Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

RARE EARTH OXIDES

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Calcium lights, optical glass, technical ceramics, cores for carbon- arc electrodes,
fluorescent phosphors, refractories.

SYNONYMS

"rare earth chalcogenides, oxides", "rare earth metal oxides", "rare earths",
"sesquioxides, rare earth metal", "rare earth sesquioxides", "rare earth metals,
chalcogenides", "lanthanide oxides"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Although ingestion is not thought to produce harmful effects, the material may still be damaging to the health of the individual following ingestion, especially where pre-  existing organ (e.g. liver, kidney) damage is evident. Present definitions of harmful or toxic substances are generally based on doses producing mortality (death) rather than those producing morbidity (disease, ill-health). Gastrointestinal tract discomfort may produce nausea and vomiting. In an occupational setting however, ingestion of insignificant quantities is not thought to be cause for concern.  

EYE

  Although the material is not thought to be an irritant, direct contact with the eye may produce transient discomfort characterized by tearing or conjunctival redness (as with windburn).  The material may be irritating to the eye, with prolonged contact causing inflammation. Repeated or prolonged exposure to irritants may produce conjunctivitis.  

SKIN

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or skin irritation following contact (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable gloves be used in an occupational setting.  

INHALED

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or irritation of the respiratory tract (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable control measures be used in an occupational setting.  Persons with impaired respiratory function, airway diseases and conditions such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, may incur further disability if excessive concentrations of particulate are inhaled.  Exposure to vapors of some rare earth salts can cause sensitivity to heat, itching, and increased sensitivity of smell and taste. Other effects include inflamed airways and lung,  emphysema, regional narrowing of terminal airways and cell changes. Rarely, excess blood flow has occurred following a delay. Lung cancers can also occur.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Principal routes of exposure are by accidental skin and eye contact andinhalation of generated dusts.  Lanthanum is typical of the group of rare earths and the  toxicology of the family is expected to be similar.  Lanthanum is one of the rare earth metals - light type (cerium family). Rare earth metals have not been shown to have toxic effects, but dust inhalation can still cause scarring of the lungs.  As with any chemical product, contact with unprotected bare skin; inhalation of vapor, mist or dust in work place atmosphere; or ingestion in any form, should be avoided by observing good occupational work practice.