DEAD WATER |
This page contains copies of three warning labels, which refer to various health hazards of different metals.
They were attached to metal shipments from US metal dealers.
I see it as a rather striking contrast that a dealer / manufacturer goes into great extent to supply adequate warning to customers about the possible health hazards of materials, which are not even on the same scale with fluorides in terms of toxicity!
And even though a part of each warning refers to inhaling or ingesting particulate matter, there are also warnings which refer to exposure to fumes and dust.
(the first part deals with fire hazard, and has been omitted)
Inhaling large amounts of copper, magnesium oxide, manganese oxide and zinc oxide fumes or dust may cause metal fume fever with flu-like symptoms.
Chronic overexpousure (sic) to manganese dust can cause central nervous system damage, scarring of the lungs and reproductive harm in males.
Target organ is primarily the lung, but repeated high exposure can also affect the liver.
Chronic overexposure to tin dust or iron oxide dust/fume may cause lung siderosis. Chronic overexposure to silicon dust can cause chronic bronchitis.
This product also contains lead and cromium compounds. Lead is known to cause reproductive toxicity and is a known carcinogen.
Exposure to chromium dust or fume may cause metal fume fever, with flu-like symptoms and kidney and liver damage.
Under high temperatures, hexavalent chromium may be produced, if in the insoluble form, it is a confirmed human carcinogen.
(California proposition 65)
If coated with oil, may cause skin irritation / dermatitis by contact. Welding fume is listed as a possible carcinogenic to humans.
Read the aluminum / aluminum alloys material safety data sheet (MSDS) on file with your employer before working with this material.
If processing or recycling produces particulate, use exhaust ventilation or other controls designed to prevent exposure to workers.
Examples of such activities include melting, welding, grinding, abrasive sawing, sanding and polishing.
Any activity which abrades the surface of this material can generate airborne particulate. Use respiratory protection (P100, quantitative fit testing required) if exposures exceed the permissible limits.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have set mandatory limits on occupational exposures.
Aluminum in solid form and as contained in finished products presents no special health risk.
Sold for manufacturing purposes only. This product can be recycled: contact your sales representative.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration require employers to provide training in the proper use of this pro... [a section of text is not visible]
For additional information call or write to Copper and Brass Sales (address, telephone number, website)
Aluminum label No. 300-1088 / Issued 8-4-2005
Below is the text of another warning label
Processing, including welding, cutting, grinding and machining may generate fumes and particulate matter, which may cause eye, skin, mucous membrane and respiratory irritation. Avoid breathing dust and fumes. Use with adequate ventilation and wear appropriate personal protective equipment
Processing, including welding, cutting, grinding and machining may generate fumes and particulate matter, which contains lead.
May cause eye, skin, mucous membrane and respiratory irritation.
Exposure above established limits may cause damage to the central nervous system and brain.
Excessive lead exposure may also adversely affect male and female reproductive capability and cause harm to unborn fetus.
Avoid breathing dust and fumes.
Use with adequate ventilation and wear appropriate personal protective equipment. Practice good personal hygiene.
See Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Corporation Material Safety Data Sheet KDS-7 for additional information
Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Corporation 2/1/02 Product Label #7
Below the text from a yet another warning label is reproduced
Warning! FOR ALL METALS - particulates may be harmful if inhaled or ingested. Fumes / dust may produce irritation of eyes or respiratory system.
Exposure to fume / dust may occur during burning, welding, sawing, brazing or grinding. Adequate ventilation should be provided.
Warning! ALLOYS, STAINLESS STEEL, ALUMINUM - contain Chromium and Nickel (suspected cancer agent).
Exposure to levels above the threshold limit may create cancer risk.
Warning! LEADED GRADE i.e. 12L14, 2011, 6262
Prolonged exposure to lead fumes may cause kidney or central nervous system damage.
If exposed to excessive levels of metal fumes, remove to fresh air, seek medical aid immediately.
Eyes - flush with water for at least 15 minutes
Castle Metals / CM0859-B
Fluorides, as well as mercury, which is also contained in the wet scrubber residue, are considerably more toxic than lead or other metals, which are mentioned in those warning labels.
And yet when those are added to our drinking water, that is supposed to be a "health measure".
And even though mercury, as well as many other toxic substances are essentially "unwelcome byproduct", the fact that it is not disclosed that we are getting those added to our water together with fluorides, and in which quantities, is nothing short of criminal, the way I see it.