Ferric Oxide, Red Iron Oxide, Iron Sesquioxide

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

Emergency Overview Appearance: Redish brown powder Warning!! Harmful if inhaled. Affects respiratory system. May cause irritation to eyes and respiratory tract Flammability None Lab Protective Equip. Goggles, Lab Coat

Potential health effects

Eyes May cause mechanical irritation Ingestion Extremely large oral dosages may produce gastrointestinal disturbances Inhalation May cause irritation to the respiratory tract. Symptoms may include coughing and shortness of breath. Chronic Long term inhalation exposure to iron has resulted in mottling of the lungs, a condition referred to siderosis. This is considered a benign pneumoconiosis and does not ordinarily cause significant physiological impairment. Long term eye exposures may stain the eye and leave a rust ring. Long term overexposure to silica causes silicosis, a form of pulmonary fibrosis. Continued exposure to silica can lead to cardiopulmonary impairment. There is sufficient evidence to conclude that crystalline silica inhaled in the form of quartz or cristobalite from occupational sources is carcinogenic to humans.