ELECTRONIC SPACE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL
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MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
I PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION
Trade Name: Samarium-Cobalt Alloy Chemical Family: Metal alloy
Formula: SmCo5 CAS #: 12017-68-4
II HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS
Hazardous Components % OSHA/PEL ACGIH/TLV Sec. 302 Sec. 304 Sec. 313
Samarium-Cobalt alloy 0-100 .1 mg (Co) /m3 .05 mg (Co) /m3 No No Yes
HMIS Ratings: Health: 3 Flammability: 0 Reactivity: 0
III PHYSICAL DATA
Boiling Point: N/E or N/A Melting Point: N/E or N/A
Specific Gravity (H2O=1): N/E Vapor Density (Air=1): N/A
Solubility in Water: N/E Vapor Pressure: N/A
Appearance and Odor: White-gray, no odor % Volatile: N/E or N/A
IV FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA
Flash Point: N/E or N/A Method Used: Non-flammable
Flammable 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, samarium-cobalt may emit toxic fumes.
V HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION
Effects of Exposure:
To the best of our knowledge the chemical, physical and toxicological properties of samarium-cobalt alloy have not been thoroughly investigated and recorded.
Samarium is considered a rare earth metal. These metals are moderately to highly toxic. The symptoms 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.
Cobalt has a low toxicity by ingestion. Ingestion of soluble salts produces nausea and vomiting by local irritation. In animals, administration of cobalt salts produces an increase in the total red cell mass of the blood. In humans, a single case of poisoning with liver and kidney damage has been attributed to cobalt. Locally, cobalt has been shown to produce dermatitis and investigators have been able to demonstrate a hypersensitivity of the skin to cobalt. There have been reports of hematologic, digestive and pulmonary changes in humans. (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, eighth edition.)
Acute Effects:
Inhalation: May cause irritation to the upper respiratory system, shortness of breath, coughing, weight loss and pulmonary damage.
Ingestion: Cobalt is moderately toxic by ingestion. May cause acute cobalt poisoning.
Skin Contact: May cause irritation.
Eye Contact: May cause irritation and possibly damage the cornea.
Chronic Effects:
Inhalation: May cause diffuse nodular fibrosis, respiratory sensitivity, writhing, ataxia, labored respiratory, walking on toes with arched back, sedation, pulmonary edema and lung granuloma.
Ingestion: May act as a blood anticoagulant.
Skin: May cause allergic sensitization and dermatitis.
Eye: No chronic health effects recorded.
Target Organs: May affect the blood, respiratory and pulmonary systems.
Medical Conditions, if any, Aggravated by the Chemical: Pre-existing respiratory and skin disorders.
Carcinogenicity: NTP: No IARC: No OSHA: No EPA: 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. Never induce vomiting or give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
SKIN: Remove contaminated clothing, brush material off skin, wash with plenty of 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 be Avoided: None
Incompatibility (Material to Avoid): None recorded
Hazardous Decomposition Products: None recorded
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 for the situation. 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: Dispose of in accordance with Local, State and Federal regulations.
VIII SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION
Respiratory Protection: NIOSH approved dust, mist, vapor cartridge respirator.
Ventilation: Use local exhaust to maintain concentration at or below the PEL, TLV. Handle in a controlled atmosphere. General exhaust is recommended.
Protective Gloves: Rubber gloves
Eye/Face Protection: ANSI approved safety glasses.
Other Protective Equipment: Protective gear suitable to prevent contamination.
IX SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage: Store in cool, dry area. Store in tightly sealed container. Store in an inert atmosphere. 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 or smoking. Do not blow dust of 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: November 1999