MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET







I       PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION



Trade Name:               Gadolinium Boride                                      Synonyms:          Gadolinium boride

Chemical Family:          Metal Boride                                           Formula:           GdB6

CAS #:                    12008-06-9





II      HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS



Ingredients:              OSHA/PEL:         ACGIH/TLV:                  Other:           Percent:

Gadolinium Boride         N/E               N/E                         N/E              100



Sec.302 (EHS): No         Sec.304 RQ: No             Sec.313: No





III     PHYSICAL DATA



                                                                                                            2100 oC

Boiling Point 760 mm Hg:           Not Available                                 Melting Point:

Specific Gravity (H2O=1):          5.27                                          Vapor Density (air=1):     Not Available

% Volatiles by Weight:             Not Available                                 Solubility in H2O:         Insoluble

Appearance and Odor:               Purple crystalline powder, no odor            Vapor Pressure:            Not Available

Evaporation Rate:                  Not Applicable





IV      FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA



Flash Point (Method Used): N/A (non-flammable)                                   Flammable Limits: Upper: N/A Lower: N/A



Extinguishing Media: Not applicable. Use fire extinguishing agent 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





Routes of Entry: Inhalation



Signs and Symptoms of Exposure:

Inhalation: May cause a red, dry throat, congestion, sneezing, and coughing.

Ingestion: May affect the coagulation time of blood. Boron poisoning may cause: a below normal temperature, poor circulation,

vomiting and diarrhea.



Skin: May cause redness, burning, and itching.

Eyes: May cause redness, burning, itching, and watering.

Health Hazards (Acute and Chronic):



        To the best of our knowledge the chemical, physical and toxicological properties of gadolinium boride have not been

thoroughly investigated and recorded.



          Gadolinium 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 (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, 8th edition).



         Boron compounds are very toxic and therefore considered and industrial poison. Boron is one of a group of elements, such

as Pb, Mn, 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, 8th edition).



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

Chronic: May cause writhing, ataxia, labored respiration, walking on toes with arched back, sedation, pneumonoconiosis, hemoglo-

binemia and lung granuloma.



Ingestion: Acute: May cause gastrointestinal disturbances.

Chronic: May act as a blood anticoagulant and cause boron poisoning.



Skin: Acute: May cause irritation.

Chronic: No chronic health effects recorded.



Eyes: Acute: may cause moderate irritation.

Chronic: No chronic health effects recorded.



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

Carcinogenicity: NTP: No         IARC Monographs: No                OSHA Regulated: No



Medical Conditions Aggravated by Overexposure: Pre-existing respiratory disorders.



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 and wash affected area with mild soap and water. Seek medical

attention.

EYES: Flush eyes with lukewarm water, lifting upper and lower eyelids, for at least 15 minuets. Seek Medical Attention.





VI      REACTIVITY DATA



Stability: Stable

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. Isolate spill area and provide

ventilation. Vacuum up spill area using a high efficiency particulate absolute (HEPA) air filter and place in a closed container for

proper disposal. Avoid creating dusting conditions.



Waste Disposal Method: In accordance with Local, State and Federal Waste Disposal Regulations.





VIII     SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION



Respiratory Protection (Specify Type): NIOSH approved dust respirator

Ventilation: Local: To maintain concentration at low exposure levels.               Mechanical: Recommended

Special: None                                                                       Other: None



Protective Gloves: Rubber                                                     Eye Protection: Safety Goggles

Other Protective Clothing: Protective gear suitable to prevent contamination.



Work/Hygienic/Maintenance 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.





IX       SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS



Other Handling and Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed containers. Wash thoroughly after handling. Store in a cool, dry

place.



         Some of the chemicals listed herein are research or experimental substances which may be toxic, as defined by various

governmental regulations. In accordance with EPA regulations and the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA), these materials should

only be handled by, or under the direct supervision of, a “technically qualified individual�, as defined in 40 CFR 710.2(aa).



         The above information is accurate to the best of our knowledge. However, since data, safety standards, and government

regulations are subject to change, and the conditions of handling and use or misuse are beyond our control, ESPI makes no warranty,

either expressed or implied, with respect to the completeness or continuing accuracy of the information contained herein, and dis-

claims all liability for reliance thereon. Users should satisfy themselves that they have all current data relevant to their particular use.





Issued by:        Steve Dierks

Issue Date:       November 1995