MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET







I       PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION



Trade Name:      Gadolinium Nitride                                             Chemical Family:           Metal nitride

Synonyms:        Gadolinium nitride, gadolinium mononitride                     Formula:                   GdN

CAS #:           25764-15-2





II      HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS



Ingredients               OSHA/PEL          ACGIH/TLV                  Other             Percent

Gadolinium Nitride        N/E               N/E                        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):          N/E                                      Vapor Density (air=1): Not Available

Solubility in H2O:                 N/E (may decompose to ammonia gas)       % Volatiles by Weight: Not Available

Appearance and Odor:               Black powder, may have a slight ammonia odor





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, gadolinium nitride may emit toxic fumes of NOx and ammonia.





V       HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION



Routes of Entry: Inhalation, Skin, Eyes, and Ingestion



Signs and Symptoms of Exposure:



Inhalation: May cause a red, dry throat, coughing, shortness of breath, swelling of mouth and throat.

Ingestion: May affect the coagulation time of blood, tissue damage, chemical burns, nausea and vomiting.

Skin: May cause redness, burning, itching, inflammation, blistering and tissue damage.

Eyes: May cause redness, burning, itching, watering, lens opacities and ulceration of the conjunctiva and cornea.



Target Organs: May affect the blood, respiratory system, skin and eyes.

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



Medical Conditions Aggravated by Overexposure: Pre-existing lung and skin disorders.

Health Hazards (Acute and Chronic):



        To the best of our knowledge the chemical, physical and toxicological properties of gadolinium nitride 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).



          Ammonia gas is a human poison by an unspecified route. Poison by inhalation, ingestion and possibly other routes. An eye

mucous membrane, and systemic irritant by inhalation. Mutation data reported (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, 8th

edition).



Inhalation: Acute: May cause irritation to the upper respiratory system. Ammonia gas may cause irritation to the nose and throat,

dyspnea, bronchial spasms, chest pain, pulmonary edema and pink frothy sputum.

Chronic: May cause writhing, ataxia, labored respiration, walking on toes with arched back, sedation, pulmonary edema and lung

granuloma. Repeated or prolonged exposure to ammonia gas may cause swelling of mouth and throat to the point of asphyxiation,

permanent injury and death.



Ingestion: Acute: May cause irritation by ingestion. Ammonia gas may cause severe irritation and chemical burns.

Chronic: May act as a blood anticoagulant.



Skin: Acute: May cause irritation. Ammonia gas may cause irritation and chemical burns.

Chronic: Repeated or prolonged exposure to ammonia gas may cause tissue damage.



Eyes: Acute: May cause moderate irritation. Ammonia gas may cause severe irritation and chemical burns.

Chronic: Repeated or prolonged exposure to ammonia gas may cause irreversible damage to the conjunctiva, cornea and lens.



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: Do not induce vomiting, SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION.

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: Ammonia and hydrogen gas.

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 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

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

use.





Issued by:        S. Dierks

Issue Date:       November 1995