TEIG NICKEL CADMIUM BATTERY

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

The Nickel Cadmium Rechargeable Battery described in this SDS are hermetically sealed units, which are not hazardous when used according to the recommendations of the manufacturer. Under normal condition of use of the batteries, the electrode materials and the liquid electrolyte they contained are non-reactive provided the battery integrity is maintained. Risk of exposure exists only in case of mechanical, electrical or thermal abuse. Thus the batteries should not short circuit, recharge, puncture, incinerate, crush, immerse in water, force discharge, or expose to temperatures above the temperature range of the cell or battery. In these cases there is risk of fire or explosion. Inhalation: During normal use inhalation is an unlikely route of exposure due to containment of hazardous materials within the battery case. However, should the batteries be exposed to extreme heat or pressures causing a breach in the battery cell case, cadmium dusts and fumes may be emitted. Inhalation of cadmium dusts or fumes may cause throat dryness, respiratory irritation, headache, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, extreme restlessness and irritability, pneumonitis, and bronchopneumonia. In the case of high concentration exposures (e.g., above 1 to 5 MG/M3 during an eight hour period) death may occur within several days after the exposure. Ingestion: If the battery case is broken in the digestive tract, the electrolyte may cause localized burns. Ingestion of cadmium compounds may result in increased salivation, choking, nausea, persistent vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, anemia, tenesmus, and kidney dysfunction. Skin Absorption: No evidence of adverse effects from available data. Skin Contact: Exposure to the electrolyte contained inside the battery may result in chemical burns. Exposure to nickel may cause dermatitis in some sensitive individuals. Eye Contact: Exposure to the electrolyte contained inside the battery may result in severe irritation and chemical burns. Carcinogenicity: Cadmium and nickel have been identified by the National Toxicology Program (NTP) as reasonably anticipated to be carcinogens. U.S. EPA classified cadmium as a “B1” probable human carcinogen. The International Agency for Research On Cancer (IARC) recommended that cadmium be listed as a “A2” probable human carcinogen, and the American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) has proposed listing cadmium as an “A2” carcinogen. Other Effects of Repeated (Chronic) Exposure: Repeated over-exposures to cadmium may result in lung cancer; lung, kidney, and liver dysfunction; Skeletal disease (e.g. osteoporosis) and reproductive toxicity. Chronic overexposure to nickel may result in cancer; dermal contact may result in dermatitis in sensitive individuals.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure

A knowledge of the available toxicology information and of the physical and chemical properties of the material suggests that overexposure in unlikely to aggravate existing medical conditions.