ALUMINUM CASTINGS- 300 SERIES (Without Beryllium)

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 aluminum, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, nickel and zinc. Also, see the MSDS for the welding rod 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 should not present a hazard if aluminum and copper dust and fume are adequately controlled. Explosion / fire hazards may be present when: • Dust or fines are dispersed in the air. • Chips, dust or fines are in contact with water, chlorinated solvents or certain metal oxides.

Potential health effects

EYES: Grinding or machining of castings may generate flying metal particles that may cause eye irritation or injury. SKIN: Chromium, Nickel, & Zinc: Dermatitis is possible from skin contact. Magnesium: Cuts and scratches may be prone to skin blisters that are slow to heal. 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: Aluminum: Irritation of the respiratory tract Chromium, hexavalent: Lung cancer Copper: Nose and throat irritation, metal fume fever and gastrointestinal irritation Iron: Iron pigmentation of the lung, which can be seen in a chest x-ray but causes little or no disability. Siderosis- inflammation of the lung. Magnesium: Irritation of the respiratory tract Nickel: Lung and nasal cancer Silicon: Eye and nose irritation Zinc: Metal fume fever with flu-like symptoms, pneumoconiosis, gastric or duodenal ulcer 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.