MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET







I       PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION



Trade Name:      Holmium Oxide                                              Formula:         Ho2O3

CAS #:           12055-62-8





II      HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS



None





III     PHYSICAL DATA



Boiling Point (oF):                                                         Melting Point (oF):

                         Not applicable                                                              Not applicable

Specific Gravity:        8.40                                               Vapor Density (air=1):   Not applicable

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

Appearance and Odor:     Light orange solid (powder)/odorless





IV      FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA



Flash Point (Method used): N/A                                              Flammable Limits: Upper: N/A Lower: N/A



Extinguishing Media: Not combustible. Use extinguishing method appropriate for surrounding fire.

Special Fire Fighting Procedures: Wear a NIOSH/MSHA approved self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing.



Unusual Fire & Explosion Hazards: None





V       HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION



Exposure Limits in Air: (No specific TWA cited. Suggested TWA for particulates not otherwise regulated.)



Chemical Name:           ACGIH (TLV):              OSHA (TWA):

                         10 mg/m3                  15 mg/m3

Particulates

not otherwise            (TWA) total dust

                                                   5 mg/m3 respirable

regulated                total dust



Carcinogenicity: This product does not contain any ingredient designated by IARC, NTP, ACGIH or OSHA as a probable human

carcinogen.



Significant Laboratory Data with Possible Relevance to Man: No additional data found.

Medical Conditions Possibly Aggravated by Overexposure: None found.



Effects of Over Exposure: Swallowing: LOW ACUTE ORAL TOXICITY. For holmium oxide, the acute oral/rat LD50 is greater

than 1000 mg/kg.



Skin Absorption: LOW ACUTE DERMAL TOXICITY. No data was found for this product, but, based on data for other rare earth

oxides, it is expected to have low acute dermal toxicity.



Inhalation: LOW ACUTE INHALATION TOXICITY. No data was found for this product, but based on data for other rare earth

oxides, it is expected to have low acute inhalation toxicity.

Skin Contact: NON-IRRITATING. No data was found for this product, but, based on data for other rare earth oxides, it is expected

to be non-irritating.



Effects of Repeated Overexposure: Long term inhalation of rare earth oxide dusts may lead to congestion, coughing, granuloma in

lungs and hemoglobanemia.



EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:



EYES: In case of contact, immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes using an eyewash fountain. Lift upper

and lower lids and rinse well under them. Get medical attention if irritation develops or persists.

SKIN: In case of contact, immediately wash with soap and plenty of water for at least 5 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing and

shoes. Thoroughly clean contaminated clothing and shoes before reuse. Get medical attention if irritation develops or persists.

INHALATION: Remove from area of exposure. Get medical attention as needed.

INGESTION: If swallowed and victim is fully conscious, induce vomiting immediately by giving two glasses of water and sticking

finger down throat. GET IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION.



Note to Physician: All treatments should be based on observed signs and symptoms of distress in the patient. Consideration should

be given to the possibility that overexposure to materials other than this product may have occurred. Treat symptomatically. No

specific information found.





VI      REACTIVITY DATA



Stability: Stable

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid): Strong acids



Hazardous Decomposition Products: N/A

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. Sweep up into appropriate container.

Avoid creating dusting conditions.



Waste Disposal Method: Dispose of in accordance with Local, State and Federal Waste Disposal Regulations.





VIII    SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION



Respiratory Protection (Specify Type): Use a NIOSH/MSHA approved dust mask under dusting conditions.

Ventilation: Provide adequate ventilation. Use local exhaust under dusting conditions.



Protective Clothing: Work clothing and gloves.

Eye Protection: Safety Glasses with side shields. DO NOT WEAR CONTACT LENSES.



Other Protective Equipment: Maintain a sink and eyewash fountain in the work area.

Regulatory Status: TSCA Inventory Status: Product is TSCA certified.



Transportation Status: DOT - Not regulated.

Reportable Quantity (RQ) under U.S. EPA CERCLA: Not listed.

Specifically Listed under SARA Title III: Not listed.

IX      SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS



Warning Statements: Nuisance particulate. Chronic exposure to high concentrations may cause damage to mucous membranes and

respiratory tract.



SARA Title III Hazard Classification: Delayed (Chronic) Health Hazard.



Handling and Storage: Store in a cool, dry place in tightly closed containers. Avoid breathing dusts. Avoid direct or prolonged

contact with skin and eyes. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Do not rub eyes with soiled hands. Do not eat, drink or smoke in

the work area.



Other Precautions: Dry powders can build static electricity charges when subjected to the friction of conveying, mixing or sliding.

To prevent ignition, provide adequate precautions, such as electrical grounding, or inert atmospheres when material is used in the

presence of flammable materials.





Issued By:       S. Dierks

Dated:           April 1993