Section VI – Health Hazard Data

Route(s) of Entry
     Inhalation? YES     Skin? YES     Ingestion? No

Health Hazards (Acute and Chronic)

Under normal conditions steel products do not present health hazards: however, operations such as burning, welding, sawing, brazing, grinding and machining which result in elevating the temperature of the material to or above its melting point or result in the generation of airborne particulates may present health hazards. Dust may irritate skin and eyes. Chronic inhalation of high concentrations of iron oxide fumes or dust may lead to a benign pneumoconiosis. Such inhalation can also cause an influenza-like illness termed metal fume fever.

Aluminum is generally considered to be a nuisance particulate. It may cause irritation of the upper respiratory tract, skin and eyes. Inhalation-of fine particles may cause a pulmonary fibrosis known as Shaver's Disease. Symptoms may include dyspnea, cough and fatigue. It may be implicated in Alzheimer's disease.

Antimony - Irritation and inflammation of the skin and respiratory tract may occur. Various Nervous system effects including sleeplessness, fatigue, dizziness, irritability, muscular and neuralgic pains have been reported. Signs and symptoms may also include metallic taste, intestinal upsets, diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal cramps. High fume exposure may adversely effect the heart and circulatory systems. Pneumoconiosis and obstructive lung disease may occur.

Chrome and nickel - excessive and repeated overexposure can cause various forms of dermatitis, inflammation and/or ulceration of upper respiratory tract.