GRAY IRON

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

OVERVIEW: There are no health hazards from these castings in solid form. The solid casting is not flammable. Dust and fume from processing can cause irritation of eyes, skin and respiratory tract; lung disease and other systemic effects. • Dust or fumes generated by machining, grinding, or welding of the casting may produce airborne contaminants, primarily chromium, manganese, nickel and iron. Also, see the MSDS for the welding material being used. • Grinding castings that have not been cleaned or that contain embedded sand may generate significant amounts of dust containing free silica. • Other metals in the alloy that are present in small amounts in the casting should not present a hazard if chromium, manganese, nickel and iron dust and fume are adequately controlled.

Potential health effects

EYES: Grinding or machining of castings may generate flying metal particles that may cause eye irritation or injury. SKIN: Dermatitis is possible from skin contact with nickel or chromium. INGESTION: Ingestion of particulate can occur during activities such as eating, drinking and smoking, etc. Not normally applicable. INHALATION: Prolonged or repeated exposure to dust or fumes from these castings may cause the following health effects: Respiratory irritation Overexposure to iron oxide fume over a long time can cause siderosis, sometimes called “iron pigmentation” of the lung. It can be seen on a chest x-ray but causes little or no disability. Central nervous system effects such as sleepiness, weakness in the legs, spastic gait and emotional disturbances can occur with prolonged overexposure to manganese. Inhalation of hexavalent chromium may cause lung or nasal cancer. Note: Prolonged breathing of excessive amounts of silica dust, which may be on or embedded in the surface of castings, can cause silicosis or other health effects including lung cancer.

Environmental effects

No known significant environmental effects from a solid casting.