MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
I PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION
Trade Name: Erbium Sulfide Formula: Er2S3
Synonyms: Erbium sulfide, dierbium trisulfide CAS #: 12159-66-9
Chemical Family: Metal Sulfide Molecular Weight: 430.71
II HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS
Hazardous Components: Erbium Sulfide (See Section IX- Additional Comments for COSHH regulations)
OSHA PEL: N/E ACGIH TLV: N/E Other Limits: N/E Percentage: 0.0-100.0
Sec. 302 (EHS): No Sec. 304 RQ: No Sec. 313: No
HMIS Ratings (0-4): Health: 2, Flammability: 3 Reactivity: 1
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): Not applicable
Vapor Pressure (mm Hg): Not applicable % Volatiles by Volume: N/E or N/A
Solubility in H2O: N/E, May react with water to evolve H2S Evaporation Rate: N/A
Appearance and Odor: Brown-tan powder, rotten egg odor. Physical State: Solid
IV FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA
Flash Point: N/E or N/A Method Used: Flammable solid
Explosive Limits: LEL: N/E UEL: N/E
Extinguishing Media: USE: Class D or other suitable metal extinguishing agent. DO NOT USE WATER!
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 and Explosion Hazards: Flammable when exposed to flame or spontaneous chemical reaction. When heated to
decomposition, erbium sulfide may emit highly toxic fumes of SOx. May react violently and explosively on contact with powerful
oxidizing agents. May ignite in air at room temperature, other require a higher temperature or the presence of and oxidizer. May
react with water, moisture, steam or acids to produce toxic and flammable vapors of hydrogen sulfide.
V HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION
Routes of Entry: Inhalation, skin, eyes and ingestion.
Health Hazards (Acute and Chronic):
To the best of our knowledge the chemical, physical and toxicological properties of erbium sulfide have not been thoroughly
investigated and recorded. Erbium 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, eighth edition).
Inhalation: Acute: May cause irritation to the respiratory tract and mucous membrane. Dusts may cause asthma attacks and lung
damage such as lung granulomas. Large doses may cause writhing, loss of muscle coordination, labored respiration, sedation,
hypotension and cardiovascular collapse.
Chronic: Prolonged or repeated inhalation may cause writhing, loss of muscle coordination, labored respiration, sedation, hypoten-
sion and cardiovascular collapse.
Ingestion: Acute: May cause gastrointestinal irritation.
Chronic: May affect the coagulation rate of blood.
Skin: Acute: May cause irritation, rashes and skin granulomas.
Chronic: May cause dermatitis, sensitivity to heat, itching and skin lesions.
Eye: Acute: May cause irritation.
Chronic: No Chronic health effects recorded.
Target Organs: May affect the respiratory system, blood and skin.
Carcinogenicity: NTP? No, IARC Monographs? No, OSHA Regulated? No
Signs and Symptoms of Exposure:
Inhalation: May cause writhing, ataxia, labored respiration, walking on toes with arched back and sedation.
Ingestion: May cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal burning and cramp-like pain.
Skin: May cause redness, itching and burning.
Eye: May cause redness, itching, burning and watering.
Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure: 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; wash affected area with mils soap and water; seek
medical attention if irritation persists.
EYE: Flush eyes with lukewarm water, lifting lower and upper eyelids for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if irritation
persists.
VI REACTIVITY DATA
Stability: Unstable
Conditions to Avoid: Air and moisture
Incompatibility (Material to avoid): Air, moisture, acids, oxidizing materials.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Hydrogen sulfide and oxides of sulfur.
Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur.
Conditions to Avoid: Not applicable
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-Special Protection Information. Isolate spill area, provide ventilation and extinguish sources of ignition. 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. Use non-sparking tools.
Waste Disposal Method: Dispose of in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations.
Hazard Label Information: Store in a cool dry place in a tightly sealed container. Wash thoroughly after handling.
Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storing: Erbium sulfide is water and moisture sensitive. Handle and store
in a controlled environment and inert gas such as argon.
VIII SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION
Respiratory Protection: In dusting conditions, use a NIOSH/MSHA approved dust respirator.
Ventilation: Local Exhaust: To maintain concentration at low exposure levels.
Special: Handle in a dry, controlled atmosphere. Mechanical (General): Not recommended.
Other: Handle and store in an inert gas, such as argon.
Protective Gloves: Rubber gloves Eye Protection: Safety glasses
Other Protective Clothing or Equipment: 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. So not use tobacco or food in work area. Wash thoroughly
before eating and smoking. So not blow dust off clothing or skin with compressed air. Ventilation: Provide adequate ventilation.
Use local exhaust as needed to maintain airborne exposure below control limits.
IX ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Some of the chemicals listed herein are research or experimental substances which may be toxic, as defined by various
governmental regulations. In accordance with Environmental Protection Agency regulations and the Toxic Substance Control Act
(TSCA), these materials could only be handled by, or under the direct supervision of, a 鈥渢echnically qualified individual鈥?, 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 governments
regulations are subject to change, and the conditions of handling and use or misuse are beyond our control, ESPI MAKES NO
WARRANTY, EITHER EXPRESSED NOR IMPLIES, WITH RESPECT TO THE COMPLETENESS OR CONTINUING ACCU-
RACY OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN AND DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY FOR RELIANCE THEREON.
Users should satisfy themselves that they have all current data relevant to their particular use.
Prepared by: S. Dierks
Dated: October 1994
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