V-A. GENERAL HEALTH AND HAZARD DATA (Product, Alloying Elements and Compounds)

NOTE: Steel and aluminum products in their usual physical form do not pose any health hazard and are not listed by IARC or NTP as carcinogens or suspected carcinogens. However, when subjected to welding, burning, sawing, brazing, grinding, etc., potentially hazardous fumes or dust may be generated. These operations should be performed in well-ventilated areas. The primary route of exposure is from inhalation of fumes or dust. The effects of overexposure to the various metal fumes and dusts which may be generated from this product and the associated health effects from overexposure are as follows:

ACUTE: Excessive inhalation of metallic fume or dust may be irritating to respiratory passages. Excessive inhalation of fume from metals can produce an acute reaction called "metal fume fever." Symptoms consist of chills and fever (easily confused with flu), a metallic taste in the mouth, dryness, and irritation of the throat. The symptoms arrive a few hours after exposure and may last 12-48 hours. Long-term effects have not been noted. High concentrations of metallic dusts can result in eye irritation.

CHRONIC: Chronic inhalation of high concentrations of metallic fume and dusts are associated with the following:

IRON OXIDE: Chronic inhalation of excessive iron dust or fumes may result in development of a benign pneumoconiosis (siderosis). No physical impairment of lung function has been associated with siderosis.

ALUMINUM: Chronic excessive exposure to certain aluminum compounds as fume or dusts may initiate fibrotic changes to lung tissue.

MANGANESE: Chronic exposure to excessive fumes and dusts may result in bronchitis, pneumonitis, or effect the central nervous system causing lack of coordination.

CHROMIUM: Health hazards associated with exposure to chromium are dependent on its oxidation state. The metal form, as it exists in this product, is of very low toxicity. The hexavalent form is very toxic. Adverse effects may include skin ulcerations, dermatitis, and skin allergies. Inhalation of hexavalent chromium compounds can result in ulceration of mucous membranes and perforation of the nasal septum, bronchitis, and bronchial carcinoma. IARC lists hexavalent chromium compounds as known human carcinogens. ACGIH has reviewed the toxicity data and concluded that chromium metal is not carcinogenic to humans.

NICKEL: Nickel fumes are respiratory irritants and may cause pneumonitis. Skin contact may cause allergic skin rash. Nickel sensitivity, once acquired, is apparently not lost. Certain airborne nickel contaminating dusts are regarded as carcinogens via inhalation. Listed by NTP and the IARC Monographs. Nickel is listed as a mutagen.

VANADIUM PENTOXIDE: Chronic exposure to vanadium pentoxide dust and fume may cause severe irritation of the eyes, skin and upper respiratory tract. Symptoms include conjunctivitis, nasopharyngitis, cough, dyspnea, palpitation, lung changes, chronic bronchitis, skin pallor, rash, greenish-black tongue.

COBALT: Mildly irritating to eyes, skin, and upper respiratory tract. Chronic inhalation of dust or fume may result in an asthma-like respiratory disorder.

LEAD: Chronic exposure to excessive concentrations of lead and lead compounds as dust or fume may lead to anemia, urinary dysfunction, weakness, constipation, nausea and disorders of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Prolonged exposure may cause kidney damage and reproductive disorders.

COPPER: Overexposure to copper fume can cause upper respiratory tract irritation. Skin sensitization has been reported.

MOLYBDENUM: Chronic excessive exposure to certain compounds have indicated morphological changes in the liver, kidneys, and spleen; anemia, diarrhea, bone deformity, and growth deformation.

SULPHUR (as Sulphur Dioxide): Excessive exposure may result in upper respiratory tract irritation and pulmonary edema.

ZINC: Exposure to zinc oxide fume may result in "zinc chills" (metal fume fever).

TIN: Toxicity is generally low. Exposure to excessive levels of dust or fume can result in a benign pneumoconiosis called stannosis.

TUNGSTEN: Metal and insoluble compounds are generally considered to have a low level of toxicity but have produced lung changes in laboratory animals.

MAGNESIUM: Oxide fume may cause irritation to eyes, nose and throat; overexposure may cause flu-like symptoms. Chronic exposure may cause metal fume fever.

 

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

SKIN CONTACT: Remove particles by washing with water and soap.
EYE CONTACT: Flush with water for at least 15 minutes. Get medical attention if irritation persists.
INHALATION: In the event of acute exposure, remove the subject from exposure and obtain prompt medical attention. If unconscious, administer oxygen. If not breathing, resuscitate immediately.

 

DISCLAIMER

Alro makes no warranties, expressed or implied, including but not limited to, implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. The information contained in this Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is believed to be correct, but no representations, guarantees or warranties of any kind are made as to its accuracy, suitability for particular applications, hazards connected with the use of the material, or the results to be obtained from the use thereof. The user assumes all risk and liability of any use, processing, or handling of any material. Variations in methods, conditions, equipment used to store, handle, or process the material and hazards connected with the use of the material are solely the responsibility of the user and remain at its sole discretion.

As sold, the product described in this MSDS is considered by Alro to be an "article" within the meaning of Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations, section 1910, 1200 et seq. This MSDS is intended to be used solely for the purpose of satisfying informational requests made pursuant to that requirement. It is not intended to preempt, replace, or expand the terms contained in Alro’s Conditions of Sale. Compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations remains the responsibility of the user. The user has the responsibility to provide a safe workplace, to examine all aspects of its operation, and to determine if or where precautions, in addition to those herein, are required. Revised 12/21/95