NG-1 Midas’ Touch

Principle Routes of Exposure

Inhalation (dry form only), ingestion and dermal May cause skin and eye irritation, Lung effects including cancer, silicosis Silica, Crystalline (Quartz) A single exposure will not result in serious adverse health effects. Respirable crystalline silica (quartz) can cause silicosis, a fibrosis (scarring) of the lungs. Silicosis may be progressive; it may lead to disability and death. Crystalline silica (quartz) inhaled from occupational sources is classified as carcinogenic to humans. There are some studies that show excess numbers of cases of scleroderma and other connective tissue disorders in workers exposed to respirable crystalline silica. Silicosis increases the risk of tuberculosis. There are some studies that show an increased incidence of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease in workers exposed to respirable crystalline silica. Cobalt or Cobalt Compounds Exposure to cobalt compounds may cause sensitization by inhalation and skin contact. Dust from handling can cause irritation of nose and throat. Prolonged exposure could cause serious respiratory illness and lung damage. Sensitized persons may develop wheezing and shortness of breath. Can also cause an allergic skin rash in some individuals. Avoid breathing dust. Wash thoroughly after handling. Keep container closed. Use with adequate ventilation. Copper or Copper Compounds Overexposure can cause nausea, chills, diarrhea. May cause respiratory irritation, skin irritation (oxide pox), fever, eye irritation with redness, pain, and conjunctivitis; preexisting lung diseases may be aggravated by exposure. Could result in respiratory disease if over-exposed on a chronic basis. Manganese or Manganese Compounds Acute effects of exposure: Exposure via inhalation to heavy concentrations of dusts containing manganese compounds for as little as three months have affected the central nervous system as manganese poisoning. Chronic effects of exposure: Excessive, long-term inhalation of airborne mineral dusts and particulate may contribute to the development of bronchitis, reduced breathing capacity, and may lead to the increased susceptibility to lung disease. Manganese poisoning: The excessive, chronic inhalation of manganese compounds usually begins with complaints of languor and sleepiness. This is followed by weakness in the legs and the development of stolid, mask-like faces. The patient speaks with a slow monotonous voice. Then muscular twitching appear, varying from a fine tremor of the hands to coarse, rhythmical movements of the arms, legs, and trunk. There is a slight increase in tendon reflexes, ankle and patellar clonus, and a typical Parkinsonian slapping gait.