PHOS/COPPER BRAZING ALLOYS

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW: These products consist of odorless, metallic, copper-colored wires and rods in a variety of diameters. There is no immediate health hazard associated with the wire products. These products are not reactive under normal circumstances of use. Though the products are not flammable, when heated they will produce fumes containing a variety of copper and silver compounds. Emergency responders must wear personal protective equipment suitable for the situation to which they are responding. SYMPTOMS OF OVEREXPOSURE BY ROUTE OF EXPOSURE: During brazing operations, the most significant route of overexposure is via inhalation of fumes.INHALATION Exposure to fumes of these products will irritate the nose, throat and other tissues of the respiratory system. Overexposure to Copper fumes may produce metal fume fever. Symptoms of metal fume fever resemble the flu and include sweating, fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, weakness, and tiredness. CONTACT WITH SKIN or EYES: Contact with the wire or rod forms of these products is not anticipated to be irritating. Contact with the wire form can be physically damaging to the eye. Fumes generated during brazing or welding operations can irritate the skin and eyes. Symptoms of skin overexposure may include irritation and redness; prolonged or repeated skin overexposures may lead to dermatitis. Contact with the molten material will burn contaminated skin or eyes. SKIN ABSORPTION: Skin absorption is not a significant route of overexposure for any component of these products. INGESTION: Ingestion of the rods is not a likely route of occupational exposure. INJECTION: Though not a likely route of occupational exposure for these products, injection (via punctures or lacerations in the skin) may cause local reddening, tissue swelling, and discomfort.

Potential health effects

OR RISKS FROM EXPOSURE An Explanation in Lay Terms. Symptoms associated with overexposure to these products and the fumes generated during brazing operations are as follows: ACUTE: The chief health hazard associated with these products would be the potential for overexposure to fumes during brazing operations. Overexposure to Copper fumes may produce metal fume fever. Contact with the molten material will burn contaminated skin or eyes. CHRONIC: Chronic skin overexposure to the fumes of these products during brazing operations may produce dermatitis (red, inflamed skin). Chronic skin contact or ingestion of dusts, salts, or fumes of Silver, (a component of these products) can result in a condition known as Argyria. This condition is marked by a bluish appearance of the skin and eyes. Refer to Section 11 (Toxicological Information) for further information. TARGET ORGANS ACUTE Skin, eyes, and respiratory system. CHRONIC Skin, respiratory system