Lead

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW Warning! May cause central nervous system depression. May be absorbed through intact skin. May cause kidney damage. May cause adverse reproductive effects. Causes eye and skin irritation. May cause fetal effects. Toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment. Possible cancer hazard. May cause cancer based on animal data. Target Organs: Kidneys, central nervous system, blood forming organs.

Potential health effects

Eye: Causes eye irritation. Skin: Causes skin irritation. May be absorbed through the skin. Causes gastrointestinal irritation with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Ingestion of lead compounds can cause toxic effects in the blood-forming organs, kidneys and central nervous system. Symptoms of lead poisoning or Ingestion: plumbism include weakness, weight loss, lassitude, insomnia, and hypotension. It also includes constipation, anorexia, abdominal discomfort and colic. May cause respiratory tract irritation. Inhalation of fumes may cause metal fume fever, which is characterized by Inhalation: flu-like symptoms with metallic taste, fever, chills, cough, weakness, chest pain, muscle pain and increased white blood cell count. May cause effects similar to those described for ingestion. Possible cancer hazard based on tests with laboratory animals. Chronic exposure may cause reproductive Chronic: disorders and teratogenic effects. Chronic exposure to lead may result in plumbism which is characterized by lead line in gum, headache, muscle weakness, mental changes.