Europium
Agent Name
Europium
CAS Number
7440-53-1
Formula
Eu
Major Category
Metals
Category
Rare Earth Metals
Description
Crystals; [Merck Index] Soft, malleable, steel-grey metal; Powder form may ignite in air; [Hawley] Quickly oxidizes in air; Ignites in air at about 150-180 deg C; [Reference #1]
Sources/Uses
Source: Rare earth minerals; [Merck Index] Uses: nuclear control rods and color-TV phosphors (Europium-activated yttrium vanadate); Has been used in postage stamp glues so that electronic equipment can detect the phosphors in first-class mail; [Hawley] Used in doped plastic as a laser material; [Reference #1]
Comments
Cost greatly reduced in recent years because of new technology (ion-exchange techniques and other processes); [Reference #1] See "RARE EARTH METALS" and linked occupational diseases.
Reference Link #1
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
Explanatory Notes
mp = 826 deg C; [Merck Index]
Adverse Effects
Fibrogenic
Yes
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Other Information
No other related information on this agent was found.