Precious Alloys & Solders

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

The hazards listed below may occur if the PELs and/or TLVs exceed the constituent’s established values listed in section 3: Cobalt: Inhalation of cobalt dust/fumes may lead to respiratory conditions. Symptoms and conditions include: Cough, dyspnea (breathing difficulty), wheezing, decreased pulmonary function; weight loss; diffuse nodular fibrosis; respiratory hypersensitivity, asthma. Dermal contact can potentially cause dermatitis. Copper: Inhalation of copper oxide fume can result in metal fume fever. This is a self limiting condition characterized by flu- like symptoms which resolve within 24 to 48 hours. Indium: Inhalation of indium dust/fumes may cause lung damage; pulmonary edema. Other target organs include: liver, kidneys, heart, and blood. Iron: Inhalation of Iron dust/fumes may cause a chronic condition known as pneumoconiosis. Early symptoms of pneumoconiosis include chest tightness and shortness of breath. Advanced symptoms include serious breathing impairment, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. Manganese: Inhalation of manganese dust/fumes can result in a condition known as Manganism. Manganism is a disease caused by exposure to excessive levels of manganese, which attacks the normal functions of the central nervous system, kidneys, and liver. Manganism is characterized by diminished motor skills and psychological disturbances, symptoms that parallel those of Parkinson's disease. Target organs include: Respiratory system, central nervous system, and kidneys. Platinum: Inhalation of platinum dust/fumes can cause irritation to the upper respiratory region; asthma. Rhodium: Inhalation of rhodium dust/fumes can cause irritation to the upper respiratory region. Silver: Absorption of silver compounds by ingestion, inhalation or through broken skin can cause argyria, a permanent bluish- grey discoloration of the skin, conjunctiva and mucous membranes. Tin: Inhalation of tin oxides can lead to a condition called stannosis (benign pneumoconiosis). Early symptoms of pneumoconiosis include chest tightness and shortness of breath. Advanced symptoms include serious breathing impairment, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. Zinc: Inhalation of zinc oxide fume can result in metal fume fever. This is a self limiting condition characterized by flu-like symptoms which resolve within 24 to 48 hours.