Pend Oreille Lead Concentrate

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

Emergency Overview: A dark black-grey, heavy, soil-like material that is not flammable or combustible under normal conditions of transport and storage. However, when heated strongly in air it will burn, releasing toxic and irritating sulphur dioxide gas as well as possible lead and zinc oxide fumes. Contact with strong acids will generate flammable and highly toxic hydrogen sulphide gas (H2S). Inhalation or ingestion of concentrate dust may produce both acute and chronic health effects. Possible cancer hazard due to lead and silica content. Possible reproductive hazard due to lead content. SCBA and full protective clothing required for fire emergency response personnel.

Potential health effects

Caution The toxicological properties of this material have not been fully investigated. The information contained in this MSDS is therefore based on information in the technical and scientific literature about the material’s constituent compounds. Inhalation or ingestion of concentrate dust may result in lead absorption and possible lead intoxication. Symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal spasms, fatigue, sleep disturbances, weight loss, anemia and leg, arm, and joint pain. Prolonged exposure may also cause central nervous system damage (e.g., fatigue, headaches, tremors, hypertension), gastrointestinal disturbances, anemia, kidney dysfunction and possible reproductive effects. Pregnant women should be protected from excessive exposure to prevent lead crossing the placental barrier and causing infant neurological disorders. Lead and lead compounds are listed as an A3 Carcinogen (Confirmed Animal Carcinogen with Unknown Relevance to Humans) by the ACGIH. IARC has listed lead compounds as Group 2A Carcinogens (Probably Carcinogenic to Humans) while lead metal is listed as Group 2B (Possibly Carcinogenic to Humans). The NTP has recently listed lead and lead compounds as Reasonably Anticipated to be a Human Carcinogen. OSHA and the EU do not currently list lead as a human carcinogen. Silica is classified as an A2 Carcinogen by the ACGIH and as a Group 1 Carcinogen by IARC. (see Toxicological Information, Section 11)

Environmental effects

Lead concentrate is insoluble in water and its metals contents have low direct bioavailability However, extended exposure in the aquatic and terrestrial environments can lead to the release of contained metals in bioavailable forms. These can cause toxic impacts in organisms. EU Risk Phrase(s): R20/22 – Harmful by inhalation and if swallowed; R33 - Danger of cumulative effects; R61 – May cause harm to the unborn child; R62 – Risk of impaired fertility; R32 – Contact with acids liberates very toxic gas; R49 – May cause cancer by inhalation.