Hardmetal Products and Tools

Health hazards

and should be interpreted as such by, and in accordance with, the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 C.F.R. § 1910.1200). National Fire Protection Association Hazard Rating: HEALTH 0; FLAMMABILITY 0; REACTIVITY 0. Emergency Overview: Hardmetal dusts or fumes present health hazards if the exposure limits described in Section 8 are exceeded.

Principle Routes of Exposure

Inhalation (hardmetal dust enters the body through breathing or inhaling hardmetal dust particles). • Ingestion (eating or drinking). • Skin or eye contact with dusts, mists or fumes. Ability or Tendency of Hardmetal to Cause CANCER (Carcinogenic Classifications): • Cobalt metal with tungsten carbide is listed by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (“IARC”) as probably carcinogenic to humans, category 2A. • Nickel is listed by the IARC as possibly carcinogenic to humans, category 2B. Nickel, which is contained in some metal powders, is listed as reasonably anticipated to be carcinogenic to humans by the National Toxicology Program (“NTP”) NTP. • Hardmetal powder is also listed as reasonably anticipated to be carcinogenic to humans by the National Toxicology Program (“NTP”). • Cobalt is classified by Cobalt REACH Consortium as presumed human carcinogen, Category 1B. • Cobalt is listed by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (“ACGIH”) as carcinogenic to animals, category A3. • Cobalt and nickel are “known to the State of California to cause cancer.” (Proposition 65.) Immediate or Acute Health Effects from Hardmetal: • Dust can cause an asthma-like attack and irritation of the nose, throat, lungs, eyes and mucous membranes. • Skin exposure to dust or mist can cause an allergic rash. Long-lasting or Chronic Health Effects from Hardmetal: • Chronic or long-lasting exposure to respirable dust containing cobalt and tungsten carries the potential to cause permanent respiratory diseases, including cancer, occupational asthma, interstitial pneumonitis and fibrosis (hardmetal disease), and emphysema. Hardmetal components (cobalt, nickel) are potent skin sensitizers. 2.1: Hazards associated with the primary ingredients of hardmetal products and powder • The primary health risks of tungsten Tungsten Carbide carbide are from inhaling tungsten carbide dust. • Cobalt is considered as presumed human carcinogen by the Cobalt REACH consortium • Cobalt is moderately toxic if ingested. Cobalt • Inhaling cobalt dust may cause lung damage. • Cobalt may cause dermatites (skin irritation). • Nickel is considered possibly carcinogenic to humans by the IARC and reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen by Nickel the NTP. • Hypersensitivity to nickel may cause allergic contact dermatitis (

Hazard pictograms

Not applicable for hardmetal products

Signal word

Warning Product may break or shatter in use. Grinding this Package Label Text product produces dust or mist that, at levels above the occupational exposure limit, could cause permanent respiratory disease, and can irritate nose, throat, skin and eyes. Contains one or more of: tungsten carbide, cobalt, nickel. Read Safety Data Sheet, Safety Information Sheet or contact your sales representative. To avoid injury, use personal protective equipment, including eye protection. Use machine guards and take appropriate safety measures to contain dust and to prevent the inhalation of dust. This product contains or produces chemicals which are “known to the state of California to cause cancer.” (Proposition 65)