Copper compounds may be irritating to the skin, eyes and repiratory tract.  They may cause metal fume fever, hemolysis of the red blood cells and injury to the liver, lungs, kidneys and pancreas.  Ingestion may also cause vomiting, gastric pain, dizziness, anemia, cramps, convulsions, shock, coma and death.  Copper solutions may cause sensitization reactions.

Industrially, tungsten does not constitute an important health hazard.  Exposure is related chiefly to the dust arising from the crushing and milling of the two chief ores of tungsten, namely scheelite and wolframite.  Large overdoses cause central nervous system disturbances, diarrhea, respiratory failure and death in experimental animals (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, eighth edition).

Tungsten compounds are considered somewhat more toxic than those of molybdenum.  However, industrially, this element does not constitute an important health hazard.  Heavy exposure to the dust or the ingestion of large amounts of the soluble compounds produces changes in body weight, behavior, blood cells, choline esterase activity and sperm in experimental animals.  (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, eighth edition)

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  May act as a nuisance dust.  Coughing, sneezing, difficulty breathing may occur. 

Ingestion:  Insoluble tungsten compounds are considered toxicologically inert. 

Skin:  Mechanical irritation only.

Eye:  Mechanical irritation.  Inflammation and redness possible.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  Chronic exposure may cause pulmonary granulomas.  May cause irritation of the mucous membranes of the nose and throat.

Ingestion:  No data available.

Skin:  Chronic exposure may cause dermatitis and skin granulomas. 

Eye:  No data available.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure:  Respiratory disorders.

Carcinogenicity:  NTP:  No               IARC:  No             OSHA:  No

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

INHALATION:   Remove to fresh air; give oxygen if breathing is difficult.  Seek medical attention immediately.

INGESTION:  Give 2 glasses of water.  Induce vomiting if large amounts were ingested.  Seek medical attention immediately.

SKIN:  Brush material off skin, wash area with soap and water.  Seek medical attention immediately.

EYE:  Flush eyes with lukewarm water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention immediately.

VI.   REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  No data

Incompatibility (Materials to Avoid):  No data

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Metal oxide fume.

Hazardous Polymerization:  Will not occur

VII.   SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES

Steps to Be Taken in Case Material Is Released or Spilled:  Wear a self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing. Isolate the area where the spill occurred, insure proper ventilation is available. Vacuum up the spill using a high efficiency unit and place in a container for proper disposal.  Take care not to raise dust.

Waste Disposal Method:  Dispose of in accordance with Local, State and Federal regulations.

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  Use suitable respirator when high concentrations are present.

Ventilation:  Use local exhaust to maintain exposure below TLV.  General exhaust is recommended

Protective Gloves:  Impervious gloves

Eye Protection:  Safety Glasses

Other Protective Equipment:  Wear protective gear suitable to prevent contamination.

IX.   SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage:  Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place.  Wash hands and face thoroughly after handling and before eating.  Ensure good ventilation at the workplace.

Work Practices:  Implement engineering and work practice controls to reduce and maintain concentration of exposure.  Minimize exposure by using local exhaust and an enclosing process if/when possible.  Use good housekeeping and sanitation practices.  Do not use tobacco or food in work area.  Wash thoroughly before eating or smoking.  Do not blow dust off clothing or skin with compressed air.  Maintain eyewash capable of sustained flushing, safety drench shower and facilities for washing.

TSCA Listed:           Yes

DOT Regulations:

Hazard Class:         None

The above information is believed to be correct, but does not purport to be all inclusive and shall be used only as a guide.  ESPI shall not be held liable for any damage resulting from handling or from contact with the above product.

Issued by:                            S. Dierks

Revised/Verified:                  March 2004