SDS

SDS: Aluminum Electrode USF
October 1, 2014
Page 6 of 8
Gaseous reaction products may include carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. Ozone and nitrogen oxides may also be formed by
radiation from the arc. Monitor fume levels. One recommended way to determine the composition and quantity of fumes and gas to
which workers are exposed is to take an air sample inside the welder's helmet if worn, or in the worker's breathing zone (see
ANSI/AWS F1.1, F1.2, F1.3, F1.4, and F1.5, available from the "American Welding Society," 550 N.W. LeJeune Road, Miami, FL
33126).
NOTE: Exposure limits are subject to change. Contact ACGIH, OSHA, NIOSH, and IARC for current values.
SECTION 9: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
APPEARANCE: Solid appearance, non volatile, wire with a flux coating. No odor.
MELTING POINT: > 1000 °F (> 540 °C)
SECTION 10: STABILITY AND REACTIVITY
GENERAL: These items are only intended for normal welding purposes.
STABILITY: Stable under normal conditions.
HAZARDOUS POLYMERIZATION: Will not occur
REACTIVITY: Contact with chemical substances like acids or strong bases could cause generation of gas.
HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION OR BY-PRODUCTS:
Gaseous reaction products may include carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. Reasonably expected fume constituents of the fume
could include complex oxides of aluminum.
Refer to applicable national exposure limits for the fume compounds. The employer should contact an occupational health
professional for doing fume monitoring to determine fumes emitted and to ensure compliance to the applicable country limits.
Other country exposure limits may be different and the appropriate country standards should be used.
SECTION 11: TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Welding fumes cannot be classified simply. The composition and quantity of both are dependent upon the metal being welded, the
process, procedure, and the electrode used. Other conditions which also influence the composition and quantity of the fumes and
gases to which workers may be exposed include: coatings on the metal being welded (such as paint, plating, or galvanizing), the
number of welders and the volume of the work area, the quality and the amount of ventilation, position of the welder's head with
respect to the fume plume, as well as the presence of contaminants in the atmosphere (such as chlorinated hydrocarbon vapors from
cleaning and degreasing activities). The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified welding fumes as possibly
carcinogenic to humans (group 2B).
EFFECTS OF OVEREXPOSURE - Electric arc welding and brazing may create one or more of the following health hazards:
FUMES AND GASES can be dangerous to your health.
PRIMARY ROUTES OF ENTRY are the respiratory system. Other possible routes are eyes, ingestion, and/or skin contact.
PREEXISTING respiratory or allergic conditions may be aggravated in some individuals (i.e. asthma, emphysema).
SHORT TERM (ACUTE) OVEREXPOSURE): to welding fumes may result in discomfort such as metal fume fever, dizziness,
nausea, or dryness or irritation of nose, throat, or eyes. PRIMARY ROUTE OF ENTRY is the respiratory system.
FLUORIDES - Fluoride compounds produced may cause eye and skin burns, and pulmonary edema bronchitis. Exposure to
extremely high levels of fluorides can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, muscular weakness, and convulsions. In extreme cases it can
cause loss of consciousness and death.