A NIOSH health-hazard evaluation measured total and respirable dust and cobalt, nickel, chromium, and tungsten exposures among machinists grinding tungsten-carbide components; nickel results reached above the NIOSH recommended level in some samples.
Source: CDC/NIOSH: Health Hazard Evaluation Report: HETA-85-423-1904: General Electric Company ↗Dust entry
Tungsten-carbide grinding dust
Metal and hard-material dust generated while grinding tungsten-carbide tools and components.
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
cobalt exposurenickel exposuremetal dust inhalationrespiratory disease concernoccupational exposure concern
Evidence
Controls
- wet or controlled grinding
- local exhaust ventilation
- enclosed grinding
- dust collection
- exposure monitoring
- appropriate respiratory protection