Slag

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

continued) Emergency Overview: Slag is a solid, white, powder with a slight sulfur odor. It is not combustible or explosive. A single, short-term exposure to the dry powder presents little or no hazard.

Potential health effects

Eye Contact: Airborne dust may cause immediate or delayed irritation. Eye contact with large amounts of slag can cause moderate eye irritation, redness and burning. Eye exposures require immediate first aid to prevent damage to eye. Skin Contact: Slag may cause dry skin, discomfort, irritation and dermatitis. Dermatitis: Slag is capable of causing dermatitis by irritation. Skin affected by dermatitis may include symptoms of redness, itching, rash, scaling and cracking. Irritant dermatitis is caused by the physical properties of slag including moisture and abrasion. Inhalation (acute): Breathing dust may cause nose, throat and/or lung irritation, including coughing or choking, depending on the degree of exposure. Inhalation (chronic): The risk of injury depends on the duration and level of exposure. Silicosis: The product may contain trace amounts of crystalline silica. Prolonged or repeated inhalation of respirable crystalline silica can cause silicosis, a seriously disabling and fatal lung disease. Carcinogenicity: Slag is not listed as a carcinogen by IARC or NTP; however slag may contain trace amounts of crystalline silica and/or metals that are classified by IARC and NTP as known human carcinogens. Ingestion: Do not ingest slag. Although ingestion of small quantities of slag is not known to be harmful, ingestion of large quantities may cause an obstruction causing pain and distress in the digestive tract. Can contain trace amount of toxic metals.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure

Individuals with lung disease (e.g. bronchitis, asthma, emphysema, COPD, pulmonary disease) can be aggravated by exposure.