Risk Management for Hazardous Chemicals

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MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

CHEMICAL NAME

CRC PRESS/LEWIS PUBLISHERS DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

PRESENTED HEREIN ARE BASED ON SOURCES BELIEVED TO BE RELIABLE. CRC MAKES NO REPRESENTATION ON
ITS COMPLETENESS OR ACCURACY. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE USER TO DETERMINE THE CHEMICAL'S
SUITABILITY FOR ITS INTENDED USE, THE CHEMICAL'S SAFE USE, AND THE CHEMICAL'S PROPER DISPOSAL. NO
REPRESENTATIONS AND/OR WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, OF THE MERCHANTABILITY OR
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR OF ANY OTHER NATURE, ARE MADE WITH RESPECT TO THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS MSDS OR TO THE CHEMICAL TO WHICH INFORMATION MAY REFER. CRC
NEITHER ASSUMES NOR AUTHORIZES ANY OTHER PERSON TO ASSUME FOR IT, ANY OTHER ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR THE USE OF, OR RELIANCE UPON, THIS INFORMATION.

YTTRIUM OXIDE

HAZARD WARNING INFORMATION

HEALTH

FIRE

REACTIVE

OTHER

DEGREE OF HAZARD
0 = Minimum Hazard
1 = Slight Hazard
2 = Moderate Hazard
3 = Serious Hazard
4 = Severe Hazard

COLOR CODING
HEALTH = BLUE
FIRE = RED
REACTIVITY = YELLOW
OTHER = WHITE

OTHER CODES
OX = Oxidizer
ACID = Acid
ALK = Alkali
COR = Corrosive
W = Use No Water

SECTION I - GENERAL INFORMATION

Characterization

RCRA Number

Metal

EPA Class

None

DOT Proper Shipping Name

Not Applicable

Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) Number

No Citation

1314-36-9

DOT Hazard Class and Label Requirements

DOT Emergency Guide Code

No Citation

No Citation

DOT Identification Number

Molecular Formula

No Citation

Y 2O3

Synonyms

Yttria.

SECTION II - HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS AND IDENTITY INFORMATION

Hazardous Components (specific identity)

Yttrium oxide (derivation: By ignition

of yttrium nitrate).

OSHA Exposure Criteria

NIOSH Exposure Criteria

Immediately Dangerous to Life

and Health (IDLH)

TLV:
1 mg/m3
(as Yttrium)

REL:
1 mg/m3
(as Yttrium)

PEL:
1 mg/m3
(as Yttrium)

ACGIH Exposure Criteria

Not
Determined
STEL:
Not
Established)

STEL:
Not
Established

STEL:
Not
Established

SECTION III - PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Boiling Point

Specific Gravity (H2O = 1)

7772F (4300C)

4.84

Vapor Pressure (mm Hg)

Molecular Weight

Not Reported

225.82

Vapor Density (Air = 1)

Melting Point

4370F (2410C)

Not Reported
Solubility

Insoluble in water. Soluble in dilute acids.

Appearance and Odor

Colorless to white or yellowish-white, hygroscopic cubic powder.

SECTION IV - FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD DATA

Flash Point (method used)

Explosive Limits in Air % by Volume

Not Applicable
NFPA Classification

LEL: N/A

UEL: N/A

Autoignition Temperature

Noncombustible Solid

Not Applicable

Extinguishing Media

Use extinguishing media suitable to surrounding fires.

Special Fire Fighting Procedures

None noted. But, yttrium oxide dust is toxic by inhalation. Fire fighters should take care to avoid dusty
situations and wear appropriate respiratory protection where yttrium oxide may be present.
Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards

Yttrium oxide is a noncombustible solid. But, its dusts may form explosive mixtures in air. Caution is
warranted when approaching situations that may involve yttrium oxide dusts.

1996 by CRC Press, Inc.

Risk Management for Hazardous Chemicals

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SECTION V - REACTIVITY DATA

Conditions to Avoid

Yttrium oxide is normally stable in closed containers under routine conditions of handling and storage.
Avoid contact with incompatible materials, including water and moisture. Avoid dusty conditions.

Stability
Stable

Unstable

Yttrium oxide displaces ammonia from ammonia salts. It is hygroscopic and will readily absorb moisture
from the air and carbon dioxide (will form carbonates).

X
Hazardous
Polymerization
May Occur

Incompatibility (materials to avoid)

Will Not Occur

Conditions to Avoid

Hazardous polymerization of yttrium oxide cannot occur.

