Common Name: Lead Chromate CAS Number: 7758-97-6 DOT Number: None Date: July, 1986 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Lead Chromate can affect you when breathed in. * Lead Chromate is a CARCINOGEN--HANDLE WITH EXTREME CAUTION. * Lead poisoning symptoms may include poor appetite, colic, upset stomach, headache, irritability, muscle or joint pains and weakness. * Permanent KIDNEY DAMAGE can result from long term or high exposure. * Breathing Lead Chromate can cause a hole in the inner nose. Irritation of nose, throat or bronchial tubes can also occur, with cough and/or wheezing. * Skin contact can cause deep ulcers or an allergic skin rash. IDENTIFICATION Lead Chromate is a yellow crystalline substance or powder. It is used as a pigment. REASON FOR CITATION * Lead Chromate is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, NIOSH, IARC and other authorities. * This chemical is also on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is a CARCINOGEN. HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING EXPOSED * Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely evaluated. This may include collecting personal and area air samples. You can obtain copies of sampling results from your employer. You have a legal right to this information under OSHA 1910.20. * If you think you are experiencing any work-related health problems, see a doctor trained to recognize occupational diseases. Take this Fact Sheet with you. ----------------------------------------- WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 0.05 mg/m3 of Lead averaged over an 8-hour workshift. NIOSH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.001 mg/m3 averaged over an 8-hour (10-hour) workshift. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.05 mg/m3 averaged over an 8-hour workshift. * NIOSH and ACGIH exposure limits are recommended for carcinogenic Chromium compounds. * Lead Chromate is a CARCINOGEN IN HUMANS. There may be no safe level of exposure to a carcinogen, so all contact should be reduced to the lowest possible level. WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE * Where possible, enclose operations and use local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release. If local exhaust ventilation or enclosure is not used, respirators should be worn. * A regulated, marked area should be established where Lead Chromate is handled, used, or stored. * Wear protective work clothing. * Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to Lead Chromate. * Post hazard and warning information in the work area. In addition, as part of an ongoing education and training effort, communicate all information on the health and safety hazards of Lead Chromate to potentially exposed workers. This Fact Sheet is a summary source of information of all potential and most severe health hazards that may result from exposure. Duration of exposure, concentration of the substance and other factors will affect your susceptibility to any of the potential effects described below. ------------------------------------------ HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION Acute Health Effects The following acute (short-term) health effects may occur immediately or shortly after exposure to Lead Chromate: * Persons developing Lead poisoning may feel well for weeks and or even several months. * Skin contact may cause irritation, and burns may occur in contact with Lead Chromate in concentrated form. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long-term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Lead Chromate and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * Lead Chromate is a CARCINOGEN in humans. It has been shown to cause kidney cancer. * Many scientists believe there is no safe level of exposure to a carcinogen. Such substances may also have the potential for causing reproductive damage in humans. Reproductive Hazard * While Lead Chromate has not yet been tested for its ability to cause reproductive damage, it should be handled with caution since several related Lead compounds damage the developing fetus, decrease fertility in males and females and cause sperm abnormalities in males. Other Long-Term Effects * High exposure can cause Lead poisoning with symptoms of poor appetite, upset stomach, colic, headache, and aching joints and muscles. Constipation, disturbed sleep and reduced memory also may occur. Irritability and other personality changes can occur from Lead exposure without other symptoms of obvious poisoning. * Lead poisoning can also cause muscle weakness, as in unscrewing jar lids, use of tools, etc., and anemia with fatigue. * Long term or repeated high exposure can cause permanent KIDNEY DAMAGE and increased blood pressure. * Lead Chromate can cause a hole in the "bone" dividing the inner nose, sometimes with bleeding, discharge, or formation of a crust in the inner nose. * Chromates can cause skin or lung allergy. When allergy develops, even small future exposure can trigger symptoms. * Lead Chromate can cause deep, slow-healing skin ulcers. * Repeated exposure to Lead causes Lead to accumulate in the body. It can take years for the body to get rid of excess Lead. MEDICAL Medical Testing Before first exposure and every 6 months thereafter, OSHA requires your employer to provide: * Blood Lead test. * ZPP test (for Lead effects). Before first exposure, and yearly for exposed persons with blood Lead over 40 micrograms per 100g of whole blood, OSHA also requires a complete medical history and exam with the above tests, and: * Hemoglobin, hematocrit with complete blood count. * Bun, creatinine, and urine analysis. * OSHA defines "exposure" for these tests as air levels averaging 30 micrograms of Lead or more in a cubic meter of air. OSHA requires your employer to send the doctor a copy of the Lead standard and provide one for you. * Each visit should also include a medical history and exam, with special attention to the inner nose, skin and lungs. * If you notice any illness of skin, nose, or lung effects seek prompt medical attention. * Evaluation by a qualified allergist, including careful exposure history and special testing, may help diagnose skin allergy. Any evaluation should include a careful history of past and present symptoms with an exam. Medical tests that look for damage already done are not a substitute for controlling exposure. Request copies of your medical testing. You have a legal right to this information under OSHA 1910.20. Conditions Made Worse By Exposure * Persons with a history of allergy to other Chromium compounds may have significant allergic symptoms to Lead Chromate. * Cuts or scratches on exposed skin surfaces greatly increase risk of developing skin ulcers from Lead Chromate. Mixed Exposures Exposures to Lead from hobbies using Lead solder or pigments, target practice, and drinking moonshine made in Leaded containers will increase Lead levels, as will breathing or handling leaded gasoline. WORKPLACE CONTROLS AND PRACTICES Unless a less toxic chemical can be substituted for a hazardous substance, ENGINEERING CONTROLS are the most effective way of reducing exposure. The best protection is to enclose operations and/or provide local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release. Isolating operations can also reduce exposure. Using respirators or protective equipment is less effective than the controls mentioned above, but is sometimes necessary. In evaluating the controls present in your workplace, consider: (1) how hazardous the substance is, (2) how much of the substance is released into the workplace and (3) whether harmful skin or eye contact could occur. Special controls should be in place for highly toxic chemicals or when significant skin, eye, or breathing exposures are possible. In addition, the following controls are recommended: * Where possible, automatically transfer Lead Chromate from drums or other storage containers to process containers. * Specific engineering controls are required for Lead and its compounds by OSHA. Refer to the OSHA: LEAD STANDARD #1910.1025. Refer to the NIOSH criteria document: Occupational Exposure to Chromium VI #76-129. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Lead Chromate should change into clean clothing promptly. * Work clothing should be vacuumed before removal. * Do not take contaminated work clothes home. Family members could be exposed. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to Lead Chromate. * If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower facilities should be provided. * On skin contact with Lead Chromate, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Lead Chromate is handled, processed, or stored, since the chemical can be swallowed. Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking. * Never carry cigarettes or food into the work area since they can become contaminated and exposure may occur. * Use a vacuum or a wet method to reduce dust during clean-up. Do not dry sweep. * When vacuuming, a high efficiency particulate absolute (HEPA) filter should be used, not a standard shop vacuum. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT WORKPLACE CONTROLS ARE BETTER THAN PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT. However, for some jobs (such as outside work, confined space entry, jobs done only once in a while, or jobs done while workplace controls are being installed), personal protective equipment may be appropriate. The following recommendations are only guidelines and may not apply to every situation. Clothing * Avoid skin contact with Lead Chromate. Wear protective gloves, full body work clothing and hat. Safety equipment suppliers/manufacturers can provide recommendations on the most protective glove/clothing material for your operation. * All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear) should be clean, available each day, and put on before work. * Work clothing should be vacuumed before removal. Eye Protection * Protection is included in the recommended respiratory protection. Respiratory Protection IMPROPER USE OF RESPIRATORS IS DANGEROUS. Such equipment should only be used if the employer has a written program that takes into account workplace conditions, requirements for worker training, respirator fit testing and medical exams, as described in OSHA 1910.134. * At any exposure level, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece operated in the positive pressure mode or with a full facepiece, hood, or helmet in the continuous flow mode, or use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self- contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in pressure-demand or other positive