Additional chemicals used in the iron and steel industry

• Author: International Labour Organization
• Pages: 105-106

MEISI05-R-2005-02-0159-1-En.doc

105

Annex VI

Additional chemicals used in the

iron and steel industry

Ammonia

Short-term (acute) inhalation causes severe irritation of the respiratory tract. Skin contact

results in burns, blistering and, possibly, permanent scarring of the skin. Eye contact causes

irritation and, possibly, corrosive injury.

Benzene

Short-term (acute) inhalation causes depression of the central nervous system, marked by

drowsiness, dizziness, headache, nausea, loss of coordination, confusion and unconsciousness.

Long-term exposure to benzene reduces the number of red and white blood cells and damages bone

marrow. Benzene is carcinogenic.

Carbon monoxide

Inhalation of carbon monoxide causes symptoms including headache, weakness, dizziness,

nausea, fainting, increased heartbeat, irregular heartbeat, loss of consciousness and death.

Chlorine

If inhaled, chlorine causes severe breathing difficulties and pulmonary oedema. It can

aggravate respiratory diseases, such as bronchitis and asthma.

Cyclohexane

Short-term (acute) inhalation can cause headache, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness and

confusion. In very high concentrations, unconsciousness and death can result. Ingestion of

extremely large doses may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and headache.

Formaldehyde

Short-term (acute) exposure through the inhalation of vapour can cause severe irritation of the

nose, throat and windpipe. Formaldehyde solutions can cause primary irritation resulting in tingling,

drying and reddening of skin. Eye contact results in irritation and tingling of the eye; concentrated

solutions can cause severe eye injury.

Ingestion of formaldehyde causes irritation, severe pain in the mouth, throat, oesophagus and

intestinal tract. Later symptoms can include dizziness, depression and coma.

Long-term (chronic) exposure through inhalation causes irritation of mucous membranes and

the upper respiratory tract. Long-term skin contact causes skin allergy.

Hydrogen cyanide

Short-term (acute) inhalation or ingestion causes weakness, headache, giddiness, dizziness,

confusion, anxiety, nausea and vomiting. High concentrations can cause death within minutes or

hours. There may be a bitter, pungent, burning taste in the mouth.

Long-term (chronic) exposure causes a persistent runny nose, weakness, dizziness, giddiness,

headache, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, throat irritation, changes in taste and smell, muscle

cramps, weight loss, flushing of the face and enlargement of the thyroid gland.