Hazardous Decomposition or By-products

None reported.

SECTION VI - HEALTH HAZARD DATA

Inhalation?

Primary Route(s) of Entry:

Absorption (skin/eye)?

Ingestion?

Health Hazards

INHALATION: Inhaling finely divided particles may cause irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and the
mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. It can cause sensitivity to heat, itching, an
increased awareness to odor and taste. May cause progressive fibrosis in long-term.
SKIN & EYES: Contact with the eyes may cause irritation with symptoms of conjunctivitis. Contact with
abraded skin may cause hair loss and the formation of scars.
INGESTION:

Low oral toxicity (poor absorption through the digestive tract).

Carcinogenicity

NTP Listed?

Unknown Human
Unknown Animal

No

IARC Cancer Review Group?

OSHA Regulated?

No

29 CFR 1910.1000
Table Z-1 (as Y)

Target Organs?

Eyes, skin,
system

respiratory

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure

Pre-existing lung disease or dysfunction may be aggravated by exposure to yttrium oxide dusts.
Emergency and First-aid Procedures

Eye contact: Do not allow victim to keep eyes tightly shut. Flush immediately with water for 15 minutes
(minimum); seek medical attention. Skin contact: Remove all contaminated clothing. Immediately wash
area with large amounts of soap and water. For inhalation: Remove the person from exposure. Provide
respiratory assistance and CPR. Transfer to medical facility. If swallowed, remove person to fresh air
and seek medical attention immediately. Do not attempt to give an unconscious or convulsing person
anything by mouth. Give 1 to 2 glasses of water to dilute and induce vomiting.

SECTION VII - PRECAUTIONS FOR SAFE HANDLING AND USE

Steps to be Taken in Case Material is Released or Spilled

Ventilate area of spill or leak. Restrict those not involved in cleanup from entering area. Collect spilled
powdered materials in safest manner possible and deposit in sealed drum for disposal. Notify appropriate authorities, as required by applicable environmental regulations.
Preferred Waste Disposal Method

Not listed. Check applicable federal, state, and/or local environmental regulations.
Precautions to be Taken in Handling and Storage

Yttrium oxide is a noncombustible solid. Store to avoid contact with moisture and heat. Store in tightly
closed containers in cool, dry, well-ventilated area.
Other Precautions and Warnings

Yttrium oxide is suitable for storage in general chemical storage areas.

SECTION VIII - CONTROL MEASURES AND PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Respiratory Protection (specify type)

None required where adequate ventilation conditions exist. If airborne concentrations exceed the PEL, a
dust/mist respirator is recommended. For high exposures, or if concentrations exceed the capacity of
the respirator, then a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) with full facepiece operated in positive
pressure mode is advised.
Ventilation

Local exhaust (preferred) at site of chemical work or general ventilation.

Protective Gloves

Impervious Rubber

Eye Protection

Safety Glasses with Side Shields

Other Protective Clothing

Not Applicable

Work/Hygiene Practices

Always wash hands thoroughly after using chemical; never bring food, drink, or smoking materials into
vicinity of chemicals.
1996 by CRC Press, Inc.

Risk Management for Hazardous Chemicals

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YTTRIUM OXIDE
Y2O3

CAS: 1314-36-9

0
1

IDENTIFICATION AND TYPICAL USES

Yttrium oxide is colorless to white, hygroscopic cubic
powder. It is used as phosphorous for color television
tubes (in alloy with euphorium) and mantles in gas and
acetylene lights. Also used in yttrium-iron garnets for
microwave filters, and as a stabilizer for hightemperature service materials (zirconia and silicon nitride refractories).

The following acute (short-term) health effects may

occur immediately or shortly after exposure to yttrium
oxide:
Skin:

Irritation and possible hair loss and scarring.

Eye:

Severe eye irritation and conjunctivitis likely.

Lung: Can irritate the respiratory tract. In large

doses, may cause pulmonary fibrosis.

