Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

ZIRCONIUM CARBIDE

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Abrasive cermet, high temperature electrical conductor, refractory, incandescent
filaments, metal cladding, component of cutting tools. Reagent, catalyst, high tech.
material of construction.

SYNONYMS

C-Zr, ZrC

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Flammable.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Accidental ingestion of the material may be damaging to the health of the individual.  Because inorganic zirconium is poorly absorbed from the digestive tract, acute oral toxicity is low. Injection is much more dangerous, causing progressive depression until death.  

EYE

  There is some evidence to suggest that this material can causeeye irritation and damage in some persons.  

SKIN

  Skin contact is not thought to have harmful health effects, however the material may still produce health damage following entry through wounds, lesions or abrasions.  There is some evidence to suggest that this material can cause inflammation of the skin on contact in some persons.  The external application of zirconium can cause nodules in the skinof the armpits.  Entry into the blood-stream, through, for example, cuts, abrasions or lesions, may produce systemic injury with harmful effects. Examine the skin prior to the use of the material and ensure that any external damage is suitably protected.  

INHALED

  Inhalation may produce health damage*.  The material is not thought to produce respiratory irritation (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless inhalation of dusts, or fume, especially for prolonged periods, may produce respiratory discomfort and occasionally, distress.  Inhalation of dusts, generated by the material during the course of normal handling, may be damaging to the health of the individual.  Effects on lungs are significantly enhanced in the presence of respirableparticles.  Zirconium workers exposed to fume for 1-5 years showed no abnormalities due to zirconium. Animal studies also reveal a low order of hazard from inhaled zirconium.  The inhalation of small particles of metal oxide results in sudden thirst, a sweet, metallic our foul taste, throat irritation, cough, dry mucous membranes, tiredness and general unwellness. Headache, nausea and vomiting, fever or chills, restlessness, sweating, diarrhea, excessive urination and prostration may also occur. After exposure is removed, recovery occurs within 24-36 hours.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Limited evidence suggests that repeated or long-term occupational exposure may produce cumulative health effects involving organs or biochemical systems.  Repeated exposures, in an occupational setting, to high levels of fine- divided dusts may produce a condition known as pneumoconiosis which is the lodgement of any inhaled dusts in the lung irrespective of the effect. This is particularly true when a significant number of particles less than 0.5 microns (1/50,000 inch), are present. Lung shadows are seen in the X-ray. Symptoms of pneumoconiosis may include a progressive dry cough, shortness of breath on exertion, increased chest expansion, weakness and weight loss. As the disease progresses the cough produces a stringy mucous, vital capacity decreases further and shortness of breath becomes more severe. Pneumoconiosis is the accumulation of dusts in the lungs and the tissue reaction in its presence. It is further classified as being of noncollagenous or collagenous types. Noncollagenous pneumoconiosis, the benign form, is identified by minimal stromal reaction, consists mainly of reticulin fibres, an intact alveolar architecture and is potentially reversible.  Zirconium can accumulate in the spleen. Oral administration has not beenshown to cause any ill effects.  Metallic dusts generated by the industrial process give rise to a number of potential health problems. The larger particles, above 5 micron, are nose and throat irritants. Smaller particles however, may cause lung deterioration. Particles of less than 1.5 micron can be trapped in the lungs and, dependent on the nature of the particle, may give rise to further serious health consequences.