International Chemical Safety Cards

LEAD ICSC: 0052

LEAD
Lead metal
Plumbum
(powder)
Pb
Atomic mass: 207.2
CAS # 7439-92-1
RTECS # OF7525000
ICSC # 0052



TYPES OF
HAZARD/
EXPOSURE
ACUTE HAZARDS/
SYMPTOMS
PREVENTION FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Not combustible. Finely divided lead powder is flammable. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.
NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking (if in powder form).
In case of fire in the surroundings: all extinguishing agents allowed.
EXPLOSION Finely dispersed particles form explosive mixtures in air.
Prevent deposition of dust; closed system, dust explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting.

 
EXPOSURE
PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST! STRICT HYGIENE! AVOID EXPOSURE OF (PREGNANT) WOMEN! AVOID EXPOSURE OF ADOLESCENTS AND CHILDREN!
IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
INHALATION Abdominal cramps. Drowsiness. Headache. Nausea. Vomiting. Weakness. Wheezing. Pallor. Hemoglobinuria. Collapse.
Ventilation (not if powder). Avoid inhalation of fine dust and mist. Local exhaust or breathing protection.
Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.
SKIN


EYES


INGESTION Abdominal cramps (further see Inhalation).
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.
Rinse mouth. Induce vomiting (ONLY IN CONSCIOUS PERSONS!). Refer for medical attention.
SPILLAGE DISPOSAL STORAGE PACKAGING & LABELLING
Sweep spilled substance into containers; if appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder, then remove to safe place. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment (extra personal protection: P2 filter respirator for harmful particles).
Separated from strong oxidants, strong bases, strong acids, food and feedstuffs.

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK
ICSC: 0052 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS CEC 1993

International Chemical Safety Cards

LEAD ICSC: 0052

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PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
BLUISH-WHITE OR SILVERY-GREY SOLID IN VARIOUS FORMS. TURNS TARNISHED ON EXPOSURE TO AIR.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
Dust explosion possible if in powder or granular form, mixed with air.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
Upon heating, toxic fumes are formed. Reacts with hot concentrated nitric acid, boiling concentrated hydrochloric and sulfuric acids. Attacked by pure water and by weak organic acids in the presence of oxygen.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
TLV: ppm; 0.15 mg/m3 (as TWA) (ACGIH 1993-1994).


ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance may cause effects on the gastrointestinal tract, blood, central nervous system and kidneys , resulting in colics, shock, anemia, kidney damage and encephalopathy. Exposure may result in death. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
The substance may have effects on the gastrointestinal tract, nervous system, blood, kidneys and immune system , resulting in severe lead colics, paralysis of muscle groups of the upper extremities (forearm, wrist and fingers), anemia, mood and personality changes, retarded mental development, and irreversible nephropathy. May cause retarded development of the new-born. Danger of cumulative effect.
PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES
Boiling point: 1740°C
Melting point: 327.5°C
Relative density (water = 1): 11.34
Solubility in water: none
ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA
This substance may be hazardous to the environment; special attention should be given to air and water. In the food chain important to humans, bioaccumulation takes place, specifically in plants and water organisms, especially shellfish.
N O T E S
Explosive limits are unknown in literature. Use of alcoholic beverages enhances the harmful effect. Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is indicated. Do NOT take working clothes home. Refer also to cards for specific lead compounds, e.g., lead chromate (ICSC # 0003), lead(II) oxide (ICSC # 0288).
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-61G12b
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


ICSC: 0052 LEAD
© IPCS, CEC, 1993
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use.