pressure mode. HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with Lead Chromate you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Lead Chromate must be stored to avoid contact with OXIDIZERS (such as PERCHLORATES, PEROXIDES, PERMANGANATES, CHLORATES, and NITRATES) and CHEMICALLY ACTIVE METALS (such as POTASSIUM, SODIUM, MAGNESIUM, ZINC and FERRIC FERROCYANIDE) since violent re actions occur. * A regulated, marked area should be established where Lead Chromate is handled, used, or stored. Common Name: Lead Chromate DOT Number: None DOT Emergency Guide code: CAS Number: 7758-97-6 ----------------------------------------- Hazard rating NJ DOH NFPA FLAMMABILITY Not Rated REACTIVITY Not Rated CANCER CAUSING AGENT POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED IN FIRE --------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Lead Chromate may burn, but does not readily ignite. * NFPA recommends the use of water for fire involving other Lead compounds. * POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED IN FIRE. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If Lead Chromate is spilled, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill until clean-up is complete. * Collect powdered material in the most convenient and safe manner and deposit in sealed containers. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Lead Chromate as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) or your regional office of the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for specific recommendations. ========================================== FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire department. ========================================== FIRST AID Eye Contact * Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Skin Contact * Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash contaminated skin with large amounts of soap and water. Breathing * Persons with significant Lead poisoning are sometimes treated with Calcium EDTA while hospitalized. Since this drug causes a rush of Lead from body organs into the blood and kidneys and thus has its own hazards, it must be done only by experienced medical persons under careful observation. EDTA or other "chelating" drugs should NEVER be used to prevent poisoning while exposure continues, or without strict exposure control, as severe kidney damage can result. PHYSICAL DATA Water Solubility: Insoluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Chromic Acid, Lead (2+) Salt (1:1) Other Names and Formulations: Chrome Green; Chrome Yellow; Plumbous Chromate; Crocoite. ------------------------------------------ Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial purposes. ------------------------------------------ NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Right to Know Program CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368 ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION Lead and its compounds is one of the metals known since ancient times. It occurs widely in the earth's crust and can be dissolved from rocks and minerals into surface waters. Lead and its compounds have a variety of commercial and industrial uses, such as lead pipe, lead-lined containers for corrosive gases and liquids, tetraethyl lead, paint pigments, alloys in metallurgy, storage batteries, ceramics, electronic devices, and plastics. ACUTE (SHORT-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS Acute toxic effects may include the death of animals, birds, or fish, and death or low growth rate in plants. Acute effects are seen two to four days after animals or plants come in contact with a toxic chemical substance. Toxicity to aquatic life is affected by water hardness - the softer the water, the greater the toxicity. Lead and its compounds have high acute toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short-term effects of lead and its compounds to plants, birds, or land animals. CHRONIC (LONG-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS Chronic toxic effects may include shortened lifespan, reproductive problems, lower fertility, and changes in appearance or behavior. Chronic effects can be seen long after first exposure(s) to a toxic chemical. Lead and its compounds have high chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Lead causes nerve and behavioral effects in humans and could cause similar long-term effects in birds and land animals exposed to lead and its compounds. WATER SOLUBILITY Lead and its compounds range in their respective water solubilities from highly soluble to practically insoluble. DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT Lead and its compounds are highly persistent in water, with a half- life greater than 200 days. The half-life of a pollutant is the amount of time it takes for one-half of the chemical to be degraded. BIOACCUMULATION IN AQUATIC ORGANISMS Some substances increase in concentration, or bioaccumulate, in living organisms as they breathe contaminated air, drink contaminated water, or eat contaminated food. These chemicals can become concentrated in the tissues and internal organs of animals and humans. The concentration of lead and its compounds found in fish tissues is expected to be much higher than the average concentration of lead in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.