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Potential chronic health

Lead and its compounds may cause chronic anemia, damage to the kidneys and nervous system. Lead may also cause reproductive system damage and can affect developing fetuses in pregnant women. Battery electrolyte (acid) may lead to scarring of the cornea, chronic bronchitis, as well as erosion of tooth enamel in mouth breathers in repeated exposures. POTENTIAL TO CAUSE CANCER The National Toxicological Program (NTP) and The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) have classified “strong inorganic acid mist containing sulfuric acid” as a Category 1 carcinogen, a substance that is carcinogenic to humans. The ACGIH has classified “strong inorganic acid mist containing sulfuric acid” as an A2 carcinogen (suspected human carcinogen). These classifications do not apply to liquid forms of sulfuric acid or sulfuric acid solutions contained within a battery. Inorganic acid mist (sulfuric acid mist) is not generated under normal use of this product. Misuse of the product, such as overcharging, may result in the generation of sulfuric acid mist. The NTP and the IARC have classified lead as an A3 carcinogen (animal carcinogen). While the agent is carcinogenic in experimental animals at relatively high doses, the agent is unlikely to cause cancer in humans except under uncommonly high levels of exposure. For further information, see the ACGIH’s pamphlet, 1996 Threshold Limit Values and Biological Exposure Indices. EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES Inhalation Remove from exposure and consult a physician if any of the acute effects listed above develop. Skin Wash thoroughly with soap and water. If acid is splashed on clothing, remove and discard. If acid is splashed in shoes, remove them immediately and discard. Acid cannot be removed from leather. Eyes Immediately rinse with cool running water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention immediately after rinsing. Ingestion Lead/Lead compounds: Consult a physician. Battery Electrolyte (Acid): Do not induce vomiting. Refer to a physician immediately.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure

Inorganic lead and its compounds can aggravate chronic forms of kidney, liver, and neurological diseases. Contact of battery electrolyte (acid) with the skin may aggravate skin diseases such as eczema and contact dermatitis. V. Fire and Explosion Data Flash Point (test method) Autoignition Temperature Flammable Limits in Air, % by Vol. Hydrogen - 259oC Hydrogen 580ºC Hydrogen LEL - 4.1 UEL - 74.2 Extinguishing Media Dry chemical, foam, or CO2 Special Fire Fighting Procedures Use positive pressure, self-contained breathing apparatus. Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazard Hydrogen and oxygen gases are produced in the cells during normal battery operations, hydrogen is flammable and oxygen supports combustion. These gases enter the air through the vent caps. To avoid the chance of a fire or explosion, keep sparks and other sources of ignition away from the battery. VI. Reactivity Data Stability Conditions to Avoid  Unstable  Stable Sparks and other sources of ignition may ignite hydrogen gas. Incompatibility (materials to avoid) Lead/lead compounds: Potassium, carbides, sulfides, peroxides, phosphorus, sulfur. Battery electrolyte (acid): Combustible materials, strong reducing agents, most metals, carbides, organic materials, chlorates, nitrates, picrates, and fulminates. Hazardous Decomposition Products Lead/Lead compounds: Oxides of lead and sulfur Battery electrolyte (acid): Hydrogen, sulfur dioxide, sulfur trioxide Hazardous Polymerization Conditions to Avoid High temperature. Battery electrolyte (acid) will react with water to  May Occur  Will Not Occur produce heat. Can react with oxidizing or reducing agents. VII. Control Measures Engineering Controls Store lead acid batteries with adequate ventilation. Room ventilation is required for batteries utilized for standby power generation. Never recharge batteries in an unventilated, enclosed space. Work Practices Make certain vent caps are on tightly. Place a minimum of two layers of corrugated cardboard between layers of batteries. When stacking in trailer, stack no more than three layers high. Use a battery carrier to lift a battery or place hands at opposite corners to avoid spilling acid through the vents. Avoid contact with internal components of the batteries.