Power-Sonic SAFETY DATA SHEET Sealed Nickel Cadmium Rechargeable Batteries - Manual (Page 3)

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Section 5 - Health Hazard Data
Human Hazards
Threshold Limit Values (TLV) and Source: See Section 2
EFFECTS OF A SINGLE (ACUTE) OVEREXPOSURE
Inhalation:
During normal use inhalation is highly unlikely due to the containment of hazardous materials inside the sealed battery case.
However, if the batteries are exposed to extreme heat or pressure causing a breach in the battery cell case, cadmium fumes
and dust may be emitted. Inhalation of cadmium dusts or fumes may cause throat dryness, respiratory irritation, headache,
nausea, vomiting, chest pain, extreme restlessness and irritability, pneumonitis and bronchopneumonia. In the case of high
concentration exposures(e.g. above 1 to 5mg/m³ during an eight hour period) death may occur within several days of
exposure
Ingestion
If the battery case is breached in the digestive tract, the electrolyte may cause localized burns. Ingestion of cadmium
compounds may result in increased salivation, chocking, nausea, persistent vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, amnesia,
tenesmus, and kidney dysfunction.
Skin Absorption
There is no evidence of adverse effects based on available data.
Skin Contact
Exposure to the electrolyte inside the battery may result in chemical burns. Exposure to nickel may cause dermatitis for some
sensitive individuals.
Eye Contact
Exposure to the electrolyte contained inside the battery may result in severe irritation and chemical burns.
Carcinogenicity
Cadmium and nickel have been identified by the National Toxicology Program (NTP) as reasonably anticipated to be
carcinogens. U.S. EPA classified cadmium as a “B1” probable human carcinogen. The International Agency for Research on
Cancer (IARC) recommend that cadmium be listed as a “2A” probable human carcinogen and the American Conference of
Government Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) has proposed listing cadmium as an A2 carcinogen.
EFFECTS OF REPEAT (CHRONIC) OVEREXPOSURE
Repeated (Chronic) Overexposure
Repeated overexposure to cadmium may result in lung cancer; lung, kidney and liver dysfunction, skeletal disease (such as
osteoporosis) and reproductive toxicity. Chronic overexposure to nickel may result in cancer; dermal contact may result in
dermatitis of sensitive individuals.
Medical Conditions Aggravated by Overexposure
A knowledge of the toxicology information and of the physical and chemical properties of the material suggests that
overexposure is unlikely to aggravate existing medical conditions.
Emergency and First Aid Procedures
Swallowing: Do not induce vomiting. Seek medical attention immediately
Skin: If the internal cell material of an open battery comes into contact with the skin, immediately flush with water for
at least 15 minutes.