SECTION VI – HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION
Target organs: Respiratory system, nasal septum, skin, eyes, gastrointestinal, kidneys, liver, cardiovascular system.
Primary entry routes: Inalation, ingestion, skin or eye contact.
Health effects:
Copper dusts and mists are eye and mucous membrane irritants, primary skin irritants and skin
sensitizers. Acute exposure may cause metallic taste and nasal ulceration and perforation.
Prolonged skin contact nay produce sensitization dermatitis. Exposure may result in irritation and metalfume
fever, metallic taste, and discoloration of the skin and hair. Ingestion of copper compounds may
cause vomiting and collapse. Acute posioning is characterized by hemolysis, jaundice, anuria, hypotension,
and convulsions. If exposed to excessively high temperatures, zinc metal fumes cause metal
fume fever. Aluminum metallic powder is an eye and mucous membrane irritant.
First Aid:
Eye Contact: Immediately wash the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids.
Seek medical attention immediately. Contact lenses should not be worn.
Skin Contact: Flush contaminated skin with water. Get medical attention if irritation occurs/perisists.
Inhalation: Move the exposed person to fresh air at once. If breathing has stopped, perform artificial respiration.
Keep the affected person warn and at rest. Get medical attention as soon as possible.
Ingestion: Emergency treatment - dilute with water or milk. Remove by gastric lavage (i.e. stomach tube) unless
patient is vomiting get medical attention as soon as possible.