Steel “G” for Ni, Cr, Si

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

OSHA Stainless Steel is considered an “article” and not hazardous in its solid form. However, certain process such as cutting, grinding, and melting could result in some hazardous materials being emitted. The classifications listed pertain to these emitted products during these processes.

Signal word

Danger

2.1 Classification of the substance or mixture

OSHA Carcinogen (Chromium, Nickel, Cobalt) Skin Sensitizer (Nickel) Target Organ Effects – Respiratory Tract, Skin, Eyes, Liver, Blood, Nasal Cavities, Pancreas Carcinogenicity (Chromium) Category 3 – (Nickel) and (Cobalt) Category 2 Skin Sensitization Category 1 Specific Target Organ Toxicity-Repeated Exposure Category 1

Hazard statements

Dust/fumes may cause an allergic skin reaction. May cause “Nickel Itch” Dust/fumes suspected of causing cancer via inhalation. May cause symptoms of “Metal Fume Fever” Inhalation of dust/fumes causes damage to respiratory tract through prolonged or repeated exposure. Ingestion may cause severe gastrointestinal irritation, kidney damage, and circulatory shock.

Precautionary statements

Do not handle until all safety precautions have been read and understood. Avoid breathing dust/fumes. Use personal protective equipment as required. If exposed or concerned: Get medical advice/attention.

Potential health effects

Eye Contact: Dusts or particulates may cause mechanical irritation including pain, tearing and redness. Scratching of the cornea can occur if eye is rubbed. Fumes may be irritating. Contact with the heated material may cause thermal burns. Skin Contact: Dusts or particulates may cause mechanical irritation due to abrasion. Coated steel may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Some components in this product are capable of causing allergic reaction, possibly resulting in burning, itching and skin eruptions. Contact with heated material may cause thermal burns. Inhalation: Dusts may cause irritation of the nose, throat, and lungs. Excessive inhalation of metallic fumes and dusts may result in metal fume fever, an influenza-like illness. It is characterized by a sweet or metallic taste in the mouth, accompanied by dryness and irritation of the throat, cough, shortness of breath, pulmonary edema, general malaise, weakness, fatigue, muscle and joint pains, blurred vision, fever and chills. Typical symptoms last from 12 to 48 hours. Ingestion: Ingestion of small amounts not to be acutely toxic via ingestion based on the physical and chemical properties of the product. Swallowing of excessive amounts of alloys containing copper or nickel may cause irritation, nausea, stomach pain and diarrhea. Chronic or Special Toxic Effects: Repeated exposure to fine dusts may inflame the nasal mucosa and cause changes of the lung. In addition, a red-brown pigmentation of the eye and/or skin may occur. Welding fumes have been associated with adverse health effects. Contains components that may cause cancer or reproductive effects. Target Organs: Over exposure to specific components of this product that are generated in dusts or fumes may cause adverse effects to the following organs or systems: eyes, skin, liver, kidney, central nervous system, cardiovascular system, respiratory system.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure

Diseases of the skin such as eczema may be aggravated by exposure. Also, disorders of the respiratory system including asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema. Long-term inhalation exposure to agents that cause pneumonconiosis (e.g. dust) may act synergistically with inhalation of oxide fumes or dusts of this product.