SDS

NOTE: Under normal conditions of use, this product does not present a health hazard. The following
information is
provided for battery electrolyte (acid) and lead for exposure that may occur during battery
production or container
breakage or under extreme heat conditions such as fire
ROUTES AND METHODS OF ENTRY
Inhalation
Acid mist may be generated during battery overcharging and may cause respiratory irritation.
Seepage of acid from
broken batteries may present inhalation exposure in a confined area.
Skin Contact
Battery electrolyte (acid) can cause severe irritation, burns and ulceration.
Skin Absorption
Skin absorption is not a significant route of entry.
Eye Contact
Battery electrolyte (acid) can cause severe irritation, burns, and cornea damage upon contact.
Ingestion
Hands contaminated by contact with internal components of a battery can cause ingestion of
lead/lead compounds.
Hands should be washed prior to eating, drinking, or smoking.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF OVEREXPOSURE
Acute Effects
Acute effects of overexposure to lead compounds are GI (gastrointestinal) upset, loss of appetite,
diarrhea,
constipation with cramping, difficulty in sleeping, and fatigue. Exposure and/or contact with battery
electrolyte
(acid) may lead to acute irritation of the skin, corneal damage of the eyes, and irritation of the
mucous membranes
of the eyes and upper respiratory system, including lungs.
Chronic Effects
Lead and its compounds may cause chronic anemia, damage to the kidneys and nervous system.
Lead may also
cause reproductive system damage and can affect developing fetuses in pregnant women. Battery
electrolyte (acid)
may lead to scarring of the cornea, chronic bronchitis, as well as erosion of tooth enamel in mouth
breathers in
repeated exposures.
POTENTIAL TO CAUSE CANCER
The National Toxicological Program (NTP) and The International Agency for Research on Cancer
(IARC) have
classified “strong inorganic acid mist containing sulfuric acid” as a Category 1 carcinogen, a
substance that is
carcinogenic to humans. The ACGIH has classified “strong inorganic acid mist containing sulfuric
acid” as an A2
carcinogen (suspected human carcinogen). These classifications do not apply to liquid forms of
sulfuric acid or
sulfuric acid solutions contained within a battery. Inorganic acid mist (sulfuric acid mist) is not
generated under
normal use of this product. Misuse of the product, such as overcharging, may result in the
generation of sulfuric
acid mist.
The NTP and the IARC have classified lead as an A3 carcinogen (animal carcinogen). While the agent
is
carcinogenic in experimental animals at relatively high doses, the agent is unlikely to cause cancer
in humans
except under uncommonly high levels of exposure. For further information, see the ACGIH’s
pamphlet, 1996
Threshold Limit Values and Biological Exposure Indices.
EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES
Inhalation
Not expected for product under normal conditions of use. However, if acid vapor is released due to
overcharging or