ALUMINUM WELDING WIRE

Potential health effects

EYES: Fume can cause irritation. Ultraviolet radiation from welding can cause flash burns. SKIN: Can cause irritation. Ultraviolet radiation from welding can cause flash burns. INHALATION: Can cause respiratory tract irritation, metal fume fever, and other health effects listed below: Cancer hazard Aluminum is welded in a protective, inert atmosphere such as argon or helium using the MIG or TIG process. Welding processes generate welding fumes and an intense ultraviolet radiation that results in the formation of ozone, and oxides of nitrogen. Ultraviolet radiation from welding can also cause flash burns to the eyes and skin. e® The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified welding fumes as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B). e Exposure to low levels of ozone can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. Inhalation can cause chest tightness, headache, shortness of breath, cough, wheeze, nausea, and narrowing of airways. Symptoms disappear when removed from exposure. e Exposure to high levels of ozone may cause acute respiratory distress with shortness of breath, pulmonary changes, hemorrhage, and pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs). Symptoms of pulmonary edema may be delayed for one or more hours. Exposure of test animals and human tissue to high concentrations has shown chromosomal changes, reproductive effects, blood changes, and death from lung congestion. e Oxides of nitrogen can cause irritation of the eyes, skin (when moist), and respiratory tract. Exposure to high levels of nitrogen oxides can cause delayed pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs) which may be fatal. Nitric oxide can cause formation of methemoglobin, which decreases the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. Chronic overexposure can cause pulmonary fibrosis (scarring of the lungs). e Overexposure to Aluminum dust/fines and fumes can cause reduced lung function and may be associated with neurological effects. _ AlcoTec Wire Corporation 2750 Aero Park Drive » Traverse City, Ml 49686-9263 USA e Phone (231) 941-4111 Sales and Marketing Fax (231) 941-9154 » Administrative and Quality Control Fax (231) 941-1040 alcotec@alcotec.com E-mail www.aicotec.com Web site Issued October 10, 2008 Page 3 of 8 Product Name: ALUMINUM WELDING WIRE