Cerium

Agent Name
Cerium
CAS Number
7440-45-1
Formula
Ce
Major Category
Metals
Synonyms
Cerium, turnings or gritty powder [UN3078] [Dangerous when wet]; [ChemIDplus]
Category
Rare Earth Metals
Description
Gray solid; [CAMEO] Ceric salts: yellow or red-orange; Cerous salts: usually white; [Reference #1] Ductile and highly reactive; Readily oxidizes; [Hawley]
Sources/Uses
Used in metal alloys, in polishing agents, and in glass; [Ullmann] Sources: most abundant of the "rare earth" metals, it is obtained mainly from monazite, and bastnasite mineral deposits. Large deposits are found in India, Brazil, and the United States. Uses: to manufacture flints for cigarette lighters (misch metal); to make incandescent gas mantles, self-cleaning ovens, carbon arc lighting, and glass; as an analytical reagent (Cerium sulfate); to polish glass (Cerium oxide); and as a catalyst in petroleum refining; [Reference #1]
Comments
Reacts violently with water and produces flammable gas on contact with moist air; May produce corrosive solutions; [CAMEO] Oxidizes readily in air at room temperature; Pure metal may ignite if scratched with a knife; [Reference #1] See "RARE EARTH METALS" and linked occupational diseases.
Reference Link #1
Biomedical References

Exposure Assessment

Explanatory Notes
ERG is for Cerium, turnings or gritty powder [UN3078] mp = 798 deg C; [Merck Index]

Adverse Effects

Fibrogenic
Yes
Dermatotoxin
Skin burns

Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

Activities

Activities with risk of exposure: