TYPES OF EXPOSURE WHEN PROCESSING OR HANDLING
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INHALATION:
Dust, vapor and/or fume may be irritating to the respiratory system, and can result in both acute and chronic overexposure.
SKIN CONTACT:
Dust, vapor and/or fume may cause irritation.
SKIN ABSORPTION:
Dust, vapor and/or fume are not readily absorbed through the skin.
EYE CONTACT:
Dust, vapor, and/or fume may be absorbed by the digestive system, and can result in both acute and chronic overexposure.
EFFECTS OF OVEREXPOSURE
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ACUTE OVEREXPOSURE:
If left untreated: headache, chills, nausea, weakness, vomiting, loss of appetite, uncoordinated body movements, convulsions, stupor, and possibly coma.
CHRONIC OVEREXPOSURE:
If left untreated: weakness, insomnia, hypertension, slight irritation to skin and eyes, metallic taste in mouth, anemia, constipation, headache, muscle and joint pains, metal fume fever, ulceration of nasal septum, neuromuscular dysfunction, possible paralysis and encephalopathy.
EMERGENCY AND FIRST-AID PROCEDURES
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EYES:
Flush with copious quantities of water. Get immediate medical attention.
SKIN:
Wash thoroughly with soap and water.
INHALATION:
Remove from exposure. Get medical attention if experiencing effects of overexposure.
INGESTION:
Get immediate medical attention.
NOTES TO PHYSICIAN
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Lead and its inorganic compounds are neurotoxins which may produce peripheral neuropathy.
For an overview of the effects of lead exposure, consult Occupational Safety and Health Administration Appendix A of Occupational Exposure to Lead (29CRF1910.1025).
Tin and its organic compounds are primary chemical irritants of the skin, and stannic oxide has been shown to cause benign pneumoconiosis.
Calcium and strontium compounds should be considered toxic only when they contain toxic substances.
Calcium oxide and strontium oxide can be irritating to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes.
Inhalation of copper dust has caused, in animals, hemolysis of the red blood cells, deposition of hemofusin in the liver and pancreas, and injury to the lung cells.
Copper is not normally toxic when ingested orally in amounts expected from occupational exposure. Exposure to copper dust, vapor or fumes may cause metal fume fever.
Aluminum powder causes pneumoconiosis in humans when inhaled as a very fine powder in massive concentrations.