NIOSH identifies major foundry hazards as including fumes and dusts, with iron oxide, silicon dioxide, and manganese dioxide among the dust-related substances encountered.
Source: CDC/NIOSH: Iron and steel foundries ↗Dust entry
Iron and steel foundry dust
Metallic and mineral dusts generated during iron and steel foundry operations, including iron oxide, silica, and manganese-containing dusts.
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
respiratory irritationoccupational respiratory diseasemetal-specific toxicity depending on composition
Evidence
Controls
- process enclosure
- local exhaust ventilation
- dust suppression
- exposure monitoring
- appropriate respiratory protection