jmhannon@.................... wrote:

> Whenever I hear something described as extremely toxic I want to know more.  The
> material safety data sheets for neodymium list it as mildly toxic. Neodymium
> oxide's only listed hazard is causing lung irritation if inhaled. Just about
> everything fits that description.  Neodymium certainly burns. Misch metal
> contains about 18% Neodymium. Lighter flints are made of misch metal. If burning
> Neodymium is a health hazard why aren't there warnings for lighters? Perhaps it
> is the other ingredients in the magnets that is the problem? Or possibly it is
> the magnet vendor being over cautious.
>
> Jim Hannon
>

Jim,

Your addition to the subject was educationally enlightening; thanks.
The last 2 sentences above, probably covers it all, in the sense of
todays "sue-um" atmosphere.

I've handled neodymium for afew years now.  Most of the material
is either painted or nickel plated.  Some has had patches with the
paint or nickel torn away (usually from the magnet being removed
from the original steel plate they were mounted on).  Its
"supposed" to oxidize rapidly.  I've only seen acouple pieces with
obvious oxidation (powdery residue thereon).  Usually, instead of
paint, I just use a felt tip pen made by Sanford, and their Sharpie
brand permanent marker.  That creates a thin type of plastic
covering, which "may" last some time, to limit oxidation.  This is
the same pen which one can use to draw out a circuit on a
copper circuit board, and etch away the rest of the copper.....
crude.....but it works fair I suppose.

Aside from the hazard issue, about the most obvious value I see
in neodymium (or samarium), is that there really isn't any
other material to use, as the older alnico variety are either
being depleted, or their strength for the individual project may
leave little or no choice.  Too be fair, the bulky alnico or
ferrite indeed can be quite effective in certain applications.

For what little time the magnets are actually handled in real
life, the biggest hazard remains the pinched fingers aspect.  I'am
not really up to licking the rocks (magnets).....ha.

Thanks,

Meredith Lamb






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