MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET







I        PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION



Trade Name:                Gadolinium Fluoride                                   Synonyms:                    Gadolinium Fluoride

Chemical Family:           Metal Halide                                          Formula:                     GdF3

CAS #:                     13765-26-9                                            Molecular Weight:            214.25





II       HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS



Ingredients:               OSHA/PEL                   ACGIH/TLV                  Other             Percent:

                           2.5 mg(F)/m3               2.5 mg(F)/m3

Gadolinium Fluoride                                                              N/E               100



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





III      PHYSICAL DATA



Boiling Point 760 mm Hg:            Not Available                                Melting Point:               Not Available

Specific Gravity (H2O=1):           7.06 gm/cc                                   Vapor Density (air=1):       Not Available

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

Appearance and Odor:                White Powder, no odor                        Vapor Pressure:              Not Available

Evaporation Rate:                   Not Applicable                               pH:                          Not Available





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: When heated to decomposition, or comes in contact with acids/acid fumes, gadolinium fluoride

may emit toxic fumes of fluorine, hydrogen fluoride vapors and fluorine gas.





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 gadolinium fluoride 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).

          Inorganic fluorides are generally highly irritating and toxic. Chronic fluorine poisoning, or “fluorosis�, occurs among miners

of cryolite, and consists of sclerosis of the bones, caused by fixation of the calcium by fluorine. There may also be some calcification

of the ligaments. The teeth are mottled and there is osteosclerosis and osteomalacia. Large doses can cause very severe nausea,

vomiting, diarrhea, aggravate attacks of asthma and severe bone changes, making normal movements painful. Some signs of pulmo-

nary fibrosis are noted. Some enzyme system effects are reported. Irritants to the eyes, skin and mucous membranes. Loss of weight,

anorexia, anemia, wasting and cachexia and dental defects are among the common findings in chronic fluorine poisoning. There may

be an eosinophilia and impairment of growth in young workers. Symptoms of intoxication include gastric, intestinal, circulatory,

respiratory and nervous complaints and rashes (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, 8th 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 and pulmonary edema. Large doses may cause immediate defecation, writhing, loss of muscle

coordination, labored respiration, sedation, hypotension, dyspnea, hyperemia, liver edema and necrosis, portal congestion, pleural

effusion and granulomatous peritonitis with serous and hemorrhagic ascites, respiratory and cardiac failure.

Chronic: May cause fluorosis, pulmonary fibrosis, severe bone changes, hyperemia, cellular eosinophilia and vascular granulomata,

acute chemical pneumonitis, subacute bronchitis and focal hypertopic emphysema.



Ingestion: Acute: May cause gastrointestinal irritation.

Chronic: May affect renal and hepatic function, the coagulation rate of the blood, circulatory, enzyme and nervous system.



Skin: Acute: May cause irritation, rashes and skin granulomas.

Chronic: May cause dermatitis, sensitivity to heat, itching and skin lesions.



Eyes: Acute: May cause irritation.

Chronic: No chronic health effects recorded.



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

Target Organs: May affect the skeleton, kidneys, central nervous system, liver, respiratory system, skin.

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



Signs and Symptoms of Exposure:



Inhalation: Fibrosis may cause: sclerosis of the bones, calcification of ligaments, mottled teeth, osteosclerosis, osteomalacia, loss of

weight, anorexia, anemia, wasting, caccia and dental defects.

Ingestion: May cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal burning and cramp-like pain.

Skin: May cause redness, burning, and itching.

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



EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:



INHALATION: Remove victim to fresh air. Keep warm and quiet. Give oxygen if breathing is difficult and seek medical atten-

tion.

INGESTION: Give 1-2 glasses of milk or water and induce vomiting, SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION, never give anything by

mouth or induce vomiting in an unconscious person.

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

attention if irritation persists.

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

toms persist.





VI       REACTIVITY DATA



Stability: Stable

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid): Acids



Hazardous Decomposition Products: Fumes of fluorine, hydrogen fluoride, fluorine gas and oxides of gadolinium.

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 - Special Protection Information. 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, mist, vapor respirator

Ventilation: Local: To maintain concentration at or below PEL, TLV levels. Special: None

Mechanical: Recommended                                                    Other: None



Protective Gloves: Neoprene, PVC, butyl gloves                                Eye Protection: Safety Glasses

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 thor-

oughly 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:       May 1994