Stainless Steel

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW: The alloys as sold in solid form are generally not considered hazardous. However, if the process involves grinding, melting, cutting or any other process that causes a release of dust or fumes, hazardous levels of airborne particulates could be generated.

Principle Routes of Exposure

Inhalation, Skin contact TARGET ORGANS: Respiratory tract; Skin, blood, central nervous system, liver and kidney. HUMAN EFFECTS AND SYMPTOMS OF OVEREXPOSURE: Listed below are certain potential health hazards, which apply to the hazardous ingredients, found in the subject alloy(s). STAINLESS STEEL: Inhalation of dust or fume may cause serious lung injury, skin, eye and mucous membrane irritation may occur. Inhalation of metal dust or fume generated by the use of these alloys may cause adverse health effects such as reduced lung function, nasal and mucous membrane irritation. Exposure to dust or fume generated by the use of these alloys may also cause eye irritation, skin rash and effects on other organ systems. Ingestion: hand, clothing, food and drink contact with metal dust, fume or powder can cause ingestion of particulate during hand to mouth activities such as eating, drinking, smoking, nail biting, etc. Skin: Skin contact with this material may cause, in some sensitive individuals an allergic response if elements such as chrome, cobalt, copper and nickel are present. In the form of metal dust or powder, skin contact or abrasion may also cause irritation or dermatitis. CHROMIUM: Inhalation; excessive and repeated inhalation of dust or fumes may cause severe irritation, ulceration or cancer in the respiratory system, nose, throat and lungs. Skin; chromium is a potential sensitizer and may cause allergic pulmonary or skin reactions. MANGANESE: Inhalation; may cause degenerative brain changes, change in motor activity and muscle weakness. Skin/eye; irritant. NICKEL: Inhalation; fumes are a respiratory irritant and may cause pulmonary asthma. Skin; hypersensitivity is common and may cause allergic contact dermatitis. Ingestion; poison by ingestion. Chronic; nickel and its compounds have been reported to cause cancer of the lungs and sinuses. PHOSPHOROUS Inhalation Irritant to eyes and respiratory tract. Contact Anemia, dental pain, excessive salivation, jaw pain, swelling, burns to skin and eyes. SILICON: Inhalation; accumulation in lungs may be responsible for benign pneumoconiosis, but is not considered to be responsible for pulmonary functional impairment.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure

Individuals who may have had allergic reactions to metals or sensitivity, may encounter skin rash or dermatitis, if skin contact with this product occurs. Persons with impaired pulmonary functions, may incur further impairment if dust or fumes are inhaled. CARCINOGENIC REFERENCES: Chromium, nickel and their compounds are listed in the 3rd Annual Report on Carcinogens as prepared by the National Toxicology Program (NTP) as well as the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Monograph Series. Manganese is a questionable carcinogen.