Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

JOHNSON MATTHEY EASYFLO 503

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

A general purpose silver brazing alloy, suitable for preplacement in joints when bonding
mild and stainless steels, copper or brass.

SYNONYMS

"silver alloy metal foil brazing foils", "welding consumable", "Easy-flow (misspelling)"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Harmful in contact with skin.
Very toxic by inhalation.
Irritating to eyes.
May cause CANCER.
May cause SENSITIZATION by skin contact.
Possible risk of impaired fertility.
Possible risk of harm to the unborn child.
Possible risk of irreversible effects.
Toxic: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure through
inhalation and if swallowed.
Very toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long- term adverse effects in the
aquatic environment.

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.  Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial environments.  

EYE

  This material can cause eye irritation and damage in some persons.  Fumes from welding/brazing operations may be irritating to the eyes.  

SKIN

  Skin contact with the material may be harmful; systemic effects may resultfollowing absorption.  The material is not thought to be a skin irritant (as classified using animal models). Temporary discomfort, however, may result from prolonged dermal exposures. 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.  The material may cause skin irritation after prolonged or repeated exposure and may produce on contact skin redness, swelling, the production of vesicles, scaling and thickening of the skin.  

INHALED

  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.  Cadmium fume may cause acute irritation of the respiratory passages, bronchitis, chemical pneumonia or excessive fluid in the lungs. There may be a latent period of several hours between exposure and onset of symptoms. The initial effects of over-exposure may resemble metal fume fever. A single exposure to very high levels of fume may be fatal.  Inhalation of small amounts of dust or fume over long periods may causepoisoning.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Skin contact with the material is more likely to cause a sensitization reaction in some persons compared to the general population.  There is ample evidence that this material can be regarded as being able to cause cancer in humans based on experiments and other information.  

  Primary route of exposure is usually by inhalation of vapor from heated material.  Symptoms of exposure may be delayed.  Metal fume fever is possible after exposure to fumes of copper and zinc.  Cadmium is absorbed more from the respiratory tract that the intestinal tract. Staging of symptoms include an initial, acute swelling of the lungs, followed by inflammation of the lungs after several days and chronic permanent scarring. 40mg of cadmium with 4mg retention in the lungs in humans will probably cause death. Accumulation of cadmium in the kidney can also cause permanent damage, even after a single intravenous dose.  As with any chemical product, contact with unprotected bare skin; inhalation of vapor, mist or dust in work place atmosphere; or ingestion in any form, should be avoided by observing good occupational work practice.