Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

VAC AIR NICKEL BASE ALLOY

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Not specified. Used according to manufacturer' s directions. Hazards may arise from
cutting and grinding the product as well as from the fumes and gases from welding.

SYNONYMS

"Inco 625", "Monel R", "Nickel 200 A", "Monel 401", "Hastelloy A", "Hastelloy B",
"Hastelloy C", M-421, M-421, "Hastelloy C 276", "Inco 60-15", "Inco 60-15", "E Monel",
"Permalloy 78", "MU Metal 908", "Monel Recovery", "Rene 41", "Inco 600", Inconel, "Hy-Mu
80 (923)", "Super Therm", "nickel base alloy"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Danger of cumulative effects.
May cause SENSITIZATION by inhalation and skin contact.
Limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect.
Harmful to aquatic organisms.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Although ingestion is not thought to produce harmful effects, the material may still be damaging to the health of the individual following ingestion, especially where pre-  existing organ (e.g. liver, kidney) damage is evident. Present definitions of harmful or toxic substances are generally based on doses producing mortality (death) rather than those producing morbidity (disease, ill-health). Gastrointestinal tract discomfort may produce nausea and vomiting. In an occupational setting however, ingestion of insignificant quantities is not thought to be cause for concern.  Not normally a hazard due to physical form of product.  

EYE

  There is some evidence to suggest that this material can causeeye irritation and damage in some persons.  Fumes from welding/brazing operations may be irritating to the eyes.  The material may be irritating to the eye, with prolonged contact causing inflammation. Repeated or prolonged exposure to irritants may produce conjunctivitis.  

SKIN

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or skin irritation following contact (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable gloves be used in an occupational setting.  Skin contact does not normally present a hazard, though it is always possible that occasionally individuals may be found who react to substances usually regarded as inert.  However, we do not know of any such case in which welding electrodes have been identified as the cause.  Chrome fume, as the chrome VI oxide, is corrosive to the skin and may aggravate pre-  existing skin conditions such as dermatitis and eczema. As a potential skin sensitizer, the fume may cause dermatoses to appear suddenly and without warning. Absorption of chrome VI compounds through the skin can cause systemic poisoning effecting the kidneys and liver.  

INHALED

  Inhalation may produce health damage*.  The material is not thought to produce respiratory irritation (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless inhalation of the material, especially for prolonged periods, may produce respiratory discomfort and occasionally, distress.  Fumes evolved during welding operations may be irritating to the upper-respiratory tract and may be harmful if inhaled.  Nickel dusts, fumes and salts are potent contact allergens and sensitizers producing a dermatitis known as "nickel" rash.  In the absence of properly designed ventilation systems or where respiratory protective devises are inadequate, up to 10% of exposed workers are expected to be symptomatic.  Regular exposure to nickel fume, as the oxide, may result in "metal fume fever" a sometimes debilitating upper respiratory tract condition resembling influenza.  Symptoms include malaise, fever, weakness, nausea and may appear quickly if operations occur in closed or poorly ventilated areas. Pulmonary edema, pulmonary fibrosis and asthma has been reported in welders using nickel alloys; level of exposure are generally not available and case reports are often confounded by mixed exposures to other agents.  Inhalation of freshly formed metal oxide particles sized below 1.5 microns and generally between 0.02 to 0.05 microns may result in "metal fume fever". Symptoms may be delayed for up to 12 hours and begin with the sudden onset of thirst, and a sweet, metallic or foul taste in the mouth. Other symptoms include upper respiratory tract irritation accompanied by coughing and a dryness of the mucous membranes, lassitude and a generalized feeling of malaise. Mild to severe headache, nausea, occasional vomiting, fever or chills, exaggerated mental activity, profuse sweating, diarrhea, excessive urination and prostration may also occur. Tolerance to the fumes develops rapidly, but is quickly lost. All symptoms usually subside within 24-36 hours following removal from exposure.  Harmful levels of ozone may be found when working in confined spaces. Symptoms of exposure include irritation of the upper membranes of the respiratory tract and lungs as well as pulmonary (lung) changes including irritation, accumulation of fluid (congestion and edema) and in some cases hemorrhage. Exposure may aggravate any pre-existing lung condition such as bronchitis, asthma or emphysema.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  There has been concern that this material can cause cancer or mutations, but there is not enough data to make an assessment.  Inhaling this product is more likely to cause a sensitization reaction in some persons compared to the general population.  Skin contact with the material is more likely to cause a sensitization reaction in some persons compared to the general population.  

  Principal route of exposure is inhalation of welding fumes from electrodes and workpiece. Reaction products arising from electrode core and flux appear as welding fume depending on welding conditions, relative volatilities of metal oxides and any coatings on the workpiece. Studies of lung cancer among welders indicate that they may experience a 30-  40% increased risk compared to the general population. Since smoking and exposure to other cancer-causing agents, such as asbestos fibre, may influence these results, it is not clear whether welding, in fact, represents a significant lung cancer risk. Whilst mild steel welding represents little risk, the stainless steel welder, exposed to chromium and nickel fume, may be at risk and it is this factor which may account for the overall increase in lung cancer incidence among welders. Cold isolated electrodes are relatively harmless.  Welding fume with high levels of ferrous materials may lead to particle deposition in the lungs (siderosis) after long exposure. This clears up when exposure stops. Chronic exposure to iron dusts may lead to eye disorders.  Exposure to fume containing high concentrations of water-soluble chromium (VI) during the welding of stainless steels in confined spaces has been reported to result in chronic chrome intoxication, dermatitis and asthma. Certain insoluble chromium (VI) compounds have been named as carcinogens (by the ACGIH) in other work environments. Chromium may also appear in welding fumes as Cr2O3 or double oxides with iron. These chromium (III) compounds are generally biologically inert.  WARNING: Nickel is classified by IARC as       Group 1 - CARCINOGENIC TO HUMANS. There is little information on the effects on welders of fume containing nickel.  Ozone is suspected to produce lung cancer in laboratory animals; no reports of this effect have been documented in exposed human populations.  Extended exposure to inorganic fluorides causes fluorosis, which includes signs of joint pain and stiffness, tooth discoloration, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea or constipation, weight loss, anemia, weakness and general unwellness. There may also be frequent urination and thirst. Redness, itchiness and allergy-like inflammation of the skin and mouth cavity can occur. The central nervous system may be involved.  Other welding process exposures can arise from radiant energy UV flash burns, thermal burns or electric shockThe welding arc emits ultraviolet radiation at wavelengths that have the potential to produce skin tumours in animals and in over-exposed individuals, however, no confirmatory studies of this effect in welders have been reported.  One ingredient of the product has caused skin sensitization reactions, shown as localized reddening and hives, or may produce respiratory sensitization characterized by asthma-  like symptoms and runny nose.  Cold, isolated electrodes are relatively harmless.