Bronze D - Silicon Bronze

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

COPPER Effects of overexposure: under normal handling and use, exposure to massive forms of copper represents very few hazards. Particulates generated from the use of this substance may pose some health risks. Acute exposure will cause irritation to the eye; foreign body reaction causes Chalcosis. Prolonged and repeated exposure to the skin will cause irritation or discoloration. Acute exposure will cause primary gastrointestinal symptoms with nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea. In severe cases headache, sweating, kidney and liver and central nervous system damage progressing to convulsions, coma and possible death (rarely). Inhalation symptoms consist primarily of irritation. Cases of “metal fume fever” have been reported. MANGANESE Chronic manganese poisoning may result from inhalation of dust or fume. The central nervous system is the chief site of the injury. Chronic manganese poisoning is not a fatal disease although it is extremely disabling. Some individuals may be hyper susceptible to manganese. Freshly formed manganese fume has caused fever and chills similar to metal fume fever. NICKEL The most common ailment arising from contact with nickel or its compounds is an allergic dermatitis known as “nickel itch” which usually occurs when the skin is moist. Generally nickel and most salts of nickel do not cause systemic poisoning. Iarc has determined that there is at least evidence that nickel and certain compounds may be human carcinogenic to laboratory animals by various routes of entry. SILICON Silicon is a nuisance dust. Deposition in the eyes, ears, skin, and nose may result in injury. Inhalation produces no change in x-ray. LEAD Short term exposure: lead is an accumulative poison. Inhalation effects of exposure to fumes or dust of inorganic lead may not develop quickly. Symptoms may include decreased physical fitness, fatigue, sleep disturbance, headache, aching bones and muscles, constipation, abdominal pains, and decreasing appetite. The effects are reversible and complete recovery is possible. Inhalation of large amounts of lead my lead to seizures, coma, and death Long term exposure: can result in buildup of lead in the body and more severe symptoms. These may include anemia, pale skin, a blue line at the gum margin, decreased handgrip strength, abdominal pain severe constipation, nausea, vomiting, and paralysis of the wrist joint. Prolonged exposure may also result in kidney damage. If the nervous system is affected, usually due to very high exposures, the resulting effects include severe headache, convulsions, coma, delirium, and death. Alcohol ingestion and physical exertion may bring on symptoms. Continued exposure can result in decreased fertility and/or increased miscarriage or birth defects.