Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

KAWECKI ALUMINIUM ZIRCON MASTER ALLOY

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Used as a master additive alloy in the production of aluminium ingot, billet and rod.

SYNONYMS

"aluminium alloy", "alloy of zirconium in aluminum", ZrAl3, "Zirconium additive", "for
aluminium", "aluminum production", "Kawecki-Billiton master alloy"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

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.  Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial environments.  This manufactured article is considered to have low hazard potential if handling and personal protection recommendations are followed.  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

  Although the material is not thought to be an irritant, direct contact with the eye may produce transient discomfort characterized by tearing or conjunctival redness (as with windburn).  The dust may produce eye discomfort causing smarting, pain and redness.  

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.  Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial environments.  This manufactured article is considered to have low hazard potential if handling and personal protection recommendations are followed.  

INHALED

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or irritation of the respiratory tract (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable control measures be used in an occupational setting.  Aluminium fume, as aluminium oxide, is a respiratory tract irritant. 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 generalised feeling of malaise. Mild to severe headache, nausea, occasional vomiting, fever or chills, exaggerated mental activity, profuse sweating, diarrhoea, 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.  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.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  For standard operations (eg. milling, cutting and grinding)  aluminium should be treated as a nuisance dust. Periodic medical  examinations are recommended for personnel regularly exposed to aluminium  fines, including a chest X-ray.  Chronic inhalation of massive levels of fine powder may cause pulmonary  fibrosis and emphysema.  Persons with impaired pulmonary function, airway diseases and conditions  such as asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis may incur further disability  if excessive concentrations of dust or fume are inhaled. If prior damage  to the circulatory or nervous systems has occurred or if kidney damage has  been sustained proper screenings should be conducted on individuals who  may be exposed to further risk if handling and use of the material result  in excessive exposures.  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.  Zirconium can accumulate in the spleen. Oral administration has not beenshown to cause any ill effects.