NIOSH lists irritation of the eyes, skin, and respiratory system, possible sensitization to cobalt or nickel, diffuse pulmonary fibrosis, cough, and blood changes for cemented tungsten carbide exposure.
Source: CDC/NIOSH: NIOSH Pocket Guide — Tungsten carbide (cemented) ↗Dust entry
Cemented tungsten carbide dust
Dust from cemented tungsten carbide or hard metal, generally a mixture of tungsten carbide with cobalt and sometimes nickel or other metals.
Airborne form
dust
The form describes what is suspended in air at the point of exposure. A material can produce more than one form, such as dust during handling and fume during heating.
Health effects
eye irritationskin irritationrespiratory irritationskin sensitizationdiffuse pulmonary fibrosiscoughblood changes
Evidence
Controls
- dust containment
- local exhaust ventilation
- skin and eye protection
- exposure monitoring
- appropriate respiratory protection