WeldTrue Tugsten Electrodes

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW: These products are hard, brittle, silvery-gray metal electrodes. The chief health hazard associated with these products would be the inhalation of fumes generated by welding or dusts and powdered, formed if grinding operations are performed on the product. Those electrodes that contain Thorium Oxide have a special hazard if dusts or powders are produced and inhaled during use or grinding of tips of the electrodes, as thorium compounds are suspected of being cancer-causing compounds. When exposed to extremely high temperatures, these products will produce irritating oxides of cerium, thorium, tungsten and zirconium. These electrodes present no significant fire hazard; however finely divided metal powder which may be generated during grinding of the tips of electrodes, is highly flammable (especially when exposed to oxidizing compounds at elevated temperatures). In some circumstances, powdered tungsten can be spontaneously flammable. Emergency responders must wear the proper personal protective equipment (and have appropriate fire-extinguishing protection) suitable for the situation to which the are responding. (Continued) SYMPTOMS OF OVER-EXPOSURE BY ROUTE OF EXPOSURE: The most significant routes of over-exposure to these products is HAZARDOUS MATERIAL IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM inhalation of fumes generated during welding operations or of dusts generated by grinding operations. INHALATION: Inhalation is not a significant route of over- HEALTH (BLUE) 1 exposure to the electrodes. Inhalation of fumes generated from welding operations and to powders generated by grinding of the electrode tips, can cause irritation of the nose, throat, and respiratory system. Symptoms of such over-exposure can include sneezing, coughing, and a sore throat. Inhalation of Tungsten FLAMMABILITY (RED) 0 fumes has the potential for causing transient or permanent lung damage. Additionally, short-term over-exposure to welding fumes may result in discomfort, dizziness, nausea, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. Chronic inhalation of large amounts of particulates generated by these products during metal processing REACTIVITY (YELLOW ) 0 operations can result in pneumoconiosis (a disease of the lungs). CONTACT WITH SKIN or EYES: Contact with skin and eyes can be irritating, especially areas which have been over-exposed to PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT B Tungsten powders. Symptoms of skin contact include irritation and redness; prolonged or repeated skin over-exposures to Tungsten powders can lead to dermatitis. Symptoms of eye EYES RESPIRATORY HANDS BODY contact include pain, redness, irritation, and tearing. SKIN ABSORPTION: Skin absorption is not a significant route of See over-exposure for these products, or their components. INGESTION: Not applicable. For routine industrial applications INJECTION: Not applicable.

Other Health Effects

Some of these products contain Thorium Oxide, which is a low-level radioactive material. Studies See Section 16 for Definition of Ratings performed by the International Institute of Welding have shown that these electrodes do not present any radiation risks during normal use, storage, welding or disposal of residues of these products. However, during grinding of electrode tips there is generation of radioactive dusts, which present a hazard through inhalation.

Potential health effects

OR RISKS FROM EXPOSURE An Explanation in Lay Terms ACUTE: The chief health hazard associated with these products would be inhalation of fumes generated during welding, or inhalation of powders generated during grinding of electrode tips. Symptoms of acute inhalation of fumes generated during welding include irritation of the nose, throat, and respiratory system. CHRONIC: Chronic inhalation of large amounts of particulates generated by these products during metal processing operations can result in pneumoconiosis (a disease of the lungs). Prolonged or repeated skin over-exposures to Tungsten powders can lead to dermatitis. Inhalation of Tungsten fumes during welding operations has the potential for causing transient or permanent lung damage. A component of some of these electrodes contain Thorium Oxide, which is a known human carcinogen, and which is a low-level radioactive emitter. If dusts from these electrodes are generated and inhalation, there is risk of long-term effects. See Section 11, Toxicological Information, for further information. TARGET ORGANS ACUTE Skin and eyes, respiratory system CHRONIC: Respiratory system, skin. PART II What should I do if a hazardous situation occurs?