ELECTRONIC SPACE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL

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MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

I            PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION

Trade Name:      Lanthanum Fluoride                                                                    Chemical Nature:             Lanthanides

Synonyms:          Lanthanum trifluoride                                                                Formula:                           LaF₃

CAS #:                13709-38-1

II           HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Component           %          OSHA/PEL               ACGIH/TLV                    Sec. 302               Sec. 304               Sec. 313

Lanthanum Fluoride                 0-100     2.5 mg(F)/m³              2.5 mg(F)/m³                     No                       No                       No

HMIS Ratings: Health: 2      Flammability: 0       Reactivity: 0

III         PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point 760 mm Hg:             2327 ^oC                                                          Melting Point:                  1493 ^oC

Specific Gravity:                             5.936 g/cc at 20 ^oC                                         Vapor Pressure:               N/E or N/A

Vapor Density:                               N/E or N/A                                                     Solubility in H₂O:            Insoluble

Appearance and Odor:                  White powder or pieces, no odor.                  % Volatile:                       N/E or N/A

IV         FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point (Method Used): N/E or N/A                                                              Autoignition Temperature: N/E or N/A

Explosive Limits: Upper: N/A     Lower: N/A

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

Special Firefighting 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 Hazards: When heated to decomposition, or on contact with acid or acid fumes, lanthanum fluoride emits highly toxic fluoride fumes, 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 lanthanum fluoride 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.

              Inorganic fluorides are generally highly irritating and toxic. Acute effects resulting from exposure to fluorine compounds are due to hydrogen fluoride. Chronic fluorine poisoning, or “fluorosis”, occurs among miners of cryolite, and consists of a sclerosis of the bones, caused by fixation of the calcium by the fluorine. There may also be some calcification of the ligaments. The teeth are mottled, and there is osteosclerosis and osteomalacia. Large doses can cause very severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal burning and cramp like pains. Can cause or aggravate attacks of asthma and severe one changes, making normal movements painful. Fluorides are also irritants to the eyes, skin and mucous membranes. Loss of weight, anorexia, anemia, wasting and cachexia, and dental defects are among the common findings in chronic fluorine poisoning. There may be an eosinophilia and impairment of growth in young workers. Symptoms of intoxication include gastric, intestinal, circulatory, respiratory and nervous complaints, and skin rashes. (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials.)

Acute Effects:

Inhalation: May cause irritation of the respiratory system and mucous membrane of the nose and throat.

Ingestion: No acute health effects recorded.

Skin: May cause irritation.

Eye: May cause irritation and serious injury.

Chronic Effects: Skin: May cause dermatitis. No other chronic health effects recorded.

Routes of Entry: Inhalation, skin, eyes, ingestion

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

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure: Pre-existing respiratory 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 medical attention.

INGESTION: Give 1-2 glasses of milk or water and induce vomiting. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist. 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 if symptoms persist.

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

VI         REACTIVITY DATA

Stability: Stable

Conditions to Avoid: None

Incompatibility (Materials to Avoid): Acids

Hazardous Decomposition Products: Fluoride fumes, hydrogen fluoride, fluorine gas and lanthanum oxide.

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 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): NIOSH approved respirator

Ventilation: Local exhaust ventilation to control any air contaminants to within their PEL’s or TLV’s during the use of this product. Good general ventilation is recommended.

Protective Gloves: Neoprene

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 Storage: Store in a cool, dry area. Store in tightly sealed containers. Wash thoroughly after handling.

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.

              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:                  July 2004