0 Chronic Health Effects

RISK ASSESSMENT: HEALTH
General Assessment
Yttrium and its salts are generally considered nuisance
dusts and under some conditions of human exposure
may cause a minimal pulmonary nodular response.
However, excessive inhalation of finely divided particles of yttrium oxide may lead to lung damage characterized by scarred tissue (pulmonary fibrosis) with
shortness of breath, tightness and pain in the chest, and
coughing. There are no data regarding any potential
for carcinogenic, mutagenic, or teratogenic action on
long-term exposure to yttrium oxide.
Inhalation of finely divided dusts and powders of
yttrium oxide can cause irritation of the nose, throat,
and mucous membranes of the respiratory tract with
sensitivity to heat, itching, and an increased awareness
of odor and taste. Eye contact can cause mechanical
irritation and may lead to conjunctivitis. Contact with
abraded skin may result in the loss of hair and the
formation of surface scar tissue.
The oral toxicity is considered to be low due to the
poor absorption rate of yttrium oxide through the digestive tract. This does not mean there is no health
risk associated with oral intact of yttrium oxide. There
is no way of estimating exact human response under
all possible types of exposure conditions. Prudent risk
management requires caution when working with or
around yttrium oxide.

1 Acute Health Effects

The following chronic (long-term) health effects may

occur at some time after exposure to yttrium oxide and
can last for months or even years:
Cancer Hazards: According to the information presented in the references, yttrium oxide has not been
tested for its ability to cause cancer in animals. No
data were found on its human carcinogenic capabilities.
Reproductive Hazard: According to the information
presented in the references, yttrium oxide has not been
tested for its ability to adversely affect reproduction.
Other Chronic Effects: Repeated exposure to large
amounts of yttrium oxide dust may damage the lungs,
leading to scarring of the tissue (pulmonary fibrosis),
with shortness of breath.

Recommended Risk-Reduction Measures

Personnel should avoid direct contact with yttrium
oxide. The exact nature of its harmful capacities is not
clearly understood in the references. Therefore, it is
recommended that it be handled as a toxic material. If
a less toxic material cannot be substituted for yttrium
oxide, then engineering controls are the most effective
method of reducing exposures. The best protection is
to enclose operations and/or provide local exhaust
ventilation at the site of yttrium oxide release. While
not always operationally feasible, isolating operations
can also reduce exposure.

1996 by CRC Press, Inc.

Risk Management for Hazardous Chemicals

Using respiratory protection and other personal

protective equipment (PPE) is less effective than the
engineering controls mentioned above, but is still advisable whenever working with or around yttrium oxide. Under normal operating conditions of low exposure potential, a dust/mist respirator should suffice.
However, for maximum protection in large concentrations or when the capacity of the dust/mist respirator is
exceeded, personnel should wear a self-contained
breathing apparatus (SCBA) with full facepiece in
pressure demand or a powered air-supplied respirator
with full facepiece operated in continuous flow mode.
If a full facepiece is not available, then chemical/dust
goggles, safety glass with side shields, or a face shield
should be worn to protect the eyes. To prevent hand
and skin exposures, impervious rubber gloves should
be used.
Administrative controls should also be in place to
minimize the potential for human exposures. These
may include written procedures or policies which
specify the methods and techniques that will be practiced whenever personnel are to work with yttrium
oxide.
All personnel should receive training on the use,
hazards, protective measures, emergency actions, and
other precautions per 29 CFR 1910.1200 (Hazard
Communication), prior to the first assignment in an
area where yttrium oxide is used or stored.
If there has been a long history of high exposure,
or if lung symptoms develop, the following medical
tests are recommended:
; Chest X-ray.
; Pulmonary function tests.
Any evaluation should include a careful history of past
and present symptoms with an examination. Medical
tests that simply look for existing damage are not a
substitute for controlling exposures. Also, because
smoking can cause lung cancer, emphysema, and a
host of other medical problems, smokers working with
or around yttrium oxide may aggravate these conditions further.
Other methods to reduce exposure to yttrium oxide
include:
;

Where possible, enclose operations and use local

exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release.
If local exhaust ventilation or enclosure is not
used, then respiratory protection should be required and its use enforced.

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Always ensure that proper protective clothing is

worn when using chemical substances. Never
allow contaminated clothing to be taken home
from the work place.

Hazard warning information should be posted in

the work area. In addition, as part of an on-going
education and training program, all information
on the health and safety hazards of yttrium oxide
should be communicated to all exposed and potentially exposed workers.

Eye wash stations should be provided in the immediate work area for emergency use.

