Tm₂S₃

CAS Number:       12166-30-2

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Component:  Thulium Sulfide

Percent (%):                  0-100

OSHA/PEL:                     N/E

ACGIH/TLV:                    N/E

HMIS Ratings:

Health:                           2

Flammability:                3

Reactivity:                     1

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                   N/A

Melting Point:                  N/A

Specific Gravity:             N/E

Solubility in H₂O:            Decomposes

Molecular Weight:          434.06

Appearance and Odor:   Off-white to yellow powder; rotten egg odor in moist air.

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/A

Flammability:  Flammable solid

Autoignition Temperature:  N/E

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

Extinguishing Media:  Use Class D or other suitable extinguishing agent.  DO NOT USE WATER.

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

Unusual Fire & Explosion Hazard:  Flammable when exposed to flame or by spontaneous chemical reaction.  Thulium sulfide may emit toxic fumes of sulfur oxides when heated to decomposition.  Many sulfides ignite easily in air at room temperature.  Others require a higher temperature or the presence of an oxidizing agent.  May react with water, steam or acids to produce toxic and flammable vapors of hydrogen sulfide (forms explosive mixtures with air).  Many sulfides react violently and explosively on contact with strong oxidizing agents.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

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

Sulfides of the heavy metals are generally insoluble and therefore have little toxic action except through the liberation of hydrogen sulfide.

Thulium is considered a rare earth metal.  These metals are moderately to highly toxic.  The symptoms of toxicity for the rare earth metals include writhing, ataxia, labored respiration, walking on the toes with arched back, and sedation.  The rare earth metals exhibit low toxicity by ingestion exposure, however the intraperitoneal route is highly toxic and the subcutaneous route is poison to moderately toxic.  The production of lung and skin granulomas after exposure to them requires extensive protection to prevent such exposure.  (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials)

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause irritation to the upper respiratory system.

Ingestion:  No acute health effects recorded.

Skin:  Powder or dust may cause irritation, dermatitis.

Eye:  May cause irritation.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause writhing, ataxia, labored respiration, walking on the toes with arched back, sedation, pulmonary edema, and lung granuloma.

Ingestion:  May act as a blood anticoagulant.

Skin:  May cause skin granuloma.

Eye:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Target Organs:  Blood and lungs.

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

Carcinogenicity:  No data

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 induce vomiting or give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.

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

EYE:  Flush eyes, including under eyelids with copious amounts of water (lukewarm if possible) for at least 15 minutes.  Seek medical attention.

VI.   REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  None

Incompatibility (Materials to Avoid):  Water, steam, moisture, acids, and oxidizing agents.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Hydrogen sulfide, oxides of sulfides

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.  Vacuum up spill using a high efficiency particulate absolute (HEPA) air filter and place in a closed container for disposal.  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:  NIOSH approved dust-mist-fume respirator

Ventilation:  Handle in an enclosed, controlled atmosphere.  Handle in an inert gas such as argon.  Use local exhaust to maintain concentration of exposure at low levels.  General exhaust is not recommended.

Protective Gloves:  Rubber gloves

Eye Protection:  Safety glasses

Other Protective Clothing or Equipment:  Protection to avoid contact with skin and clothing.

IX.   SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage:  Store in a cool, dry area.  Store in a tightly sealed container.  Wash thoroughly after handling.

Other Precautions:  Thulium sulfide decomposes in water.  Handle and store in an inert gas such as argon.

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.

DOT Regulations:

Hazard Class:                    4.1

Identification Number:     UN3178

Packing Group:                 III

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

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.

Prepared by:          S. Dierks

Dated:                  April 2007