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Cobalt
Cobalt is moderately toxic. It may cause sensitisation by inhalation and skin contact, resulting
in occupational asthma and allergis dermatitis. Exposure must be kept as far below the
maximum exposure limit (MEL) as is reasonably practicable.
Copper
Copper fume may give rise to metal fume fever. Inhalation may cause muscle weakness and
headache. Some compounds of copper are highly toxic and may cause long term effects.
Iron
Inhalation of iron oxides over a long period may cause scarring of the lungs without
physiological symptoms.
Molybdenum
Occupational ill-health from exposure to Molybdenum is unlikely.
Nickel
Nickel is harmful. Repeated skin contact may cause allergis contact dermatitis. It is a suspect
human carcinogen, and exposure must be kept as far below the maximum exposure limit
(MEL) as is reasonably practicable.
Tin
Tin powder may cause irritation. Inhalation over a long period may cause scarring of the lungs
without physiological symptoms.
Titanium
Occupational ill-health from exposure to titanium is unlikely.
Tungsten
Ingestion of soluble tungsten compounds may cause illness, but occupational ingestion of
tungsten, other than in hard-metal alloy is not known to cause long term ill health.
Zinc
Zinc can cause metal fume fever, but is otherwise only moderately toxic.
NOTE: In certain concentrations, a mixture of aluminium dust and iron oxide (rust) can
cause a thermitic reaction, resulting in a spontaneous combustion. This is very rare but
efforts should be made to minimise cross contamination of aluminium dust and iron oxide.
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