Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

HC STARCK FERRO-MANGANESE

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Vehicle for adding manganese to steel.

SYNONYMS

"ferromanganese, high carbon", "ferromanganese, low carbon", "ferromanganese, medium
carbon", "ferro manganese, low carbon", "ferro manganese, medium carbon", "ferro
manganese, high carbon", "iron, manganese, carbon alloy", "manganese iron alloy base",
"ferromanganese, exothermic (DOT)", C.Fe.Mn.P.Si, "Slag [CAS RN 69012-28-8]", "Slag [CAS
RN 69012-28-8]"

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.  

EYE

  There is some evidence to suggest that this material can causeeye irritation and damage in some persons.  The dust may produce eye discomfort and abrasive eye inflammation.  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.  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

  Inhalation may produce health damage*.  There is some evidence to suggest that this material, if inhaled, can irritate the throat and lungs of some persons.  Persons with impaired respiratory function, airway diseases and conditions such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, may incur further disability if excessive concentrations of particulate are inhaled.  Effects on lungs are significantly enhanced in the presence of respirableparticles.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Principal routes of exposure are by skin/eye contact and inhalation.  Pathalogical effects of dust are indistinguishable to effects of manganese.  The onset of chronic manganese poisoning is insidious, with apathy, anorexia  weakness, headache and spasms. Manganese psychosis follows with certain  definitive features: unaccountable laughter, euphoria, impulsive acts,  absentmindedness, mental confusion, aggressiveness and hallucinations. The  final stage is characterized by speech difficulties, muscular twitching,  spastic gait and other nervous system effects. Symptoms resemble those of  Parkinson's disease. If the disease is diagnosed whilst still in the early  stages and the patient is removed from exposure, the course may be reversed.  Inhalation of manganese fumes may cause `metal fume fever' characterised by  flu-like symptoms: fever, chill, nausea, weakness and body aches.  Manganese dust is no longer believed to be a causative factor in pneumonia.  If there is any relationship at all, it appears to be as an aggravating  factor to a preexisting condition.       [ILO Encyclopaedia]