Carbon Steel and Low Alloy

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

000mm 7 i -

Potential health effects

Carbon steel and low alloy forgings in their usual physical form do not pose a health hazard. However, when subjected to welding, burning, grinding, cutting, abrasive blasting, heat treatment, pickling, etching, or similar operations, potentially hazardous fumes or dusts may be emitted. The following is a list of fumes or dusts that may be generated from this product and the health effects associated with overexposure to them. CHROMIUM (Cr): Chromium metal and its divalent and trivalent compounds are of low toxicity. Adverse reactions on the skin may include dermatitis for a Cr-sensitive individual. Long-term excassive inhalation exposure to ferro-chromium alloys may cause lung changes in workers exposed to these alloys. Exposure to chromium metal does not give rise to pulmonary fibrosis or pneumoconiosis. Chromium metal, unlike hexavalent chromium (Chromium VI), has not been linked to an increased risk of cancer. COBALT {Co): Cobalt has been reported as causing hypersensitization type dermatitis in individuals who are susceptible. Industrial exposures, possibly combined with small amounts of silica, are reported capable of producing serious pneumoconiosis which is initially of an insidious nature. Overexposure to cobalt can cause chronic interstitial pneumonitis, Wheezing may be considered evidence of hypersensitivity. IRON {Fe): Inhalation of iron oxide fumes may cause an apparent benign pneumoconiosis which is called siderosis. This disease is reported Not to be disabling, but makes X+ay determination of other lung conditions difficult. No physical impairment of lung function has been linked to siderosis. Iron dust can cause conjunctivitis, choroiditis, retinitis, and siderosis of tissues. Continued exposure to concentrations above 30 mg/m’ can cause chronic bronchitis. IRON OXIDE (FezOs): Long-term excessive inhalation exposure ta iron oxide fume or dust has been associated with a benign lung condition known as siderosis. No physical impairment of lung function has been linked to siderosis. MANGANESE (Mn): The central nervous system Is the chief site of chronic manganese poisoning. Chronic manganese polsoning (more likely to occur after at least one or two years of profonged or repeated exposures} is not a fatal disease, although it is extremely disabling. Early symptoms may include weakness In lower extremities, sleepiness, salivation, nervousness, and apathy. In more advanced stages, severe facial expression and uncontroliable laughter may occur. Freshly formed manganese fume has caused fever and chill similar to metal fume fever. Manganese has a high toxicity via the intraperitoneal and inhalation routes, MOLYBDENUM (Mo): Molybdenum is generally considered to exhibit a low order of toxicity; however, soluble compounds (molybdenum trioxide) are more toxic via intraperitoneal and subcutaneous routes. Molybdenum trioxide may produce irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. In animals, soluble Mo compounds have also caused weight loss, diarrhea, loss of coordination, pneumoconiosis, breathing difficulties, anemia, and colic. Pheumoconiosis with X-ray findings and subjective symptoms has been observed in a smalt number of workers exposed to metallic molybdenum and Mo trioxide; however, no physical impairment of lung function has been Jinked to this condition. Gout and hepatotoxicity have also been recorded due to molybdenum exposure. NICKEL (Ni): The most common aiknent 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. LARC and NTP have determined that there is limited evidence that nickel and certain nickel compounds may be human carcinogens. Several nickel compounds are carcinagenic to laboratory animals and have been linked to an increased incidence of cancer of the lungs and nasal passages. Nickel can cause neoplasma via inhalation, subcutaneous, implantation, and intraperitoneal modes of exposure routes. SILICON {SI}: Silicon Is considered to be a nuisance particulate by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). TUNGSTEN (W): Tungsten metal and insoluble tungsten compounds are generally considered to have a low toxicity, but have produced lung changes in experimental animats. Recent studies have failed to indicate any sertous toxic effect following the Inhalation or ingestion of various tungsten compounds, although heavy exposure to dust or the ingestion of large amounts of the soluble compounds produces a certain rate of mortality in experimental animals. VANADIUM (V): Vanadium may act as an irritant to the conjunctivae and respiratory tract. Eye symptoms may include excessive tearing and ‘a burning sensation. Excessive inhalation exposures, even after brief periods, may result in inflammation of the nasa! passages, sore throat, cough, tracheitis, bronchitis, wheezing, and chest pain. Excessive long-term or repeated exposures may result in more severe effects such as pulmonary edema, pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, and recurring episodes of labored breathing. Workers exposed to excessive levels of vanadium often show a greenish discoloration of the tongue. CARCINOGENICITY: Chromium is listed In the Annual Report on carcinogens, as prepared by the National Toxicology Program (NTP), and also by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a carcinogen, Nickel is also listed by the IARC as a probable carcinogen and by the NTP as a suspect carcinogen.

Principle Routes of Exposure

Inhalation, skin contact MEDICAL CONDITIONS POSSIBLY AGGRAVATED: Individuals with chronic diseases or disorders of the respiratory system should consult a physician regarding workplace exposure to ingredients, ADDITIONAL OR MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION: Nonmetallic coatings may be applied (often at the customer's request} to the surface of our products. These are usually classified as protective costings or lubricants. The possible presence of coatings on our products should be recognized and considered when evaluating potential employee health hazards and exposures during welding or other dust/fume generating activities. Material Safety Data Sheets for specific coatings are available upon request. SECTION4-FIRSTAIDMEASURES ti ee Page 3 of § MSDS #1621 INHALATION: For breathing difficulty caused by inhatation of dust or fume, move individual to fresh air and administer oxygen as necessary. If breathing has stopped, perform artificial respiration. Obtain medicat attention at once.