Tungsten Heavy Alloy

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

OSHA Hazards The terms “hazardous” and “hazardous materials” as used within this MSDS should be interpreted as by, and in accordance with, the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29CFR1910.1200) including cited appendices, lists, references, etc.

Principle Routes of Exposure

Inhalation, ingestion, skin or eye contact (for dusts, mist, powder, and fumes) Effects of overexposure: No specific data, testing, or information has been found for the chemical compounds that comprise these products. However, general comments for individual elements are shown below. Carcinogenic assessment: Nickel - IARC 2B, NTP2 Note IARC 2B - The agent is possibly carcinogenic to humans. This category is generally used for agents for which there is limited evidence in humans in the absence of sufficient evidence in experimental animals. It may also be used when there is inadequate evidence of carcinogenicity in experimental animals. NTP 2 - Substances or groups of substances which may reasonably be anticipated to be carcinogens. “Reasonably anticipated to be carcinogens” defines carcinogens for which there is limited evidence of carcinogenicity in humans and/or sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in experimental animals. Tungsten Industrially this element does not constitute an important health hazard. Nickel Considered to be a carcinogen by IARC and NTP. Poisonous by ingestion, intratracheal, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, and intravenous routes. Hypersensitivity to nickel is common and can cause allergic contact dermatitis (nickel itch), pulmonary asthma, and conjunctivitis. Iron The inhalation of large amounts of iron dust may result in pneumonoconiosis (arc welder’s lung). Copper Human systemic effects by ingestion: nausea and vomiting. As the sublimed oxide, copper may be responsible for one form of metal fume fever. Discoloration of the skin is often seen in persons handling copper, but this does not indicate an actual injury. Lung damage after chronic exposure to fumes in the industry has not been described. Copper fumes cause irritation of the upper respiratory tract.