ELECTRONIC SPACE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL

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MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

I            PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION

Trade Name:      Lanthanum Sulfide                                                                      Chemical Family:             Metal sulfide

Formula:            LaS₂                                                                                            CAS #:                               12325-81-4

II           HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Component                  %                        OSHA/PEL                       ACGIH/TLV

Lanthanum Sulfide                           0-100                   20 ppm                               10 ppm, For H₂S 

HMIS Hazard Rating: Health: 1               Flammability: 2               Reactivity: 2      Personal Protection: X

III         PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                   No data                                                                         Melting Point:                  No data

Density:                             4.90 g/cc                                                                       Vapor Pressure:               N/A

% Volatiles:                      N/A                                                                               Solubility in H₂O:            Liberate H₂S

Appearance and Odor:    Brownish-yellow, powder, rotten egg odor in moist air.

Other Comments:            Reacts in moist air to liberate H₂S.

IV         FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point (Method used): N/A                                                                          Autoignition Temperature: No data

Flammability: Flammable solid.                                                                            Flammable Limits: Upper: N/A  Lower: N/A

Extinguishing Media: Agents for metal fires (graphite, MET-L-X, TEC)

Special Fire Fighting Procedures: Firefighters must wear full face, self-contained breathing apparatus with full protective clothing to prevent contact with skin and eyes.

Unusual Fire & Explosion Hazard: H₂S gas released in contact with water.

V           HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

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

              Symptoms of acute lanthanide toxicity in rats resulted in immediate defecation, writhing, ataxia, sedation, labored respiration, and reduced activity. Death is mainly due to respiratory and cardiac failure. Chronic lanthanide intoxication causes renal and hepatic derangement and increases coagulation time. Lanthanide salts cause blistering and discoloration of the cornea. Lanthanides target the liver causing fatty liver degeneration and a decrease in liver glycogen and blood glucose levels. Lanthanum inhibits respiration of mitochondria and may depress the power and contractility of skeletal, cardiac and smooth muscles.

              Sulfides, when ingested, can be irritating and corrosive to G.I. tract. Sulfur may be irritating to the skin and eyes. Exposure may cause coughing, wheezing, laryngitis, headache, nausea, vomiting and breathing problems. Skin contact may cause dermatitis.

              Hydrogen sulfide is a human poison by inhalation. Severe eye irritant and mucous membrane irritant. An asphyxiant. The irritant action has been explained on the bases that hydrogen sulfide combines with the alkali present in moist surface tissues to form sodium sulfide, caustic. Hydrogen sulfide does not combine with the hemoglobin of the blood; its asphyxiation is due to paralysis of the respiratory center. It is an insidious poison since sense of smell may be fatigued. The odor and irritating effects do not offer a dependable warning to workers who may be exposed to gradually increasing amounts and therefore become used to it (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials).

Acute Effects:

Inhalation: No specific data available for this compound. In general sulfides can be respiratory irritants and potential corrosive to mucous membranes. H₂S evolved by this compound is a respiratory irritant and can cause respiratory paralysis in high concentrations.

Ingestion: No specific data on effects for ingestion. May be corrosive to the G.I. tract.

Skin: Mild irritation to the skin. Severe for H₂S exposure. Skin contact could cause redness and irritation.

Eye: May cause irritation.

Route(s) of Entry: Inhalation

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure: No data

Carcinogenicity: NTP: No           IARC: No          OSHA: No

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

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

INGESTION: Seek immediate medical advice.

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

EYES: Flush with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention.

VI         REACTIVITY DATA

Stability: Stable if used and stored according to specifications.

Conditions to Avoid: Water/moisture, heat, open flames, sparks.

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid): Strong acids, moisture.

Hazardous Decomposition Products: H₂S in contact with acids or water, H₂S and SOx under fire conditions.

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. Sweep or vacuum up using a high efficiency particulate absolute (HEPA) air filter and place in a closed container for proper disposal. Take care not to raise dust. Avoid sources of ignition. Do not use wet methods for clean up.

Waste Disposal Method: Disposal must be made in accordance with all Federal, State, and Local regulations.

VIII      SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection: NIOSH approved dust-mist-fume respirator.

Ventilation: Handle in an inert gas such as argon in a controlled and enclosed process, such as a dry box or glove box to prevent contact with moisture. Use local exhaust to maintain concentration at low levels. General exhaust is recommended.

Protective Gloves: Neoprene

Eye/Face Protection: Safety glasses.

Other Protective Equipment: Normal Laboratory wear.

IX         SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage: Wash thoroughly after handling. Keep container closed. Keep away from heat, sparks, and open flames. Store in tightly closed containers. Empty container may contain hazardous residues. Avoid inhalation or skin contact.

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.

Transportation Requirements:

DOT Class:         Flammable Solid

UN #:                  1325

IMCO Class:      4.2

              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:                    June 2004