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:     Yttrium Boride

Formula:              YB₆

CAS Number:       12008-32-1

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Component:  Yttrium Boride

Percent (%):                   0-100

OSHA/PEL:                      1 mg(Y)/m³

ACGIH/TLV:                    1 mg(Y)/m³

HMIS Rating:

Health:                           1

Flammability:                0

Reactivity:                     0

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                    N/E

Melting Point:                   N/E

Specific Gravity:              3.68 g/cc

Solubility in H₂O:             Insoluble

Appearance and Odor:    Black powder, no odor                       

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/A

Autoignition Temperature:               N/A

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

Extinguishing Media: Use suitable extinguishing media 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:  None Recorded

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

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

Yttrium 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.  Oral or intra-peritoneal doses of 5 to 10 g/kg of dysprosium oxide had no pathological effects in mice and daily doses of 2 g/kg were harmless.  Rare earth oxides are much less toxic than chlorides or citrates.  The rare earth elements exhibit low toxicity by ingestion exposure.  However, the intra-peritoneal 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.

Boron compounds are very toxic and therefore considered an industrial poison.  Boron is one of a group of elements, such as Pb, Mn, and As which affects the central nervous system.  Boron poisoning causes depression of the circulation, persistent vomiting and diarrhea followed by profound shock and coma.  The temperature becomes subnormal and a scarlatina form rash may cover the entire body.  (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, eighth edition)

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause irritation to the upper respiratory system and mucous membranes.

Ingestion:  May cause gastrointestinal disturbances

Skin:  May cause irritation

Eye:  May cause irritation

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause writhing, ataxia, labored respiration, pneumonoconiosis, walking on toes with arched back, sedation, hemoglobanemia and lung granulomas.

Ingestion:  May cause boron poisoning and act as a blood anticoagulant

Skin:  No chronic health effects recorded

Eye:  No chronic health effects recorded

Routes of Entry:  Inhalation

Target Organs: May affect the blood, lungs and central nervous system

Medical Conditions generally aggravated by exposure:  Pre-existing respiratory disorders.

Carcinogenicity:  None

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

INHALATION:  Remove to fresh air.  If not breathing, give artificial respiration.  Keep warm and quiet.  Get 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 affected area with mild soap and water, seek medical attention.

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

VI.   REACTIVITY DATA

Stability: Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  Moisture

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid): None recorded

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Metal oxide fume

Hazardous Polymerization:  Will not occur

Reaction With Water:  Decomposes in water with evolution of a mixture of hydrocarbons

VII.   SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES

Steps to Be Taken If Spilled or Released:  Wear appropriate respiratory and protective equipment specified in special protection information section.  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:  In accordance with Local, State and Federal Waste Disposal Regulations.

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  NIOSH approved dust respirator.

Ventilation:  Use local exhaust to maintain concentration at low exposure levels.  General exhaust is recommended.

Protective Gloves:  Rubber gloves

Eye Protection:  Safety glasses 

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

IX.   SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

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

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:                  March 2010