HC STARCK FERROSILICON POWDER
Flammability | 0 | |
Toxicity | 2 | |
Body Contact | 2 | |
Reactivity | 1 | |
Chronic | 0 | |
SCALE: Min/Nil=0 Low=1 Moderate=2 High=3 Extreme=4 |
Used to add alloying silicon to molten steel and iron; deoxidiser, reducing agent, in
Pidgeon process for producing metallic magnesium. Operators should be trained in
procedures for safe use of this material.
Bisley, "ferro silicon stabilised", "iron silicon alloy", "silvery iron", "silvery pig
iron"
May cause long- term adverse effects in the aquatic environment.
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. Ingestion may result in nausea, abdominal irritation, pain and vomiting.
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).
Skin contact with the material may damage the health of the individual; systemic effects may result following 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. Toxic effects may result from skin absorption.
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. 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.
Principal routes of exposure are usually by inhalation of generated dust and inhalation of vapor given off by material that has become wet or damp. Chronic Phosphine / arsine exposures with severe anaemia are documented. Ferrosilicon dust can produce thickening of the alveolar walls with the occasional disappearance of the alveolar structure. Chronic pulmonary disease can result from excessive exposure to the dust or aerosols encountered in ferrosilicon plants. [ILO Encyclopaedia] Very highly toxic phosphine (with characteristic rotting fish smell) which may be formed by wet ferrosilicon causes dizziness, tremors, gastro- intestinal distress and cough with green sputum. Convulsions and death may follow. Very highly toxic arsine (with characteristic garlic-like odour) which may be formed by wet ferrosilicon causes rapid intravascular haemolysis, haemoglobinuria with accompanying dark urine, malaise, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea and collapse.