Forgings and Pipe Fittings

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

Health- Respiratory Irritant (Dust/Fume) Physical – None Environmental- None known Pipe Fittings pose no health concern in their normal state. The health effects and symptoms listed below would result primarily through exposure to or inhalation of dust or fumes. Ingestion is highly improbable. Absorption through the skin is almost impossible. Any cuts should be cleaned and a physician contacted to determine the need for any further treatment. Carbon (C )- Chronic inhalations of high concentrations of carbon may cause pulmonary disorders Chromium (Cr)- The toxicity and health hazards of chromium are dependent upon its oxidation state. The forms found in metal are of very low toxicity. The hexavalent form that occurs in chromates and chromic acid is very toxic and can produce both acute and chronic effects. Respiratory symptoms may include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and nasal itch. Eye irritation or inflammation can also be produced. Exposure to some hexavalent chromium compounds have been shown to be associated with an increased risk of lung cancer. Iron (Fe)- Long-term excessive inhalation exposure to iron oxide fume or dust has been associated with a benign lung condition known as siderosis. No physical impairment of lung function has been linked to siderosis. Manganese (Mn)- Elemental Mn exhibits very low toxicity. The dust or fumes can act as minor irritants to the eyes and respiratory tract. Both acute and chronic exposures may adversely affect the central nervous system but symptoms are more likely to occur after at least one or two years of prolonged or repeated exposures. Symptoms may include sleepiness, weakness, emotional disturbances, spastic gait, mask-line facial expression and paralysis. Animal studies indicate that manganese exposure may increase susceptibility to bacterial and viral infections. Molybdenum (Mo)- Certain handling operations, such as burning or welding, may generate both insoluble molybdenum compounds (metal and molybdenum dioxide) and soluble molybdenum compounds (molybdenum trioxide). Molybdenum compounds generally exhibit a low order of toxicity with the trioxide the more toxic. Some reports indicate that the dust of the molybdenum metal, molybdenum dioxide and molybdenum trioxide may cause eye, skin, nose and throat irritation in animals. 1 Nickel (Ni)- Ni fumes and dust are respiratory irritants and may cause a severe pneumonitis. Skin contact with nickel and its compounds may cause an allergic dermatitis. Studies have linked nickel and certain nickel compounds to an increased incidence of cancer of the lungs and nasal passages. Silicon (Si)-This is considered to be a nuisance particulate by the ACGIH. Zinc (Zn)- Subjecting zinc or alloys containing zinc to high temperatures (such as would occur during welding) will cause the formation of zinc oxides. Exposure to zinc oxide fumes or dust can result in a flu-like illness called metal fume fever. Early symptoms may include a sweet or metallic taste in the mouth, dryness or irritation of the throat and coughing. These symptoms may progress to shortness of breath, headache, fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, weakness, fatigue and profuse sweating. The symptoms may last up to 48 hours and are more likely to occur after a period away from the job.