RISK ASSESSMENT: ENVIRONMENT

General Assessment
The environment is at risk of exposure during transportation, storage, disposal, or destruction of yttrium
oxide. In almost every scenario, the threat of environmental exposure is contingent upon the proper handling of the chemical substance. Accidental spills,
large or small, where yttrium oxide contacts incompatible commodities can result in violent reactions as
well as the possible contamination of the surrounding
environmental mediums (water, soil, and air).
Yttrium oxide is considered a noncombustible
solid. However, its dusts may form explosive mixtures in air. Also, because it is hygroscopic and will
absorb moisture and carbon dioxide from the air to
produce toxic carbonates, extreme caution is required
in handling, storage, transportation, and disposal of
yttrium oxide. These characteristics also require special consideration during any emergency situation involving a leak or spill of yttrium oxide. Should yttrium oxide ever come into contact with incompatible
substances such as ammonium salts either during use,
transportation, storage, or disposal, dangerous reactions are possible.
Yttrium oxide can enter the environment through
industrial discharges and/or spills.

1 Acute Ecological Effects

Acute (short-term) toxic effects may include the death
of animals, birds, or fish and death or low growth rate
in plants. Acute effects are seen 2 to 4 days after animals or plants are exposed to yttrium oxide.
Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short-term toxic effects of yttrium oxide to
aquatic life, plants, birds, and land animals.

0 Chronic Ecological Effects

1996 by CRC Press, Inc.

Risk Management for Hazardous Chemicals

Chronic (long-term) toxic effects may include shortened life span, reproductive problems, lower fertility,
and changes in appearance or behavior in exposed
animals. These effects can be seen long after first exposure to toxic chemicals.
Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long-term toxic effects of yttrium oxide to
aquatic life, plants, birds, or land animals.

6 Water Solubility
Yttrium oxide is insoluble in water. Concentrations of
1 milligram or less will not mix with a liter of water.

 Persistence in the Environment

Yttrium oxide is highly persistent in water, with a halflife greater than 200 days. The half-life of a pollutant
is the amount of time it takes for one-half of the
chemical to be degraded.

O Bioaccumulation in Aquatic Organisms

Some substances increase in concentration, or bioaccumulate, in living organisms as they breathe contaminated air, drink contaminated water, or eat contaminated food. These chemicals can become concentrated in the tissues and internal organs of animals
as well as humans.
Yttrium oxide will not accumulate in the edible
tissues of aquatic life that are consumed by humans.

Recommended Risk-Reduction Measures

Proper training of all transporters will reduce the likelihood of a mishap or accident resulting in a leak or
spill of yttrium oxide into the environment. The correct use of labeling on all containers, trucks, and rail
cars will enable emergency responders to react properly and quickly to any disaster thereby reducing the
potential risk to the environment and to personnel.
Storage of yttrium oxide should be segregated
from incompatible chemicals to minimize the risk of
cross-contamination or contact. It must be kept dry.
If a spill or leak to the environment has occurred,
fire department, emergency response and/or hazardous
materials spill personnel should be notified immediately. Cleanup should be attempted only by those
trained in proper spill containment procedures. If yttrium oxide should contact the water table, aquifer, or
navigable waterway, the local and/or state emergency
response authorities must be notified. A comprehensive emergency response or disaster preparedness/recovery plan should be in place prior to any op-

Page: 5

erations involving the use, transportation, storage, or

disposal of yttrium oxide.
If yttrium oxide is spilled or leaked, the following
specific steps are recommended:
;

Restrict persons not wearing protective clothing

from area of spill or leak until cleanup is complete and area can be opened for normal work.

Do not allow exposure to incompatible materials.

Collect powdered materials in the safest and most

efficient manner possible. Place materials in a
sealed drum. Do NOT dry sweep. Use a vacuum
equipped with a high-efficiency particulate air
(HEPA) filter. Keep water away.

RISK ASSESSMENT: BUSINESS

General Assessment
Accidents or mishaps involving yttrium oxide can present a moderate threat to business operations. Although not likely, equipment and facilities may be lost
or their use disrupted as a result of an incident involving yttrium oxide which can significantly affect fiscal
viability. Lawsuits that may result from personnel
injury, illness, and/or death, public exposures, and/or
environmental contamination will also require a serious expenditure of resources. Media attention surrounding an injury, death, or environmental damage
can also result in a loss of profits and loss of current as
well as future business.

Recommended Risk-Reduction Measures

Company attorneys, safety and health professionals,
and environmental specialists should be involved in
the development of any procedures that focus on
emergency response, disaster preparedness, and disaster recovery. A company official should be predesignated as a public relations officer with specific
training in dealing with the press. Corporate plans and
policies should be developed, approved, and implemented long before any need for such arises.

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